Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Featured in: Vegetarian & Plant-Based Grill

This easy method transforms fresh cranberries into a jewel-like garnish by coating them in a light syrup and rolling in sugar. The process involves simmering water and sugar to create a simple syrup, then soaking the berries to infuse sweetness. After drying, the cranberries are rolled in superfine sugar to achieve a sparkly, crisp coating. Perfect for elevating desserts, cocktails, or seasonal dishes, this garnish adds a festive, tangy-sweet brightness without hassle.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:30:00 GMT
Close-up of glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, ready to sweeten your holiday desserts. Save
Close-up of glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, ready to sweeten your holiday desserts. | bitegrill.com

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

This simple garnish has become a holiday favorite in my kitchen, adding color and flavor effortlessly.

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.
Vivid image of colorful, sugared vegan candied cranberries, perfect for topping festive cocktails. Save
Vivid image of colorful, sugared vegan candied cranberries, perfect for topping festive cocktails. | bitegrill.com

My family loves how these cranberries brighten up our holiday desserts and drinks.

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.

Sweet and tart vegan candied cranberries, a delightful homemade garnish, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Sweet and tart vegan candied cranberries, a delightful homemade garnish, ready to be enjoyed. | bitegrill.com

These candied cranberries add a bright and festive touch to any dish with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQ

How do I make candied cranberries sparkle?

Rolling sticky cranberries in superfine sugar enhances their sparkle and adds a delicate, crisp coating.

Can I add flavor variations to the syrup?

Yes, infuse the syrup with orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla to create different flavor profiles.

What is the best way to dry candied cranberries?

Place coated cranberries on a wire rack over a baking sheet to dry for about an hour without becoming soggy.

How long do candied cranberries keep fresh?

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Are candied cranberries suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this garnish is vegan-friendly and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts.

Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Vibrant sweet-tart candied cranberries ideal for garnishing desserts, cocktails, and holiday platters.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Cranberries

01 1 cup fresh cranberries

Syrup

01 1/2 cup water
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Coating

01 1/2 cup superfine or granulated sugar

Method

Phase 01

Prepare cranberries: Rinse cranberries thoroughly and pat dry using paper towels; set aside.

Phase 02

Make syrup: Combine water and 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar fully dissolves and mixture becomes clear without boiling.

Phase 03

Coat cranberries: Remove syrup from heat, allow to cool for 2 minutes, then stir in cranberries to ensure even coating.

Phase 04

Dry coating: Transfer cranberries with a slotted spoon onto a wire rack set above a baking sheet; let dry for 45 to 60 minutes until sticky but not wet.

Phase 05

Sugar rolling: Pour remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a shallow bowl and roll sticky cranberries until thoroughly coated.

Phase 06

Final drying: Return coated cranberries to wire rack and allow to dry another 15 minutes before use.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Free from dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy; verify sugar is vegan-certified if required.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 44
  • Fats: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 0 g