Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

This vibrant candied cranberry garnish brings a sweet-tart sparkle to desserts and cocktails. Fresh cranberries are coated in a gently heated sugar syrup, then rolled in superfine sugar for a delicate, sparkly finish. After drying, they develop a jewel-like texture perfect for enhancing festive dishes. Quick to prepare and naturally vegan, these garnished cranberries add brightness and a touch of sweetness to any presentation.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:49:00 GMT
Glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, a sweet and tart delight for topping holiday desserts. Pin this
Glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, a sweet and tart delight for topping holiday desserts. | recipeshood.com

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

This garnish has quickly become my go-to for holiday parties. The balance of sweet and tart is delightful and looks gorgeous on plates.

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.
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This recipe always brings a smile to my family when we gather. It brightens up desserts and the holiday mood.

Notes

Try flavoring the syrup with orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla for variation. Delicious on cakes, pancakes, cocktails, or holiday platters.

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.

These ruby-red, sugared vegan candied cranberries add festive sparkle to any cocktail or brunch. Pin this
These ruby-red, sugared vegan candied cranberries add festive sparkle to any cocktail or brunch. | recipeshood.com

Enjoy this easy garnish for a festive and colorful addition to your favorite desserts or drinks.

Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Sweet-tart candied cranberries offer a vibrant, jewel-like topping for desserts and drinks.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
5 min
Overall Time
15 min
Created by Julia Harris


Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 8 Number of Portions

Dietary Details Vegan-friendly, No Dairy Contained, Contains No Gluten

What You'll Need

Cranberries

01 1 cup fresh cranberries (100 g)

Syrup

01 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)

Coating

01 1/2 cup superfine or granulated sugar (100 g)

Method

Step 01

Prepare cranberries: Rinse cranberries and pat dry thoroughly using a paper towel. Set aside.

Step 02

Make the syrup: Combine water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until sugar dissolves completely and syrup becomes clear. Avoid boiling.

Step 03

Coat cranberries with syrup: Remove syrup from heat and allow to cool for 2 minutes. Add cranberries, stirring gently to coat all berries evenly.

Step 04

Dry cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries onto a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Let dry for 45 to 60 minutes until sticky but not wet.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Final drying: Return sugared cranberries to the wire rack and allow to dry for an additional 15 minutes before serving or storing.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains no dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, or soy. Verify sugar is certified vegan for strict dietary needs.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 44
  • Fats: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 0 g