Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

This vibrant garnish features fresh cranberries gently cooked in a simple syrup and coated with superfine sugar. The process creates jewel-like, sweet-tart berries with a delicate sparkle, ideal for topping desserts, cocktails, or festive platters. The candied cranberries dry for about an hour to achieve the perfect texture. Variations include infusing the syrup with orange zest or cinnamon for added aroma. Store in an airtight container for up to two days.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:41:00 GMT
Vibrant, glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish piled high, perfect topping for festive desserts. Save
Vibrant, glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish piled high, perfect topping for festive desserts. | blipbite.com

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

This simple candied cranberry garnish has become a staple in my holiday celebrations adding both color and flavor

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

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
Close-up of sparkling, candied cranberries, adding a pop of color as a gluten-free garnish. Save
Close-up of sparkling, candied cranberries, adding a pop of color as a gluten-free garnish. | blipbite.com

This garnish always brings joy and a festive touch to our family gatherings especially during the holidays

Required Tools

Small saucepan Slotted spoon Wire rack Baking sheet Shallow bowl

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 44 Total Fat 0 g Carbohydrates 11 g Protein 0 g per serving

Freshly made vegan candied cranberry garnish, sweet and tart, ready to decorate a holiday cake. Save
Freshly made vegan candied cranberry garnish, sweet and tart, ready to decorate a holiday cake. | blipbite.com

This vegan candied cranberry garnish adds a beautiful sweet tart finish to many dishes and drinks

Kitchen Guide

How do I prevent the cranberries from becoming too soft?

Gentle heating of the syrup without boiling and limiting soak time helps retain firmness. Patting cranberries dry before coating also preserves texture.

Can I add flavors to the syrup?

Yes, adding orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla to the syrup before heating enhances aromatic depth and complements the cranberries' tartness.

What type of sugar works best for coating?

Superfine sugar gives a delicate, sparkly finish, but regular granulated sugar can be used for a coarser texture.

How should candied cranberries be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within two days for optimal freshness.

Are candied cranberries suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients used are free from animal products and gluten, making them suitable for both diets.

Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Bright, sweet-tart cranberries with a sugary coating ideal for enhancing desserts and drinks.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Megan Lewis


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Guidelines Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Cranberries

01 1 cup fresh cranberries

Syrup

01 1/2 cup water
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Coating

01 1/2 cup superfine or granulated sugar

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Make syrup: 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 allow to boil.

Phase 03

Coat cranberries with syrup: Remove the syrup from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Add cranberries and stir to coat evenly.

Phase 04

Dry cranberries: Transfer cranberries with a slotted spoon to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let dry for 45 to 60 minutes until sticky but not wet.

Phase 05

Sugar coating: Pour remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll sticky cranberries in sugar until fully coated.

Phase 06

Final drying: Return cranberries to wire rack and allow them to dry for another 15 minutes before use.

Tools needed

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Free from dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy. Verify sugar is vegan-certified for strict adherence.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 44
  • Fats: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 0 g