Zesty Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe for Holidays

Sweet memories of winter gatherings dance around these orange vanilla candied cranberries that sparkle with festive charm.

Tangy fruit transforms into jewel-like delicacies through a simple magical process.

Winter’s crisp brightness meets sugary elegance in this delightful treat.

Vibrant cranberries absorb delicate citrus and vanilla notes, creating a sensational garnish.

Unexpected guests or cozy afternoon tea deserve something extraordinary like these glimmering morsels.

Each crystalline berry tells a story of flavor and seasonal joy.

You’ll fall in love with how easily these elegant confections come together.

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries: Sweet Citrus Magic

• Craft Gourmet Treats: Transform ordinary cranberries into stunning, restaurant-quality candied delights with minimal culinary skills required.
• Versatile Flavor Explosion: Infuse vibrant orange, warm vanilla, and subtle cinnamon notes that elevate these cranberries from simple to spectacular, perfect for desserts, charcuterie boards, or festive garnishes.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Create a sophisticated treat that looks professionally made but demands only basic kitchen tools and straightforward techniques, making you feel like a confident home chef.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Experiment with sugar coatings, adjust soaking times, and play with flavor intensities to match your personal taste preferences and wow your guests.

All the Ingredients for Orange Vanilla Cranberries

• Cranberries: Fresh berries that provide the core tangy base for the candied treat.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness to the syrup.
• Orange Zest: Provides intense orange essence and aromatic depth to the recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: Contributes rich, smooth flavor that complements the cranberries.

• Granulated Sugar, Clear Sparkling Sugar: Creates a sweet coating and helps crystallize the cranberry surface.

• Cinnamon Stick: Infuses warm, subtle spice notes into the syrup and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create the syrup base for coating the cranberries.

Step-by-Step Candied Cranberries Directions

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Syrup

Grab a medium saucepan and combine water, sugar, bright orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, rich vanilla extract, and a warm cinnamon stick.

This magical liquid will be the secret to transforming ordinary cranberries into a spectacular treat.

Step 2: Bring Syrup to Life

Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring occasionally.

Watch the sugar dissolve completely and let the syrup bubble gently.

Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting all those incredible flavors mingle and dance together.

Step 3: Prepare Cranberry Bath

Remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.

Pluck out the cinnamon stick – its job is done.

Add cranberries to the warm syrup, giving them a gentle stir to ensure each berry gets coated in deliciousness.

Step 4: Infuse Flavor Deeply

Let cranberries soak in the syrup for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: If you can wait, let them bathe even longer – up to 2 hours – for an intense flavor explosion.

Step 5: Drain Sugary Berries

Use a slotted spoon to rescue cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess liquid to drip away.

Be gentle – these little gems are delicate!

Step 6: Create Sugar Coating Station

Spread granulated sugar and sparkling sugar on separate shallow plates.

This is where the magic of transformation happens.

Step 7: Roll and Coat

Carefully roll each cranberry in the sugar mixture.

Ensure they’re completely covered in a magical sugar crystal shell.

Step 8: Set and Dry

Arrange the coated cranberries on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer.

Let them dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

The sugar will harden, creating a delightful crunch.

Step 9: Final Touch

Your Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are now ready to dazzle taste buds and look absolutely stunning.

Step 10: Smart Storage

Keep these jewel-like treats in an airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh and delectable for up to a week – if they last that long!

Tips for Getting That Perfect Orange Vanilla Flavor

• Let cranberries soak in the orange-vanilla syrup for up to 2 hours to maximize flavor depth and infusion.
• Use a combination of granulated and sparkling sugar for a delightful texture and elegant appearance.
• Gently roll cranberries in sugar to prevent crushing, ensuring a delicate and beautiful finish.
• Place candied cranberries in a cool, dry area to help the sugar coating set faster and create a crisp exterior.
• Keep candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their sweet crunch for a full week.

Creative Twists on Candied Cranberries

• Lemon Lavender Candied Cranberries: Replace orange zest and juice with fresh lemon zest and lemon juice, adding a few dried lavender buds during syrup simmering for a floral, citrusy profile.
• Maple Ginger Candied Cranberries: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup and add grated fresh ginger to the syrup for a warm, spicy-sweet variation that complements the cranberries' tartness.
• Spiced Rum Candied Cranberries: Introduce dark rum to the syrup and use brown sugar instead of white, creating a deep, complex flavor with hints of caramel and warmth.

Serving Up Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries

• Festive Dessert Topper: Sprinkle these zesty cranberries over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake for a burst of tangy sweetness that elevates any dessert.
• Holiday Cocktail Garnish: Drop these sparkling cranberries into champagne, prosecco, or holiday martinis to add a sophisticated and festive touch to your drink.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Scatter these candied cranberries across a cheese board to provide a vibrant, sweet-tart accent that complements rich cheeses and cured meats perfectly.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package these Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries in small decorative jars as a homemade holiday gift that looks elegant and tastes incredible.

Best Storage for Candied Cranberries to Stay Fresh

• Seal cranberries in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for 5-7 days, maintaining their crispy sugar coating.
• Transfer candied cranberries to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze up to 2 months without losing flavor intensity. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Store in sealed glass jar away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days to ensure maximum freshness and crunch. Keep in a cool, dry spot with moderate humidity.
• Add small silica gel packet inside storage container to absorb excess moisture, preventing sugar coating from becoming sticky or dissolving.

FAQs

• Are these cranberries sweet or tart?

These candied cranberries have a balanced flavor profile – sweet from the sugar coating and syrup, with a subtle tartness from the fresh cranberries. The orange and vanilla add depth and complexity to the taste.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe. Frozen cranberries can be used, but they might release more liquid and affect the sugar coating’s texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them completely dry before adding to the syrup.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a medium saucepan, slotted spoon, and baking sheet or tray. Basic kitchen tools like measuring cups and a zester are helpful but not mandatory.

• How do I know when the cranberries are properly coated?

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries bring festive winter magic to holiday desserts with sparkling sweetness. Guests will savor each jewel-like morsel of tangy cranberries kissed with warm citrus and delicate vanilla notes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 zest of orange
• 1 juice of orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick

Coating Ingredients:

• Additional granulated sugar (for coating)
• Clear sparkling sugar (for coating, optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant syrup by blending water, sugar, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla extract, and a cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan.
2. Activate heat to medium, stirring periodically until sugar dissolves completely and the liquid reaches a gentle simmer. Allow 5-7 minutes for flavor infusion.
3. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick, letting the aromatic liquid cool slightly.
4. Delicately introduce cranberries into the warm syrup, ensuring each berry receives an even coating.
5. Allow cranberries to marinate in the infused liquid for 30-120 minutes, depending on desired flavor intensity.
6. Using a slotted spoon, extract cranberries, permitting excess syrup to drip away naturally.
7. Prepare sugar stations by spreading granulated and sparkling sugars across shallow dishes.
8. Tenderly roll each syrup-coated cranberry through the sugar mixture, creating a complete crystalline exterior.
9. Arrange sugared cranberries in a single layer atop a parchment-lined surface.
10. Position cranberries at room temperature, allowing approximately 1-2 hours for the sugar coating to solidify and develop a delicate crunch.
11. Transfer to an airtight container, maintaining freshness for up to one week.

Notes

• Enhance flavor depth by using freshly squeezed orange juice and zesting the orange right before cooking to maximize citrus essence.
• Adjust sugar coating thickness by gently patting cranberries after sugaring to create a delicate or more substantial crystallized exterior.
• Transform recipe into dietary-friendly version by substituting granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for low-glycemic alternative.
• Elevate presentation by incorporating edible glitter or colored sparkling sugar for festive holiday garnishing, making cranberries visually stunning and delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 101 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg