Viral Candied Cranberries Recipe

Introduction

Candied cranberries offer a delightful burst of tartness wrapped in a sweet, frosted coating. This simple recipe uses sparkling apple juice to soak the berries, creating a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday snacking or decorating desserts.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 8 oz cans Crisp Apple Olipop (or sparkling apple juice)
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit (adjust for coating preference)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
2. Step 2: Place the cranberries in a large bowl and pour in the two cans of Crisp Apple Olipop or sparkling apple juice. Cover the bowl with a lid and let the cranberries soak for 12 hours or overnight to absorb the flavors.
3. Step 3: Drain the cranberries well in a colander, but do not rinse them. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss gently with 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit for a light coating. Use up to 2 cups if you prefer a thicker frosted look, ensuring even coverage.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated cranberries out in a single layer.
5. Step 5: Bake for 6 minutes to set the coating, keeping a close eye to avoid overbaking which can dry them out.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the cranberries cool completely; they will harden slightly as they cool, creating a crisp coating.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor twist, try soaking cranberries in sparkling white grape juice or cranberry juice instead of apple soda.
• Adjust the amount of powdered sugar depending on how thick and frosted you want the coating—more sugar creates a more dramatic look.
• Use powdered monk fruit as a sugar-free alternative that still creates a lovely coating.

Storage

Store candied cranberries in an airtight container. For best texture, freeze them if you want to keep them longer than 24 hours, as they can become soggy when refrigerated. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sparkling apple juice instead of Olipop?

Yes, regular sparkling apple juice works perfectly as a substitute and will still impart a sweet, fruity flavor to the cranberries.

How long do candied cranberries last?

They are best consumed within a day if stored at room temperature or refrigerated. Freezing is recommended for longer storage to maintain their crisp coating and prevent sogginess.

Viral Candied Cranberries Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 150 reviews

These viral candied cranberries are a deliciously tangy and sweet treat made by soaking fresh cranberries in sparkling apple juice, coating them with powdered sugar or monk fruit, and lightly baking them to achieve a crisp, frosted finish. Perfect for holiday snacks, garnish, or festive desserts, they offer vibrant flavor and a crunchy texture with a hint of natural fruitiness.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 21 minutes
• Yield: About 2 1/2 cups of candied cranberries 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 cans (8 oz each) Crisp Apple Olipop or sparkling apple juice
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar or powdered monk fruit (adjust for coating preference)

Instructions

1. Prep Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry completely using a clean towel or paper towels to ensure no moisture remains on their surface.
2. Soak Cranberries: Place the cranberries in a large bowl and pour in the two cans of Crisp Apple Olipop or sparkling apple juice. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and soak the cranberries for 12 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse fully.
3. Drain & Coat: After soaking, drain the cranberries well without rinsing them, preserving the infused flavor. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar or monk fruit for a light coating, or up to 2 cups for a thicker frosted appearance, and gently toss to ensure each cranberry is evenly and thoroughly coated.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated cranberries in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 6 minutes to set the sugar coating, being careful not to overbake as this could affect the texture.
5. Cool & Serve: Remove the cranberries from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden, giving the cranberries a crisp, candied finish.
6. Storage Recommendation: For longer storage, freeze the candied cranberries as they tend to become soggy after 24 hours when kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
• Allow full soaking time overnight for maximum infusion of apple flavor.
• Adjust the powdered sugar quantity depending on how thick and frosted you want the coating.
• Do not overbake, as prolonged exposure to heat can soften the sugar coating or dry out the cranberries.
• Best stored frozen to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess after a day.

Keywords: candied cranberries, holiday snacks, sparkling apple juice, festive treats, sweet and tangy cranberries