3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, then you’ve come to the right place! These 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries are not just a stunning garnish for your holiday table, but they also make a delightful snack or gift. Imagine those glistening cranberries adding a pop of color to your festive pies, cakes, and cocktails. Plus, the best part? You only need three simple ingredients to whip them up!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re decorating your holiday feast or simply treating yourself, these sparkling cranberries will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity at its best: With just three ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare—perfect for any skill level.
• Versatile use: These sparkling cranberries can be used in various ways—garnish desserts, jazz up drinks, or enjoy as a sweet snack!
• A showstopper: Their vibrant color and sugary sparkle make them an eye-catching addition to any dish.
• Gift-worthy goodness: Package these up in a cute jar and share the joy with friends and family during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You probably have most of these already in your pantry.

• 1/2 cup (120 grams) Water
• 3/4 cup (175 grams) Organic Cane Sugar (divided)
• 1 cup (115 grams) Fresh Cranberries
• Scraped Vanilla Bean (optional)

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a treat that’s both sweet and refreshing.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add spices: Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
• Use different sweeteners: Swap out organic cane sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar if you prefer.
• Citrus zest: Add some lemon or orange zest into the syrup for a zesty kick.
• Infuse flavors: Try steeping other herbs like rosemary or thyme in the syrup for an herbal note.

How to Make 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a small sauce-pot, whisk together the water and 1/2 cup of sugar until it combines nicely. Bring it just to a simmer while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. If you’re feeling fancy, add in some scraped vanilla bean for an extra layer of flavor. This step is crucial because it creates that shiny coating on our cranberries!

Step 2: Coat the Cranberries

Once your syrup is ready, remove it from heat and stir in those lovely fresh cranberries until they’re evenly coated with that sugary goodness. Cover them up and let them steep for about 10 minutes. This soaking time allows the cranberries to absorb all that sweet flavor.

Step 3: Drying Time

After steeping, strain the cranberries but don’t forget to save that delicious syrup! Spread them out on parchment paper on a wire cooling rack so they aren’t touching each other. Let them dry at room temperature for about 45 minutes to one hour. When they’re dry, they should look shiny but still sticky enough to hold onto more sugar.

Step 4: Sugar Coating

Now comes the fun part! Place the remaining sugar on a plate and roll those beautiful cranberries around until they’re fully coated in sugar. It might get sticky, but as you coat them, they will start behaving nicely!

Step 5: Store or Enjoy!

You can enjoy your sparkling cranberries right away or store them in a lidded container with a little bowl of rice—a clever trick to keep moisture at bay! They’ll stay fresh for two days or even up to four if your cranberries are super fresh. And if they start looking less sparkly after a few days? Just toss them with more sugar to bring back their shine!

With this easy recipe at hand, you’re all set to impress! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries

Making these sparkling sugared cranberries is a joy, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries not only taste better but also have a firmer texture that holds up beautifully during the sugaring process. Avoid any that are bruised or mushy for the best results.
• Don’t skip the drying step: Allowing the cranberries to dry at room temperature helps to achieve that beautiful glossy finish. If they’re too wet, the sugar won’t stick properly, resulting in a less attractive appearance.
• Roll in sugar while still sticky: It’s important to coat the cranberries in sugar before they completely dry out. This stickiness is what allows the sugar to adhere nicely, creating that sparkling effect.
• Store with rice: Placing a small bowl of rice in your storage container will absorb moisture and keep your cranberries fresh longer. This smart tip prevents them from becoming soggy quickly.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other flavors such as orange zest or a hint of cinnamon when making your syrup. This can elevate the taste profile and make your sugared cranberries even more delightful!

How to Serve 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries

These sparkling sugared cranberries not only taste delicious but also look stunning on any table setting! Here are some delightful ways to serve and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of mint leaves not only adds a pop of color but also brings a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet and tart flavors.
• Dark Chocolate Shavings: For an indulgent touch, scatter some dark chocolate shavings over your dish for an elegant presentation and rich flavor combination.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The savory caramelization of roasted Brussels sprouts provides a delicious contrast to the sweet cranberries, making for a balanced plate.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs, nuts, and citrus dressing pairs beautifully, offering both texture and freshness alongside the sweet treat.
• Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet and tangy carrots echo the flavors of cranberry while bringing vibrant color to your meal.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich creaminess of mashed potatoes serves as a comforting base that complements the bright flavors of sugared cranberries perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your guests or simply enjoy this delightful treat yourself! Enjoy crafting memories around this festive dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time for gatherings, special occasions, or just to enjoy at home. Here’s how to store them properly to maintain their delightful sparkle and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cranberries in a lidded container.
• Add a small bowl of rice to absorb moisture, keeping the cranberries fresh.
• They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or longer depending on the freshness of the cranberries.

Freezing

• While these cranberries are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat sugared cranberries; they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• If they lose some of their sparkle after storage, simply toss them in a little more sugar before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries.

Can I use frozen cranberries for 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just ensure they are completely thawed and drained before following the recipe.

How long do homemade 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries last?

Homemade sugared cranberries can last up to two days at room temperature. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating or freezing them as mentioned above.

What can I do with leftover syrup from making 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries?

You can use the leftover syrup in cocktails or mocktails, drizzle it over desserts, or even use it as a sweetener in your morning oatmeal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful 3 Ingredients Sparkling Sugared Cranberries! They not only add a festive touch but also make for a delicious treat that everyone will love. Enjoy creating this simple yet elegant garnish that brings a burst of flavor and cheer to your table. Happy cooking!