Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Featured in: Holiday Favorites

This garnish features fresh cranberries coated in a gentle sugar syrup, then rolled in superfine sugar for a sparkly finish. The process includes simmering a simple syrup, coating the berries evenly, and allowing them to dry to a sticky texture before sugar rolling. The result is a vibrant, tart-sweet component that enhances desserts, cocktails, and festive presentations. Store in airtight containers for up to two days and consider flavoring the syrup with orange zest or spices for variation.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:25:05 GMT
Shiny, sugared Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish—ready to brighten your holiday cocktails and desserts. Save to Pinterest
Shiny, sugared Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish—ready to brighten your holiday cocktails and desserts. | krispyrecipes.com

Discover the vibrant charm of this Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish, a jewel-like burst of sweet-tart flavor that brings festive brilliance to any dessert or cocktail. Its sparkling sugar coat adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal, making it an effortless way to elevate your holiday dishes or special occasion platters.

Shiny, sugared Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish—ready to brighten your holiday cocktails and desserts. Save to Pinterest
Shiny, sugared Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish—ready to brighten your holiday cocktails and desserts. | krispyrecipes.com

Crafted with minimal effort yet delivering maximum visual and flavorful impact, these candied cranberries can be prepared in under 20 minutes, with a drying time that allows you to plan ahead for gatherings and celebrations.

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

1. Rinse the cranberries and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
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.
3. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for 2 minutes. Add the cranberries, stirring to coat evenly.
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.
5. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until well coated.
6. Return cranberries to the wire rack and let dry for another 15 minutes before using.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an even more delicate and shimmering finish, use superfine sugar rather than granulated sugar for rolling. Be patient during the drying phases to ensure your cranberries develop the ideal sticky surface for sugar adhesion and a crisp final texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Enhance the syrup by infusing it with fresh orange zest, a cinnamon stick, or a splash of vanilla extract during heating. These subtle flavor tweaks brighten the overall taste and add seasonal warmth to your garnish.

Serviervorschläge

These candied cranberries shine atop cakes, pancakes, and desserts or nestled among fresh herbs on holiday platters. They also make charming cocktail garnishes, adding both color and a pleasantly sweet-tart pop.

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| krispyrecipes.com

This exquisitely simple garnish will bring festive joy and a burst of fresh flavor to your culinary creations. With its easy preparation and versatile uses, Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish is a must-have for any celebration.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I achieve a sparkly sugar coating?

Use superfine sugar for rolling the cranberries to create a delicate, shimmering surface.

Can I add flavors to the syrup?

Yes, orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla can be added to the syrup for a nuanced flavor profile.

What is the best way to dry the cranberries?

Place coated cranberries on a wire rack over a baking sheet to air dry until sticky but not wet, ensuring even coating.

How long do candied cranberries keep?

Store in an airtight container and use within two days to maintain freshness and texture.

Are these cranberries suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?

Yes, this garnish is both vegan and gluten-free, free from dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy.

Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Sweet and tart candied cranberries ideal for topping desserts, cocktails, or holiday platters.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
5 minutes
Overall Time
15 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Holiday Favorites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 8 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Cranberries

01 1 cup fresh cranberries (100 g)

Syrup

01 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)

Coating

01 1/2 cup superfine or granulated sugar (100 g)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Cranberries: Rinse cranberries thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel; set aside.

Step 02

Make Syrup: Combine water and 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and syrup is clear without boiling.

Step 03

Coat Cranberries: Remove syrup from heat and allow to cool 2 minutes, then add cranberries and stir gently to coat evenly.

Step 04

Dry Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a wire rack over a baking sheet; let dry 45 to 60 minutes until sticky but not wet.

Step 05

Sugar Coating: Place remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a shallow bowl and roll sticky cranberries until fully coated.

Step 06

Final Drying: Return sugared cranberries to wire rack and dry for an additional 15 minutes prior to use.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Small saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet
  • Shallow bowl

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Free from dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy. Verify vegan certification for sugar if necessary.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 44
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 11 grams
  • Protein Content: 0 grams