Candied Cranberries with Citrus and 7Up Recipe

Introduction

Candied cranberries are a simple and delicious way to add a burst of sweet-tart flavor to your holiday table or desserts. These vibrant treats soak overnight to infuse flavor, then get a light sugar coating and brief bake for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

A close-up view of fresh red cranberries and powdered sugar-coated cranberries scattered on a light wood board, showing a mix of smooth red surfaces and textured white powder-covered ones. Behind the cranberries, a clear glass jar with a shimmering gold ribbon tied in a bow is partially visible, adding a festive touch. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture, keeping focus on the vibrant cranberries and delicate powdered sugar dusting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups 7Up (or Prosecco)
  • 1 cup orange juice (or pineapple juice)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine the cranberries, 7Up, and orange juice in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours to let the juices fully penetrate the cranberry skins.
  2. Step 2: After soaking, preheat your oven to 200ºF (93ºC).
  3. Step 3: Drain the cranberries in a colander and place them into a large resealable bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cranberries are thoroughly coated.
  4. Step 4: Spread the coated cranberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shake off any excess sugar if needed by placing them in a colander and gently shaking.
  5. Step 5: Bake the cranberries for 5 minutes. Be careful not to bake longer or at a higher temperature to avoid drying them out; using an oven thermometer can help maintain the right heat.
  6. Step 6: Let the cranberries cool completely, then transfer them to a serving dish or use as desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use Prosecco instead of 7Up for a more adult, bubbly flavor.
  • Try pineapple juice for a sweeter, tropical twist instead of orange juice.
  • If you want a stronger sugary crust, you can double the powdered sugar but be sure to shake well to coat evenly.

Storage

Store candied cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Do not freeze as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A tray lined with white parchment paper holds a single layer of small round red cranberries all covered in a thick coating of white powdered sugar, making them look almost snowed under. The tray sits on a wooden board, and a few cranberries have fallen onto the white marbled surface below. The cranberries have a slightly shiny texture peeking through the sugar dust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries are best because they maintain their firmness and texture. Frozen cranberries may become mushy after soaking.

Why is it important to soak the cranberries for 24 hours?

Soaking allows the juice mixture to fully penetrate the cranberries’ skins, softening them and infusing flavor for a better taste and texture in the finished candied cranberries.

Print
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Candied Cranberries with Citrus and 7Up Recipe


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Delightfully tart and sweet candied cranberries soaked in a citrusy soda and juice mixture, then coated in powdered sugar and gently baked to achieve a glossy, sugar-crystallized finish. Perfect as a festive garnish, cocktail topper, or holiday treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups 7Up (or Prosecco)
  • 1 cup orange juice (or pineapple juice)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Soak Cranberries: Combine the cranberries, 7Up, and orange juice in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the juices to penetrate the cranberry skins fully, enhancing their flavor and texture.
  2. Preheat Oven: After soaking, preheat your oven to 200ºF (93ºC), ensuring a gentle heat to avoid drying out the cranberries during baking.
  3. Coat with Sugar: Drain the cranberries well using a colander. Place them into a large Ziploc bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake vigorously until every cranberry is evenly coated with sugar.
  4. Arrange for Baking: Transfer the sugar-coated cranberries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If excess sugar remains, gently shake the cranberries in a colander to remove it before baking.
  5. Bake Gently: Bake the cranberries for 5 minutes at 200ºF. Monitor closely to prevent over-drying or burning; using an oven thermometer is recommended to maintain the correct temperature.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let the candied cranberries cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer them to a serving dish or use them as a decorative and flavorful addition to desserts, salads, or cocktails.

Notes

  • Be sure to soak the cranberries for the full 24 hours for the best flavor infusion.
  • Use an oven thermometer to avoid overheating and drying out the cranberries during baking.
  • Optional substitutions for 7Up include Prosecco for a more adult version.
  • Orange or pineapple juice can be used interchangeably depending on your flavor preference.
  • Store candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes plus 24 hours soaking
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snack / Garnish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: candied cranberries, holiday cranberries, cranberry garnish, sugared cranberries, baked cranberries, festive recipe, holiday snack

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