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Viral Candied Cranberries 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.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) Crisp Apple Olipop or sparkling apple juice
  • 1 1/22 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