Sparkling Sugared Cranberries: A Festive Delight for Your Taste Buds

Welcome to the holiday season with a recipe that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a touch of festive flair to your celebrations. Today, we’re diving into the world of Sparkling Sugared Cranberries—a versatile treat that can be enjoyed as a snack used as a garnish, or even showcased as a dazzling festive decoration.

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Sparkling Sugared Cranberries—a treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, used as a garnish, or even showcased as a dazzling festive decoration.

Sugared Cranberries Video

Are you in the mood for a delightful and easy-to-make treat? Look no further than sugared cranberries! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe that will elevate your snacking experience. So, head to the grocery store, grab some fresh cranberries, and let’s get started on this culinary adventure.

Sugared Cranberries Ingredients

Start by placing two cups of water into a medium saucepan. Add two cups of sugar into the water and stir continuously over heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. This process creates a sweet and glossy simple syrup.

Sugared Cranberries Instructions

Creating the Simple Syrup:

Start by placing two cups of water into a medium saucepan. Add two cups of sugar into the water and stir continuously over heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. This process creates a sweet and glossy simple syrup.

To make less simply reduce the amount down to 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar instead to make the candied cranberries.

If you like my wooden spoon, You can check full tutorial to make your own.

While the sugar mix is cooking, place two cups of fresh cranberries into a bowl.

Preparing the Cranberries:

While the sugar mix is cooking, place two cups of fresh cranberries into a bowl.

Once the sugar is fully dissolved, turn off the heat and pour the simple syrup over the cranberries.

Let them sit in this mixture for approximately 4 to 6 hours, or for an even richer flavor, leave them overnight.

I left this out at room temperature and did not put it in the refrigerator.

Alternatively, you could put them in a crockpot on simmer for 4-6 hours if you prefer.

Coating with Sugar:

After the soaking period, place some sugar into a bowl. Scoop out the cranberries from the simple syrup with a slotted spoon and toss them in the sugar with a spoon until they are fully coated. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

Some like to allow the berries to strain off more of the simple syrup by letting the candied cranberries sit in a strainer or on a wire rack.

Drying Process:

Lay out the sugar-coated cranberries on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Let them dry for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This ensures that the sugared cranberries develop a satisfying crunch.

Enjoying the Treat:

Once dried, your sugared cranberries are ready to be enjoyed! Whether you savor them as a standalone snack or incorporate them into your favorite dishes, these little treats are sure to please your taste buds.

Storage:

Store the sugared cranberries in a sealed container to maintain their freshness. This makes them a convenient and tasty treat that you can enjoy anytime.

Sugared Cranberries Video

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Enjoying the Treat

Once dried, your sugared cranberries are ready to be enjoyed! Whether you savor them as a standalone snack, incorporate them into cocktails or mocktails (or use them as cocktail garnishes), ice cream, cranberry sauce, or add them to holiday desserts like cake and pumpkin pie, placing them with apples, pears, cheeses, grapes and other items on a charcuterie board, these little treats are versatile and sure to please.

Variation: How do you make sugared berries?

Sugared berries are a delectable sweet treat confection that elevates the natural sweetness of fresh berries to a delightful new level. This simple and indulgent treat involves coating berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries, in a layer of granulated sugar.

The process begins with creating a sweet syrup (equal parts: a cup of berries, a cup of sugar, a cup of water), which, when combined with the berries, infuses them with a sugary essence. After allowing the berries to absorb the sweetness for several hours, they are delicately rolled in a sugar mixture, creating a crystallized sugar coating exterior that adds a satisfying crunch.

The result is a burst of flavor that beautifully balances the tartness of the berries with the sweetness of the sugar, making sugared berries a versatile and irresistible treat suitable for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Make this easy and delicious 3 ingredient bread! You can adjust this easy recipe to create many breads to suit your desires.

Pour into a container and store in the fridge. Scoop out some when you are ready and enjoy!

More Berry Recipes:

Cranberries Nutritional Value (before sugared)

Calories: Approximately 46 calories per 3.5 ounces
Carbohydrates: Around 12.2 grams per 3.5 ounces
Protein: Roughly 0.4 grams per 3.5 ounces
Fiber: About 4.6 grams per 3.5 ounces
Sodium: Very low, typically around 0.002 ounces (2 milligrams) per 3.5 ounces
Monounsaturated Fats: Minimal, usually less than 0.0035 ounces (0.1 gram) per 3.5 ounces
Polyunsaturated Fats: Also minimal, typically less than 0.0035 ounces (0.1 gram) per 3.5 ounces
Vitamin C: A significant amount, roughly 15% of the recommended daily intake per 3.5 ounces
Calcium: Around 0.0003 ounces (8 milligrams) per 3.5 ounces
Potassium: Approximately 0.003 ounces (85 milligrams) per 3.5 ounces

These conversions should give you an idea of the nutritional content in U.S. customary units. Always refer to product labels or reliable nutritional databases for precise and accurate information.

Sugared Cranberries Q & A:

What are sugared cranberries?

Sugared cranberries, also known as candied cranberries, are fresh cranberries that are coated in a sugar syrup and then allowed to dry. The sugar syrup forms a sweet, crunchy exterior around the tart cranberries, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. This process is often done during the holiday season to make a festive and visually appealing snack or garnish for desserts and cocktails. However, it’s important to keep in mind that sugared cranberries have a higher sugar content and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Are sugared cranberries edible? Are sugar berries edible?

Yes, sugared cranberries and berries are indeed edible. The process of coating fresh cranberries in a sugar syrup creates a sweet and crunchy exterior, making them a popular treat, especially during the holiday season. However, as with any sugary treat, it’s important to consume them in moderation and be mindful of your overall sugar intake for optimal health. Enjoy them as a delightful occasional treat rather than as a regular part of your daily diet.

Are sugared cranberries good?

Sugared cranberries can be a delightful treat, especially during the holiday season. Coating fresh cranberries in a sugar syrup creates a crunchy, sweet exterior that contrasts with the tartness of the fruit. While they are delicious, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes due to the higher sugar content. Enjoy sugared cranberries in moderation as a festive indulgence rather than a regular snack, and balance them with a nutrient-rich diet to maintain overall health and wellness.

Are sweetened cranberries healthy?

While sweetened cranberries may seem tempting, it’s important to assess their nutritional value. The added sweetness can increase their calorie content and sugar levels, potentially undermining the health benefits of natural cranberries. Opting for unsweetened cranberries can provide a more nutritious option, packed with antioxidants and vitamins, without the additional sugars.

Do cranberries contain natural sugar?

Yes, cranberries do contain natural sugar, albeit in relatively low amounts. Their natural sugar content is typically balanced by the tartness of the fruit. The natural sugars found in cranberries are generally considered healthier options compared to added sugars. However, it’s essential to be aware of the overall sugar intake, especially when consuming sweetened cranberry products or using cranberry products in recipes that include additional sweeteners.

How do I consume cranberries without added sugar?

There are several ways to enjoy cranberries without added sugar. One option is to opt for fresh cranberries, which are naturally tart but can be consumed as they are or sweetened with a healthier sweetener like stevia or a small amount of honey. You can also use unsweetened dried cranberries in your recipes or as a standalone snack. Another idea is to incorporate cranberries into homemade dishes like sauces, salads, or smoothies, where you have control over the amount of sweetness added. Lastly, look for cranberry products labeled as “no sugar added” or “unsweetened” when purchasing commercially available options.

How long do sugared fruits last?

While the shelf life of sugared fruits varies depending on factors like storage conditions and fruit type, on average, sugared fruits can last for several months when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. However, it is important to frequently check for signs of spoilage to ensure they are still safe to consume.

Is it better to wash berries in vinegar or baking soda?

When it comes to washing berries, using a vinegar wash is generally considered more effective than baking soda. Vinegar can help remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria from the surface of the berries due to its acidic nature. Simply mix one part vinegar with three parts water, soak the berries briefly, then rinse thoroughly before consuming. Baking soda, on the other hand, may not be as effective in removing certain contaminants from berries.

How do you macerate fruit?

To macerate fruit, you start by cutting the fruit into desired pieces and placing them in a bowl. Next, add sugar to the fruit, usually about a tablespoon per cup of fruit, or adjust to taste. Optionally, you can also add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of spices for added flavor. Gently toss the fruit with the sugar until evenly coated, and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out the fruit’s natural juices. The fruit will soften, become more flavorful, and develop a syrup-like consistency. You can then use the macerated fruit as a topping for desserts, mix it into yogurt, or enjoy it on its own!

I made a batch for my friend Mary, who creatively incorporated them into her charcuterie board.

Sugared Cranberries Conclusion

There you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for sugared cranberries. I made a batch for my friend Mary, who creatively incorporated them into her charcuterie board. I hope this inspires you to try making sugared cranberries of your own. For more exciting recipes and creative ideas, subscribe to my YouTube channel and visit my blog at chascrazycreations.com. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in my next video! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more culinary adventures.

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