If you are looking for a delightful and festive treat that’s bursting with flavor and sparkle, you have to try the Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe. These bright, tart cranberries get a magical makeover with citrusy orange zest and a sweet, crunchy coating of sugar that adds both texture and a pop of holiday cheer. Perfect for garnishing desserts, jazzing up cheese boards, or just snacking on, this recipe brings a little sunshine and zing to the winter season with such an easy technique that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe relies on just a few simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy goodness. Every component enhances the look, flavor, and texture to make a stunning and irresistible treat.
- 2 cups cranberries: Fresh cranberries offer that classic tangy bite and vibrant red color.
- 1 1/3 cup sugar: Used both to create a silky simple syrup and a sparkly sugar coating for crunch and sweetness.
- 1 orange: The zest infuses aromatic citrus oils while the juice brightens the syrup for extra flavor dimension.
How to Make Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Zest
Start by preheating your oven to 250º F. Zest the orange right onto a shallow dish like a pie plate, which will be perfect not only for baking but also for tossing the cranberries later. Spread the zest evenly, sprinkle with a teaspoon of sugar, and bake for 10 minutes. Toss, then return to oven for another 10 minutes until dry and fragrant. Let the zest cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Make the Simple Syrup
Squeeze the juice from the orange into a measuring cup and add enough water to reach 1 cup of liquid. Combine this juice and water mixture with 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir as the sugar dissolves and let the syrup come to just a gentle boil before removing from heat. This syrup will help the cranberries absorb flavor and give them a sticky base for sugar coating.
Step 3: Coat the Cranberries in Syrup
Working in batches, drop the cranberries into the warm syrup. Let them soak just long enough to get thoroughly coated, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Continue until all berries are covered. Let the cranberries dry until the syrup becomes sticky to the touch, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 4: Sugar the Cranberries
Mix the remaining sugar into the cooled orange zest in your pie plate. Carefully add the sticky cranberries in batches, tossing gently until every berry is completely coated in the sparkling sugar mixture. Return the sugared cranberries to the cooling rack and allow them to dry completely. This final step gives those berries a beautiful sugary crunch and glistening finish.
Step 5: Enjoy the Magic
Your Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe is now ready to brighten any dish or moment. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a week for the freshest flavor and best texture.
How to Serve Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
These sugared cranberries are like edible jewels to sprinkle over holiday cakes, pumpkin pies, or creamy cheesecakes. Their zingy citrus aroma combined with the sweet crunch makes any dessert feel extra special and festive.
Side Dishes
Add a burst of color and tart-sweet contrast to your cheese boards or charcuterie spreads. Pair them with creamy brie, smoky meats, and nutty crackers for a show-stopping combination that guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Try filling a glass bowl with these sugared cranberries as a vibrant centerpiece or place them atop cocktails or mocktails for a stunning garnish. They also make incredible toppers for homemade ice cream or vanilla yogurt parfaits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sugared cranberries can stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week — just keep them cool and dry to preserve their texture.
Freezing
You can freeze sugared cranberries by spreading them out on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transferring them to a sealed bag. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw briefly before serving. Keep in mind freezing can soften their sugary crunch slightly.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary or recommended since these berries are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to maintain their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use lime or lemon zest instead of orange for this recipe?
Absolutely! Lime or lemon zest will bring a different citrus note but still provide the zesty oils and bright flavor needed to complement the cranberries beautifully.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container, sugared cranberries last for about a week before they start losing their crisp sugar coating.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan since it uses only cranberries, sugar, and orange—no animal products or gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries are preferred for this recipe because they absorb the syrup and hold their shape during baking. Dried cranberries won’t give the same fresh, juicy texture needed for perfect sugared cranberries.
What if I don’t have a pie plate? Can I use another dish?
Definitely! Any shallow baking dish or rimmed pan will work to zest, bake, and toss your cranberries in sugar. Just choose something with a flat bottom for easy spreading.
Final Thoughts
You are going to love how this Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dazzling, fresh treat that adds a burst of flavor and holiday cheer to so many dishes. Give it a try—it’s quick, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have you coming back for more every season.
Print
Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Dessert Garnish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Zest Sugared Cranberries are a delightful holiday treat combining tart cranberries with sweet, citrus-infused sugar. Coated in a homemade orange-infused simple syrup and sprinkled with candied orange zest and sugar, they add a festive pop of flavor and color to any dessert or holiday table. Perfect as a garnish or enjoyed on their own, this easy-to-make recipe yields a bright, sweet-tart snack that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 orange (for zest and juice)
Sugars & Sweeteners
- 1 1/3 cups sugar (divided: 1 teaspoon, 1 cup, and remaining for coating)
- Water (to make 1 cup liquid with orange juice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250ºF (120ºC) to prepare for baking the orange zest.
- Prepare Orange Zest: Zest the orange over an empty pie plate. The pie plate works perfectly for both baking the zest and tossing the cranberries later.
- Bake Orange Zest: Spread out the orange zest evenly over the bottom of the pie plate and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then toss the zest to help it dry evenly and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- Make Simple Syrup: Squeeze the juice from the orange into a measuring cup, then add water to reach a total of 1 cup of liquid. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice-water mixture and 1 cup of sugar. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just starts to barely boil. Remove from heat.
- Coat Cranberries: Working in batches, add cranberries into the warm simple syrup to coat them thoroughly. Remove the cranberries and transfer them onto a wire cooling rack, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Repeat until all cranberries are syrup-coated and arranged on the rack.
- Dry Sticky Syrup: Let the cranberries rest on the cooling rack for 30 to 45 minutes until the simple syrup coating becomes sticky but not wet.
- Prepare Sugared Orange Zest: Mix the cooled baked orange zest with the remaining sugar thoroughly. This creates a fragrant, citrusy sugar coating.
- Coat Cranberries in Sugar: In batches, toss the sticky cranberries in the sugared orange zest mixture until they are fully coated. Carefully return them to the wire cooling rack. Repeat until all cranberries are coated. Allow them to dry completely for a sparkly sugared finish.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy these festive sugared cranberries immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- The pie plate is ideal as it allows even heat for the orange zest and is perfect for tossing cranberries in sugar without making a mess.
- Use fresh, firm cranberries for best texture and appearance.
- Ensure cranberries are dry enough after syrup coating before tossing in sugar to avoid clumping.
- Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge; they keep well for up to 1 week.
- These cranberries make a beautiful garnish for cakes, cocktails, or holiday platters.
