Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
I am so excited to share this delightful Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe with you! This vibrant and festive treat is bursting with the bright tang of fresh cranberries, perfectly balanced by the sweet warmth of vanilla and the zesty zing of orange. It’s a simple yet elegant way to add color, flavor, and a bit of sparkle to your holiday table or any special occasion, transforming humble cranberries into a dazzling sugar-coated delight. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how it elevates everything from cheese boards to cocktails with just a few ingredients and a little patience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe are refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role. Together, they create a brilliant balance of flavors and an irresistible texture.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: The star of the show, adding tartness and a beautiful jewel-like pop of color.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating): Sweetens and coats the cranberries, giving them their signature sparkle and crunch.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar into a silky syrup that perfectly coats every berry.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, floral sweetness that rounds out the citrus and tartness wonderfully.
How to Make Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup
Begin by heating 1/2 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until all the sugar has dissolved into a clear, shimmering syrup. This syrup is the magic that turns tart cranberries into candied wonders.
Step 2: Add Orange Zest and Vanilla
Once the syrup has dissolved, remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh orange zest and pure vanilla extract. These fragrant ingredients infuse the syrup with layers of bright and cozy flavors, giving the cranberries their distinctive twist.
Step 3: Let the Syrup Cool Slightly
Allow the syrup to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s warm but not hot. This step is crucial to ensure the cranberries soak up the syrup slowly and evenly without getting mushy.
Step 4: Soak the Cranberries
Gently add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup and stir to coat them completely. The berries need to soak for at least one hour, but if you give them an overnight rest, the flavors will deepen and the texture will become perfectly tender yet crisp.
Step 5: Dry the Cranberries
Using a slotted spoon, lift the cranberries out of the syrup and arrange them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them dry until tacky but not wet, which takes about 30 to 60 minutes. This drying step helps the sugar crystallize beautifully.
Step 6: Sugar Coat the Cranberries
Once sticky, roll each cranberry in extra granulated sugar until fully coated in a sparkling layer. Spread them back on the wire rack to dry completely before serving or storing to keep their irresistible crunch.
How to Serve Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
These candied cranberries make a stunning garnish for a variety of dishes. Lay them atop frosted cakes, whipped cream, or holiday cocktails to add a dazzling burst of color and flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries with cheese boards or roasted meats. Their vibrant sweetness offers a beautiful contrast that brightens rich, savory flavors, making them perfect for festive gatherings or casual entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the cranberries with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elegant and aromatic appetizer. You can also sprinkle them over salads or breakfast dishes like oatmeal and yogurt for a fun twist that adds texture and zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to three days—perfect for making your next festive dish even easier.
Freezing
Because of their sugar coating, freezing candied cranberries isn’t recommended as it can cause moisture buildup and sogginess. Freshly made is truly best for that perfect crunch and shine.
Reheating
These are best enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve dried out, a quick warm-up in a dry skillet for a minute or two can bring back a bit of softness, but avoid overheating so they keep their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Fresh cranberries are ideal as they have a firmer texture, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your syrup.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic treat for many dietary preferences.
How long do candied cranberries keep?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for about three days. Beyond that, they may lose their crunch and vibrancy.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes! You can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweetness, but remember that sugar also helps achieve that beautiful candied texture and sparkle.
What else can I add to this recipe for extra flavor?
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of your favorite liqueur to the syrup for a unique twist that complements the orange and vanilla notes wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about turning simple cranberries into these shimmering Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries. They’re effortless to make and bring a beautiful burst of flavor, aroma, and color to your table. Whether you’re decking out holiday desserts or simply enjoying a sweet snack, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to share with friends and family year after year. Go ahead, try the Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe and watch your gatherings sparkle a little brighter!
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Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a delightful and festive treat perfect for holiday desserts or cheese boards. Fresh cranberries are soaked in a fragrant syrup infused with orange zest and vanilla, then coated with sugar for a sweet and tangy bite. This simple stovetop recipe yields vibrant, glossy candied cranberries with a delicious citrus-vanilla twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, forming a clear simple syrup.
- Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest and pure vanilla extract thoroughly. Allow the syrup to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring it is warm but no longer hot to the touch.
- Soak the cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup and gently stir to coat them evenly. Let the cranberries soak for at least 1 hour; for best results, soak overnight to let flavors fully develop.
- Dry the cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the syrup and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them dry until their surface is sticky but not wet, approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
- Coat with sugar: Roll the sticky cranberries in additional granulated sugar until evenly coated, giving them a sparkling, candied finish.
- Final drying and storage: Allow the sugared cranberries to dry completely before serving or storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- These candied cranberries make a festive garnish for holiday desserts or cheese boards.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
