These candied cranberries are made without alcohol, using orange juice, and ginger ale to create bright, sweet, tart flavor with a crisp sugar coating!
Candied cranberries are one of those recipes that instantly elevate holiday desserts, and this non-alcoholic version keeps things simple and family friendly! Fresh cranberries soap up citrus and ginger ale for a balanced, bright flavor and the powdered sugar coating adds the perfect crunchy sweet finish. This method is one I trust because it keeps the berries firm, bright and requires no speciality ingredients!
reasons you'll love frosted cranberries
- Quick + Easy - This simple recipe comes together with minimal effort and can be made by beginners and kids!
- Festive - can be used as a garnish, topping, treat or just a fun decoration for the holidays.
- Sparkling texture - The powdered sugar coating adds a crisp bite that holds up beautifully for desserts and drinks.
Ingredients for Candied Cranberries
- Cranberries: you will be using fresh cranberries for this recipe. This method will work for grapes.
- Ginger ale and Orange Juice: You can use one or the other, but I find the mix adds a big of a zing from the orange juice and a nice sweet kick from the ginger ale.
- Powdered sugar: creates a beautiful snowlike effect.
How to make Candied Cranberries
- Place the fresh cranberries in a bowl, top with the ginger ale and orange juice. Chill in the fridge 24 hours.
- Drain the drain cranberries, but do not rinse. Add to a large plastic bag with the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake to coat. If the cranberries are not fully coated add ¼ cup additional powdered sugar until they are.
Storage
- Refrigerate: store in an airtight container up to 3 days. If storing several days you may need to toss them in ¼ cup powdered sugar before serving to freshen them up.
- Avoid Freezing: they loose crispness and become soggy and watery when thawed.
How to Use Candied Cranberries
- Add them to cakes, tarts, cheesecakes or other holiday desserts for a bright, festive topping.
- Add to a charcuterie board for a nice tart and sweet bite that looks beautiful and tastes great.
- Garnish for mocktails, sparkling water or festive drinks.
- Serve as a sweet snack or pair with salted nuts and dark chocolate for a holiday snack mix.
Sugared Cranberries FAQ
Grapes work well. Blueberries that are firm will work okay, but you can only soak them for one hour.
Yes, prosecco or sparkling wine will also work if you want an alcohol version.
They do not work as well. I highly suggest sticking with fresh cranberries.
It doesn't stick as well and tends to fall off much easier. For a frosted look stick with powdered sugar.
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Candied Cranberries (no alcohol)
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Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) fresh cranberries
- 2 cups ginger ale
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine the fresh cranberries, ginger ale and orange juice in a bowl. Chill for 24 hours.
- Drain the cranberries (do not rinse) and add to a large plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar. Seal and shake the bag until the berries are coated.
- If the cranberries are not completely coated add ½ cup additional sugar and toss until they are well coated.
Tips:
Nutrition Information
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Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
