Oh my goodness, have you ever tried *sugared cranberries*? They’re such a delightful little treat! I can’t even count how many times I’ve used them to jazz up a holiday dessert table or even just to snack on while I’m whipping up dinner. Their bright red color adds a festive touch, and that sweet, tangy burst when you pop one in your mouth? Wow! It takes me back to cozy family gatherings where we’d sprinkle them over dishes or just enjoy them straight from the jar. They’re so versatile! You can use them as a stunning garnish for cakes, toss them into salads for a pop of color and flavor, or simply savor them as a sweet snack. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
These simple ingredients come together to create the most delightful sugared cranberries you’ll ever taste! Make sure your cranberries are fresh for the best results, and you’ll be on your way to a sweet, tangy treat in no time.
How to Prepare Sugared Cranberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a saucepan and combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, turn on the heat and bring that mixture to a boil. Keep stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. This syrup is going to coat those cranberries perfectly!
- Once the syrup is bubbling away, toss in your 2 cups of fresh cranberries. Let them boil for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice them start to pop a bit, and that’s totally normal!
- After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let those cranberries cool in the syrup for about an hour. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld together.
- Once cooled, drain the cranberries and get ready for the fun part! Roll each cranberry in sugar until they’re nicely coated.
- Finally, spread them out on a sheet of parchment paper to dry for about 2 hours. This will give them that lovely sugary finish!
Tips for Success
For the best results, make sure to use fresh cranberries—frozen ones can work, but they might not hold up as well in texture. Timing is key; don’t skip the cooling step in the syrup, as it helps them soak in that delicious sweetness. And when rolling them in sugar, go for a generous coating! Store your sugared cranberries in an airtight container, and they can last for a couple of weeks—if they last that long, that is!
Nutritional Information
For a serving size of 1/4 cup of these delightful sugared cranberries, you’re looking at approximately 120 calories. They pack in about 25g of sugar and 31g of carbohydrates, with no fat or protein. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they’re sure to add a sweet touch to your day!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! While I always recommend using fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones too. Just keep in mind that frozen cranberries might be a little softer, so they can break apart more easily when cooked. If you go this route, you might want to reduce the boiling time by a minute or two. They’ll still taste amazing, trust me!
How long do sugared cranberries last?
When stored in an airtight container, your sugared cranberries can last up to two weeks! Just make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place. But let’s be real—you might find them disappearing way before that! They’re just too good to resist!
Can I substitute the sugar?
Sure thing! You can use alternatives like coconut sugar, honey, or even maple syrup, but be aware that they will change the flavor a bit. If you go for honey or syrup, you’ll need to adjust the liquid content in your syrup since these sweeteners are already liquid. It can be a fun experiment, and you might just find a new favorite way to sweeten those cranberries!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with just three ingredients!
- Perfectly sweetened with a delightful crunch from the sugar coating.
- Versatile for garnishing desserts, salads, or enjoying as a snack.
- Adds a festive touch to any holiday table or gathering.
- Great for making ahead and storing for later use.
Trust me, these sugared cranberries will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities are endless with these delightful sugared cranberries! They make a stunning garnish for cakes and tarts, adding that perfect pop of color and sweetness. Toss them into salads for a refreshing twist or sprinkle them over oatmeal for a breakfast treat. And let’s not forget about enjoying them straight from the jar as a sweet snack! Trust me, once you start using them, you’ll find all sorts of delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your sugared cranberries fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. There’s no need to reheat them—just enjoy them as they are! They’ll stay sweet and delicious, ready for you whenever you need a quick treat or garnish!
Print
Sugared Cranberries: 5 Steps to Sweet Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for making sweetened cranberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add cranberries to the syrup.
- Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let cranberries cool in syrup for 1 hour.
- Drain cranberries and roll in sugar.
- Spread on parchment paper to dry for 2 hours.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served as a garnish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sugared cranberries, sweetened cranberries, cranberry recipe
