Looking for a show-stopping treat that shimmers on your holiday table and bursts with juicy, citrusy flavor? These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are the ultimate festive delight – tart cranberries bathed in a lush, aromatic syrup, then rolled in glittering sugar for a sweet–tart pop that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether sprinkled atop a cake, adorning a cheese board, or simply served in a sparkling bowl, they’re easy to make, naturally beautiful, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cranberries:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Coating:
- 1 cup superfine sugar
How to Make Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries
Step 1: Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. As soon as your syrup is clear and glossy, remove the pan from the heat. This simple syrup forms the sweet, sticky foundation for the cranberries to soak up all that flavor.
Step 2: Infuse with Orange and Vanilla
Right after you remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest. The mixture will smell like winter holidays in a bottle! Allow the syrup to cool for about five minutes—this helps ensure the cranberries won’t burst when you add them, keeping them plump and intact.
Step 3: Soak the Cranberries
Gently add the fresh cranberries to the cooled, fragrant syrup, and stir to coat every glossy berry. Cover the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a bowl, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better! The cranberries will hydrate a bit and absorb all those aromatic flavors, setting the stage for a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Step 4: Drain and Prep
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cranberries from the syrup and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The syrup will leave them just sticky enough to make rolling in sugar easy and effective, without being messy.
Step 5: Coat with Superfine Sugar
Pour the superfine sugar into a shallow bowl. Working in small batches, roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until each is thoroughly and evenly coated. Spread them back onto the parchment-lined sheet, making sure they’re in a single layer so they don’t stick together. Let them sit for at least 1 hour, allowing the coating to set for extra sparkle and crunch.
How to Serve Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries
Garnishes
Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries make any dessert look instantly festive. Scatter them atop frosted cakes, cheesecakes, or a stack of pancakes, and watch them dazzle. Even a sprinkle on a glass of bubbly or a holiday cocktail turns a classic drink into a celebration.
Side Dishes
They’re delicious paired with creamy cheeses like triple-cream brie or tangy goat cheese. Arrange them alongside nuts, dried fruits, and crackers for a snack board that’s both vibrant and elegant, perfect for gatherings. Their sweet–tart bite is also wonderful with roasted turkey or ham to add a pop of brightness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries onto cocktail skewers for a festive drinks garnish, or filling tiny jars with them for charming edible gifts. Layer them over yogurt with granola for a holiday breakfast parfait, or offer them in decorative bowls throughout the house for a sweet little nibble whenever you pass by.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any left, store the Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, as the sugar coating will gradually melt – but they’re so irresistible, they probably won’t last that long!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these candied cranberries, as moisture from thawing can make the sugar coating dissolve and the berries lose their lovely texture. If you must, freeze the syrup-soaked (but uncoated) cranberries and roll in fresh sugar after thawing, but for best results, make them fresh before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are at their best served at room temperature, with all that sparkly crunch and vibrant tang ready to enjoy straight from the container.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries really hold their shape and give that perfect pop, but in a pinch, you can use frozen. Thaw and pat them dry before soaking, and handle them gently – they’ll be a little softer, but still delicious.
What’s the purpose of superfine sugar for coating?
Superfine sugar sticks better and creates that iconic, sparkly finish, giving each berry a delicate crunch. If you can’t find it, just blitz regular granulated sugar in your food processor for a few pulses until fine but not powdery.
Is orange zest necessary or can I substitute it?
Orange zest is the magic behind the signature flavor of Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries, but you could swap in lemon zest for a different citrus note, or even a splash of orange liqueur if you want to play with flavors.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, soaking the cranberries overnight maximizes their flavor. Just sugar-coat them the day you plan to serve so they stay crisp and sparkly.
Do these work for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets?
Yes! All the ingredients in Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free—making them a wonderful treat or garnish for anyone, no matter their dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a pop of color, a burst of winter flavor, or a little extra sparkle to your holiday table, you can’t go wrong with Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries. They’re simple, stunning, and full of bright, zesty charm—guaranteed to be a new holiday favorite. Give them a try and get ready to watch them disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”
Print
Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack, Dessert, Garnish
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Sweet, tart cranberries are coated in a vanilla-orange syrup and rolled in superfine sugar for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Cranberries:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Coating:
- 1 cup superfine sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and orange zest. Let cool.
- Candy the Cranberries: Add cranberries to syrup, coat gently. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Drain and roll in superfine sugar.
- Dry and Serve: Spread coated cranberries on a baking sheet, let dry for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a cinnamon stick to the syrup.
- Store candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- These make a beautiful garnish for cakes, cocktails, or cheese boards.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about ¼ cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
