This delightful Quick and Easy Candied Cranberries recipe comes together in about 30 minutes all in one pot for a quick treat that your family will absolutely love! These stunning little gems are not just a festive addition to your holiday table, they’re also incredibly versatile! You can switch up the soda or add your favorite spices to suit your taste or even use it as a way to “clean out the fridge” and utilize whatever you have on hand!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Fresh Cranberries – 12 oz
- Sprite or 7Up – 12 oz
- Orange Juice – 1 cup
- Powdered Sugar – 4 cups
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rinse the Cranberries: Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. It’s super important to pick out any that are blemished or overly mushy. You want those bright, shiny beauties for maximum impact plus, they’re the best flavor!
Soak the Cranberries: Now, place the cleaned cranberries in a bowl, and cover them with Sprite. Let them soak for at least 1 hour or even better, overnight if you have time! This step is key, let those little guys drink up all that yummy soda.
Drain the Cranberries: Once they’ve soaked, drain the cranberries but don’t rinse them, leave them a little wet. This helps the powdered sugar stick!
Coat with Sugar: Toss the cranberries in a bag or bowl with 4 cups of powdered sugar until they’re nicely coated. Oh, and don’t be shy! The more sugar, the better the crunch later.
Preheat the Oven: While they’re getting their sugary coat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Cranberries: Spread the cranberries out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, you’re looking for that perfect crispy exterior.
Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the parchment paper. They’ll get even crunchier as they cool!
And voila! Your stunning, sweet, and tart candied cranberries are ready to impress friends and family alike!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe for holiday gatherings and fall celebrations. I’m a real sucker for anything that combines sweet and tart! Plus, it’s always a hit, my kids practically dive into the bowl whenever I put these out! The best part is the versatility; you can easily switch up the flavors to match your mood or the season.
I love making these when I have guests because they look so fancy but are ridiculously easy like, you can totally pretend you’re a gourmet chef without the effort!
Be sure to check out my Irish Potato Candy, my Shamrock Swirl Pie, or my Celtic Knot Rolls! Each of these recipes showcases my passion for quick, accessible, and utterly delicious family meals.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy : Comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, from the soak to the table is a breeze. You can whip this up while dinner’s cooking or mix it up for a last-minute party treat.
Crowd-Pleaser : The whole family will love it! Kids, adults, and even that cousin who claims to be “too picky” can’t resist these sweet-tart bites. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!
Customizable : Use whatever ingredients you have! Don’t have orange juice? Try apple juice! No soda? Use water with a splash of vanilla or another flavored beverage. Making substitutions? Just make sure to taste along the way!
Comfort Food : Loaded with tons of flavor, these cranberries are the perfect sweet treat. You get the tanginess from the berries and the warm sweetness from the sugar, creating a delightful balance.
Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and they’re ready to grab when you need something sweet. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for about a week!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These cranberries are perfect on their own or enhance any cheese platter, making them a great addition to your holiday charcuterie boards. You can sprinkle them over salads for a pop of color and flavor or even use them in festive baked goods!
Storage
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will last up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for an even crisper texture!
Reheating Instructions
While you don’t really “reheat” candied cranberries, if you’ve made a large batch and they’re getting a bit soft, you can pop them back in the oven for a couple of minutes to bring some crunch back!
Freezer Friendly
These are not recommended for freezing as the texture may change upon thawing. However, they’re so quick to make that you’ll likely want to whip up a fresh batch anyway!
Wrapping It Up
Making these Quick and Easy Candied Cranberries is honestly a game changer. It’s delightful to watch as they transform from simple berries into a crunchy, sweet treat. And for those busy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings? They always come in clutch. Plus, with how adaptable they are, you’ll find yourself brainstorming how to use them in everything from desserts to salads.
Happy cooking, y’all! Let me know how yours turn out! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Candied Cranberries
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any that are blemished or mushy.
- Place the cleaned cranberries in a bowl, covering them with Sprite. Let them soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
- Drain the cranberries without rinsing them, leaving them a little wet to help the powdered sugar stick.
- Toss the cranberries in a bag or bowl with 4 cups of powdered sugar until nicely coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the cranberries out on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until crispy. Keep an eye on them.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the parchment paper for extra crunch.