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Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries
A Festive Pop of Citrus-Sweet Magic
If there’s one garnish that instantly elevates desserts, drinks, and holiday spreads, it’s candied cranberries. Add fresh orange zest and fragrant vanilla, and you get something truly special: Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries. These jewel-like bites are tart, sweet, crisp on the outside, and bursting with citrus aroma.
This recipe transforms humble cranberries into a show-stopping element that works as a snack, dessert topping, cocktail garnish, or festive centerpiece. Whether sprinkled over cakes, piled onto cheeseboards, or used to rim holiday cocktails, these cranberries deliver flavor and sparkle in every bite.
Unlike store-bought versions, homemade candied cranberries let you control sweetness and flavor intensity. The orange brings brightness, the vanilla adds warmth, and the sugar shell creates that satisfying crunch everyone loves.
Why Orange and Vanilla Pair Perfectly with Cranberries
Cranberries are naturally tart, which makes them ideal for candying. Sugar tempers their sharpness, while citrus and vanilla round out the flavor. Orange zest enhances freshness without overpowering, and vanilla adds a soft, aromatic sweetness that lingers on the palate.
This combination feels festive, elegant, and versatile—perfect for autumn and winter holidays, but just as welcome year-round for creative desserts and drinks.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 vanilla bean (split) or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any soft or damaged ones.
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla bean.
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool slightly.
- Add cranberries to the warm syrup and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and let cranberries soak for at least 1 hour.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove cranberries and roll them in granulated sugar.
- Spread cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow to dry at room temperature for 1–2 hours until crisp.
- Store or use immediately as garnish, snack, or decoration.
How to Use Candied Cranberries
These orange vanilla candied cranberries are incredibly versatile. Sprinkle them over frosted cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes. Add them to salads for a sweet-tart crunch. Use them as cocktail garnishes for martinis, spritzes, or mocktails. They also shine on holiday cheese boards and dessert platters.
They even make beautiful edible décor for wreath-shaped desserts and centerpiece displays.
Storage Tips & Shelf Life
Store candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best crunch, allow them to return to room temperature before serving.
Avoid freezing once candied, as moisture can dissolve the sugar coating.
Flavor Variations & Creative Twists
- Lemon Vanilla Cranberries: Swap orange zest for lemon
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon stick or star anise to syrup
- Rose Vanilla Cranberries: Add a splash of rose water
- Sparkling Sugar: Use coarse sugar for extra crunch
Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries
Sparkling candied cranberries infused with fresh orange zest and warm vanilla, perfect for holiday garnishes and sweet snacks.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse cranberries and discard damaged ones.
- Simmer water, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Add cranberries and soak for 1 hour.
- Remove cranberries and roll in sugar.
- Dry on parchment until crisp.
Notes
Perfect as a garnish for desserts, cocktails, and holiday spreads.
