Description
These Sugared Cranberries are tart, sweet, and beautifully sparkling, making them perfect for holiday garnishes, desserts, and cocktails. Fresh cranberries soak overnight in lemon-lime soda before being coated in powdered sugar and briefly baked to set the coating. This easy candied cranberry recipe adds a festive touch to any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 12 oz lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place the fresh cranberries in a medium bowl. Pour the lemon-lime soda over them until just covered. Since cranberries naturally float, use a smaller bowl to help keep them submerged without using too much soda.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight, about 12 hours.
- The next day, drain all the liquid from the cranberries. Make sure no soda remains so the powdered sugar can coat the berries evenly without clumping.
- Add the powdered sugar to a large resealable gallon-size bag.
- Add the drained cranberries, seal the bag tightly, and shake until every cranberry is coated in powdered sugar.
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (about 95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the coated cranberries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 7 minutes to set the sugar coating without bursting the cranberries.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cranberries to cool completely.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve as a snack or use to garnish cocktails, desserts, and holiday charcuterie boards.
Notes
- Choose a smaller bowl: Cranberries float naturally, so a smaller bowl helps keep them covered with soda while reducing waste.
- Drain thoroughly: Remove all the soda before adding powdered sugar. Excess liquid can cause the sugar coating to clump.
- Use a single layer: Spread the cranberries evenly on the baking sheet so the coating sets properly.
- Do not overbake: The short baking time helps set the sugar without bursting the berries.
- Serving ideas: Add sugared cranberries to holiday desserts, cocktails, snack boards, or festive table decorations. Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs make a pretty garnish.
- Serve after cooling: Allow the cranberries to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Garnish
- Method: No-Bake, Oven
- Cuisine: American