Candied Cranberries | No Sugar Added! Recipe

Introduction

Candied cranberries are a delightful treat that add a burst of tart sweetness to any dish or snack. This no sugar added version uses natural sweeteners to keep them light and flavorful. Perfect for garnishing desserts or enjoying on their own.

A small bowl filled with bright red cranberries covered in a light layer of sugar sits on a crumpled, soft white cloth. The cranberries are piled high, each berry showing a frosty white coating that gives a textured, sparkly look. The bowl is placed on a dark brown wooden table with a few scattered sugared cranberries around it. In the background, there are cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, and green leaves, all softly out of focus. The overall scene is cozy and rustic with warm, natural colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh cranberries (cleaned)
  • 1 cup allulose or real sugar if not sugar-free
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup granular monk fruit or real sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of allulose and 1 cup of water. Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes clear.
  2. Step 2: Add the cranberries to the simple syrup and cook for 4 minutes on medium-low heat. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will cause the berries to become mushy.
  3. Step 3: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries and place them on a cooling rack in a single layer. Let them dry at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour until they become sticky.
  4. Step 4: Roll each sticky cranberry in granular monk fruit or sugar, then place them on a plate and allow them to dry for an additional hour.
  5. Step 5: Use these candied cranberries to garnish cocktails, top cakes or cookies, or simply enjoy them as a sweet snack.

Tips & Variations

  • For a more intense flavor, add a splash of orange juice or zest to the syrup before cooking the berries.
  • Substitute granulated monk fruit with powdered erythritol or coconut sugar if preferred.
  • Make sure not to overcook the cranberries to maintain a pleasant texture.

Storage

Store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before serving, allow refrigerated berries to come to room temperature for best texture. Avoid freezing as it may affect their consistency.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with red cranberries covered in a grainy layer of white sugar crystals, with some cranberries spilling gently onto a white marbled surface around it. The cranberries vary slightly in red shades, creating a mix of lighter and darker reds under the sparkling white sugar, and the grayish bowl contrasts softly with the bright fruit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries?

Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe as they hold their shape during cooking. If using frozen, thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid diluting the syrup.

What if I don’t have allulose or monk fruit sweeteners?

You can substitute with regular granulated sugar if you don’t need the recipe to be sugar-free. The texture and sweetness will be similar, but the overall calorie content will be higher.

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Candied Cranberries | No Sugar Added! Recipe

Deliciously tangy candied cranberries made without added sugar, using allulose and monk fruit sweeteners for a guilt-free treat. Perfect for adding a festive crunch to desserts, cocktails, or simply enjoying as a healthy snack.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 3 cups of candied cranberries 1x
  • Category: Dessert Garnish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale

Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup allulose (or real sugar if not sugar-free)
  • 1 cup water

Cranberries

  • 3 cups fresh cranberries, cleaned

Coating

  • 3/4 cup granular monk fruit (or real sugar for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of allulose and 1 cup of water. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup becomes clear.
  2. Cook Cranberries: Add the 3 cups of fresh, cleaned cranberries to the simple syrup. Continue cooking on medium-low heat for about 4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the berries will become mushy.
  3. Drain and Dry: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the syrup and place them in a single layer on a cooling rack. Let them dry at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour; during this time, the berries will become sticky.
  4. Roll Cranberries: Roll each sticky cranberry in 3/4 cup granular monk fruit or sugar until well coated. Arrange on a plate and allow them to dry for an additional hour.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Use these candied cranberries as a festive garnish for cocktails, topping for cakes and cookies, or simply enjoy them as a tasty, sugar-free snack.

Notes

  • Do not overcook cranberries to prevent mushiness.
  • Ensure cranberries are completely dry before rolling in sweetener to get a good coating.
  • Store candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • You can substitute real sugar if not looking for sugar-free options.
  • Use these berries as a decorative and flavorful addition to holiday desserts and drinks.

Keywords: candied cranberries, sugar-free cranberries, allulose cranberries, monk fruit sweetened, holiday garnish, healthy snack

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