Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

This vibrant garnish features fresh cranberries coated in a simple sugar syrup, then rolled in superfine sugar for a sparkling finish. The cranberries dry to a sticky, jewel-like texture perfect for topping desserts, cocktails, or festive dishes. Preparation involves gently simmering water and sugar, soaking cranberries in the syrup, and allowing adequate drying time before coating. Variations include infusing syrup with orange zest or spices to deepen the flavor.

Easy to prepare and naturally vegan and gluten-free, this garnish adds a bright, sweet-tart pop to holiday plates and drinks.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:02:00 GMT
Shimmering vegan candied cranberry garnish coating cakes and cocktails with sugared beauty. Save
Shimmering vegan candied cranberry garnish coating cakes and cocktails with sugared beauty. | whisknjoy.com

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

This garnish adds a beautiful festive touch and has become my go-to for holiday desserts and drinks.

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.
Vibrant image shows glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, a perfect sweet, festive topping. Save
Vibrant image shows glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, a perfect sweet, festive topping. | whisknjoy.com

My family loves adding these cranberries to pancakes and holiday platters for a festive flair.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 44 Total Fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 11 g Protein: 0 g per serving

Ruby red, glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish ready to adorn your holiday desserts and drinks. Save
Ruby red, glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish ready to adorn your holiday desserts and drinks. | whisknjoy.com

This garnish brings a bright pop of color and flavor with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve the perfect candied coating?

Ensure cranberries are sticky but not wet before coating with superfine sugar, then allow them to dry again for a sparkly finish.

Can I add flavors to the syrup?

Yes, adding orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla to the syrup imparts delightful variations without altering texture.

How should candied cranberries be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness.

What tools are needed for preparation?

A small saucepan, slotted spoon, wire rack, baking sheet, and shallow bowl are essential for coating and drying.

Are these cranberries suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, the ingredients are vegan and free from common allergens, making them suitable for various dietary needs.

Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Sweet-tart candied cranberries with a sparkling sugar coating to brighten desserts and drinks.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Sweet Desserts

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 8 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Cranberries

01 1 cup fresh cranberries (100 g)

Syrup

01 ½ cup water (120 ml)
02 ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)

Coating

01 ½ cup superfine or granulated sugar (100 g)

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

Make sugar syrup: Combine water and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves fully and syrup is clear without boiling.

Stage 03

Coat cranberries: Remove syrup from heat, cool for 2 minutes, then stir in cranberries to coat evenly.

Stage 04

Dry cranberries: Transfer cranberries with a slotted spoon to a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let dry 45–60 minutes until sticky but not wet.

Stage 05

Sugar roll: Place remaining ½ cup sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll sticky cranberries in sugar until fully coated.

Stage 06

Final dry: Return sugared cranberries to wire rack and dry for an additional 15 minutes before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy. Verify sugar is vegan certified if required.

Nutritional content (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