If you are searching for a delightful way to brighten up your holiday spreads or everyday treats, look no further than this Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe. This vibrant, jewel-toned creation combines the natural tartness of fresh cranberries with the warm, comforting flavors of orange zest and vanilla, enhanced by just the right touch of sweetness and spice. It’s a small batch recipe that packs big bursts of flavor and makes the perfect garnish or snack, promising a refreshing twist that you’ll find hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They are simple yet powerful enough to transform fresh cranberries into irresistible candied gems.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: The star of the show, cranberries provide natural tartness and vibrant red color.
- 1 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and infuse the flavors during simmering.
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided: Acts as the sweetening agent and the coating to create that perfect crunchy candy shell.
- Zest and juice of 1 orange: Brings a bright citrus aroma and tangy sweetness that brighten the cranberries beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, tempering the tartness while enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- 1 cinnamon stick: A subtle hint of spice that complements both the orange and vanilla notes for an inviting fragrance.
- Additional granulated sugar for coating: Ensures the cranberries have their signature crackly sugar crust.
- Clear sparkling sugar (optional): For an extra sparkle, giving your finished cranberries a festive, eye-catching finish.
How to Make Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Infused Syrup
Begin by combining water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan. This aromatic syrup is the foundation that infuses your cranberries with irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Simmer to Meld Flavors
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Allow the syrup to reach a gentle simmer and keep it there for 5-7 minutes so each ingredient infuses deeply, creating a luscious base for candying your fruit.
Step 3: Cool and Remove Cinnamon
After simmering, remove the pan from heat and carefully discard the cinnamon stick. Letting the syrup cool slightly helps prepare it to gently coat the cranberries without cooking them further.
Step 4: Soak the Cranberries
Add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup and stir gently to ensure every berry is fully coated. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, though up to 2 hours will intensify the flavor absorption, making each bite more luscious.
Step 5: Drain and Prepare for Coating
Using a slotted spoon, lift the cranberries out of the syrup and let the excess drip off. Spread a layer of granulated sugar mixed with optional sparkling sugar on a shallow plate, ready for coating your candied cranberries.
Step 6: Coat the Cranberries in Sugar
Roll the syrup-soaked cranberries gently in the sugar mixture until each berry is completely coated. This step creates that delightfully crunchy, sweet exterior that complements the juicy tart interior perfectly.
Step 7: Dry the Cranberries
Arrange the sugar-coated cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours to set the sugar coating, giving them a beautiful, crackly finish that’s perfect for snacking or decorating.
Step 8: Store Your Candied Treasures
Once thoroughly dried, store your Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep fresh and delicious for up to one week, ready whenever you want a burst of sweet-tart joy.
How to Serve Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
These gorgeous orange vanilla candied cranberries make an exceptional garnish for cocktails, desserts like cheesecakes or panna cotta, and holiday cakes. Their sparkling appearance and lively flavor elevate the presentation and add a delightful pop of color and sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these candied cranberries alongside savory meats such as roasted turkey or glazed ham can brighten your meal with a fresh, citrusy contrast. They also work beautifully tossed into mixed greens or grain salads for a festive burst of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique serving idea, thread the candied cranberries onto skewers with nuts and cubes of cheese for an elegant appetizer. Or sprinkle them over ice cream and yogurt bowls to add a refreshing zing and candy-like crunch that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries left, keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps them maintain their crunchy-sweet coating and vibrant flavor for up to one week without drying out.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for preserving the perfect candy coating, you can freeze the cranberries in syrup if you want to save them longer. When ready to use, thaw them gently in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the sugar coating may soften after freezing.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want to refresh the sugar coating, give them a quick toss in a dry pan over very low heat just until slightly warm and crisped again. Be careful not to melt the sugar coating completely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Fresh cranberries work best because they hold their shape and texture well during candying. Frozen cranberries can be softer and may release too much moisture, which affects the syrup’s thickness and the final texture.
How long do Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and tasty for about one week. After that, the sugar coating may start to soften and lose its crispness.
Can I omit the cinnamon stick?
Absolutely! The cinnamon stick adds a subtle warmth and spice, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, the cranberries will still shine brightly with the orange and vanilla flavors.
Is the sparkling sugar necessary?
The sparkling sugar is optional. It gives an extra shimmering effect that’s especially nice for festive occasions, but plain granulated sugar works wonderfully to create a crunchy candy coating.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes! Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar used in the syrup to suit your taste. Just remember that less sugar will create a tarter candy, while more will increase the sweetness and thickness of the coating.
Final Thoughts
Making the Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe is a joyful experience that brings a little sparkle and warmth to any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack, a decorative garnish, or a unique ingredient in your meals, these cranberries are bound to become a cherished addition to your kitchen repertoire. Give them a go and watch how they brighten up your table and taste buds!
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Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of candied cranberries (serves 2)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a delightful sweet and tart treat perfect for holiday garnish, cocktails, or snacking. Fresh cranberries are soaked in a fragrant syrup made with orange zest and juice, vanilla, and cinnamon, then rolled in sugar for a sparkling, flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
For Coating
- Additional granulated sugar for coating
- Clear sparkling sugar (optional, for extra sparkle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick.
- Simmer the Syrup: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Allow the syrup to reach a gentle simmer and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cool and Remove Cinnamon: Remove the saucepan from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and let the syrup cool slightly.
- Soak Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup and stir gently to coat them. Let the cranberries soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor infusion.
- Drain Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drain off.
- Coat with Sugar: Spread additional granulated sugar and optional clear sparkling sugar on a shallow plate. Roll the drained cranberries in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Dry the Cranberries: Place the sugar-coated cranberries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
- Storage: Once dried, store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best results; frozen cranberries may become mushy.
- Adjust soaking times for a milder or more intense flavor.
- Clear sparkling sugar adds an elegant sparkle but is optional.
- The candied cranberries are great for garnishing desserts, cocktails, or enjoying as a sweet snack.
