Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
If you’re searching for a sweet-tart treat that sparkles with festive flair, you’ve just stumbled upon your new favorite kitchen creation: Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries. These vibrant jewels pack a burst of citrus and aromatic vanilla in every bite, making them irresistibly snackable and absolutely gorgeous atop cakes, cocktails, and cheese boards. Their candy-like crunch and dazzling sugar coating are the stuff that holiday dreams (and endless cravings) are made of, sure to wow guests or turn an ordinary day into something bright and beautiful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cranberries
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries
Step 1: Make the Orange Vanilla Syrup
Begin by creating a foundation for flavor: in a small saucepan, combine half a cup of sugar, half a cup of water, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Heat gently over medium until the sugar is completely dissolved—no need to rush this step or let the mixture come to a boil. This syrup is the fragrant embrace your cranberries have been waiting for.
Step 2: Cool the Syrup
Patience is key here—remove the pan from heat and allow the syrup to cool for about five minutes. This brief pause ensures your cranberries keep their shape and color rather than bursting.
Step 3: Soak the Cranberries
Stir in the fresh cranberries, gently swirling them until each is glossy and well-coated. Let your berries luxuriate in the syrup for at least an hour, soaking up all those lovely orange vanilla notes. For an even deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight; the wait rewards you with brilliance in both taste and texture.
Step 4: Drain and Dry
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrupy cranberries onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet—this catches any drips and keeps your kitchen tidy. Let them air-dry for 30 to 45 minutes, watching as they go from slick and sticky to slightly tacky, the ideal stage for sugaring.
Step 5: Roll in Sugar
Now for the magic touch: toss the tacky cranberries in the remaining half cup of sugar until they’re fully frosted. This step transforms the tart berries into little glistening edible gems. Spread them out and give them about an hour more to dry at room temperature until they’re crisp to the touch and ready for snacking—or stunning your next dessert.
How to Serve Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries
Garnishes
A handful of Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries adds instant holiday sparkle. Scatter them over bundt cakes, pile them atop Pavlovas, or use them as a vivid accent for frosted cupcakes—their glossy coating and vibrant color turn even the simplest treat into a celebratory centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Stir them into salads with greens, walnuts, and goat cheese for a pop of sweet-tangy flavor, or pair them with creamy brie or sharp cheddar on a cheese platter. Their bold, bright taste offers a welcome contrast to rich or earthy flavors, making every bite interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
Drape Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries on cocktails for a dazzling finish, thread them onto skewers for a party-ready snack, or pile them into elegant jars tied with ribbon for gorgeous edible gifts. No matter how you share them, they bring a burst of color and festive cheer to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once they’ve dried and crisped, stash any leftover Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to three days, perfect for spontaneous snacking or last-minute entertaining.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended, as the sugared coating can become sticky and the cranberries themselves might lose their firm bite. For best results, enjoy them freshly made or within a few days.
Reheating
No reheating is needed for this delightful treat! If they’ve softened slightly, simply roll them in a new coating of sugar and let them air dry again for about an hour to restore their signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
It’s best to stick with fresh cranberries for Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries, as frozen ones tend to release too much moisture and may turn mushy during the candying process. Fresh berries are key for optimal texture and appearance.
How long should I soak the cranberries in the syrup?
Letting the cranberries soak for at least one hour ensures they absorb all the bright orange and mellow vanilla flavors. For the most vibrant taste, refrigerate them overnight—this deepens both taste and color.
Why did my cranberries burst?
If the syrup is too hot when you add the cranberries, they can burst and lose their shape. To prevent this, make sure the syrup has cooled for five minutes before stirring in the berries.
Can I use other sugars for coating?
You can experiment with superfine or coarse decorating sugar for a different sparkle or a slightly altered crunch. However, classic granulated sugar gives the most even, satisfying frosted effect for Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries.
What do I do with leftover syrup?
Don’t toss it! The leftover syrup is infused with orange and vanilla—drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or even mix into sparkling water or cocktails for an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dressing up a holiday table or just treating yourself, Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a sweet, sparkling revelation. Once you try them, you’ll be looking for excuses to make them again and again—don’t be surprised if they become a much-loved tradition in your kitchen, too!
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Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavor of these Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries. Perfect for snacking or as a festive garnish, these little treats are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Cranberries
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Create Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, water, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup. Do not boil. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat Cranberries: Add cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat. Let sit for at least 1 hour or refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
- Dry Cranberries: Remove cranberries from syrup, place on wire rack over a baking sheet, and let dry for 30–45 minutes until tacky.
- Coat in Sugar: Roll tacky cranberries in remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Let sit at room temperature until dry and crisp, about 1 hour.
Notes
- These make a beautiful garnish for cakes, drinks, or cheese boards.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
