Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

A vibrant, jewel-like garnish of sweet-tart cranberries, perfect for topping desserts, cocktails, or festive dishes.

This garnish has become my go-to holiday topping for its dazzling color and perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Ingredients

• Cranberries: 1 cup (100 g) fresh cranberries
• Syrup: 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• Coating: 1/2 cup (100 g) superfine or granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Dispense soap hands-free for quick handwashing and easier cleanup while cooking and handling ingredients.

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Step 1:

Rinse the cranberries and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

Step 2:

In a small saucepan, combine water and 1/2 cup sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear do not let it boil.

Step 3:

Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for 2 minutes. Add the cranberries, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 4:

Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them dry for 45 60 minutes, until sticky but not wet.

Step 5:

Pour the remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until well coated.

Step 6:

Return cranberries to the wire rack and let dry for another 15 minutes before using.

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This garnish always brings festive joy to family gatherings and brightens our holiday table.

Notes

Try flavoring the syrup with orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla for variation. Delicious on cakes, pancakes, cocktails, or holiday platters.

Required Tools

Small saucepan, slotted spoon, wire rack, baking sheet, shallow bowl are needed to create this garnish easily.

Allergen Information

Free from common allergens (dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, soy). Always check sugar is certified vegan if strict dietary compliance is required.

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Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

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This easy garnish adds a beautiful touch and fresh flavor to any festive dish or drink.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve a sparkle coating on candied cranberries?

After simmering cranberries in syrup and drying until sticky, roll them in superfine sugar which creates a sparkly, textured coating.

→ Can the syrup be flavored for variation?

Yes, adding orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla to the syrup infuses warm, complementary flavors during candying.

→ What is the best drying method for candied cranberries?

Place cranberries on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let them air dry until sticky but not wet, usually 45–60 minutes.

→ How should candied cranberries be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature and use within 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.

→ What dishes pair well with candied cranberries?

They complement cakes, pancakes, cocktails, and festive platters, adding a vibrant pop of color and sweet-tart flavor.