3 Ingredient Candied Cranberries Recipe
These 3 Ingredient Candied Cranberries are a simple, festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet topping for desserts. Made by soaking fresh cranberries in orange juice or soda, then coating them in powdered sugar and baking briefly to create a crisp, sugary coating, this recipe is quick to prepare and adds a pop of tangy sweetness to any occasion.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of candied cranberries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups (210 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry
- 2 cups (16 fl oz/473 ml) orange juice or Sprite (or other similar sodas)
- 1 cup (106 g) powdered sugar
- Soak Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to a large bowl and pour in the orange juice or soda, ensuring the berries are fully submerged. Let them soak for about one hour at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
- Drain Cranberries: Using a large kitchen strainer, remove the cranberries from the soaking liquid. Do not shake or dry them; keep them wet. Transfer the wet cranberries into a large Ziploc bag or a container with a lid.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar to the bag or container, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until the cranberries are fully coated with a thick layer of sugar, obscuring the red color beneath.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cranberries: Spread the coated cranberries evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Bake for about 4-5 minutes until the sugar coating is firm and solid but avoid overbaking to prevent cooking the berries.
- Cool and Store: Allow the candied cranberries to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving. Store any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, firm cranberries and ensure they are rinsed and patted dry before soaking.
- Choose orange juice for a natural citrus flavor or Sprite for a sweeter, fizzy option.
- If soaking overnight, keep the cranberries refrigerated to maintain freshness.
- Do not overbake the cranberries, as they are meant to remain intact with a crisp sugar coating, not cooked or softened.
- Powdered sugar dust can be messy—shake cranberries gently and work over a bowl or sink for easy cleanup.
- These candied cranberries make an excellent garnish for drinks, desserts, or holiday platters.
Keywords: candied cranberries, holiday recipe, easy dessert, fruit candy, cranberry garnish, simple sweets, festive snacks