Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Featured in: Sweet Fix

This easy method transforms fresh cranberries into a jewel-like garnish with a glossy, sweet coating. A simple syrup bath softens the berries before rolling them in sugar for sparkle and texture. After drying, these candied cranberries offer a vibrant accent to desserts, drinks, or holiday dishes. Customize the syrup with citrus zest or spices to elevate flavors. Perfect for adding natural sweetness and color with minimal prep time.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:40:00 GMT
Glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, a sweet and tart topping ready for holiday desserts. Save
Glistening vegan candied cranberry garnish, a sweet and tart topping ready for holiday desserts. | cravebop.com

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

This garnish brings a festive touch to our holiday table every year and always earns compliments.

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.
Sweet, ruby-red vegan candied cranberries, coated in sparkling sugar, perfect for cocktails. Save
Sweet, ruby-red vegan candied cranberries, coated in sparkling sugar, perfect for cocktails. | cravebop.com

Sharing this garnish with family during the holidays has created lasting traditions and joyful memories.

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

Vibrant vegan candied cranberries ready to adorn your festive dishes, adding a burst of flavor. Save
Vibrant vegan candied cranberries ready to adorn your festive dishes, adding a burst of flavor. | cravebop.com

This simple vegan garnish adds color and flavor making your dishes truly festive.

Recipe Guide

How do you make the cranberries sticky before coating?

Soak the cranberries in a warm sugar syrup until glossy and slightly tacky, allowing the syrup to fully coat their surface.

What type of sugar is best for coating?

Superfine or granulated sugar works best for a delicate, sparkling outer layer that adheres well to the syrup-coated cranberries.

Can the syrup be flavored differently?

Yes, adding orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla to the syrup creates unique, aromatic variations enhancing the cranberry garnish.

How long should the cranberries dry after coating?

Dry them on a wire rack for about 15 minutes after rolling in sugar to ensure the coating sets and stays crisp.

What dishes pair well with candied cranberries?

These bright garnishes complement desserts, pancakes, cocktails, and festive platters with their sweet-tart flavor and sparkle.

Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Sweet-tart cranberries coated in syrup and sugar make a bright garnish for desserts or cocktails.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Sweet Fix

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition labels Plant-based, No dairy, 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

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Make sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear; avoid boiling.

Phase 03

Coat cranberries: Remove syrup from heat and allow to cool for 2 minutes. Stir in cranberries to coat them evenly.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Final drying: Place cranberries back on the wire rack and let dry for 15 minutes before serving or garnishing.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Free from dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy. Verify sugar is vegan-certified for strict dietary compliance.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 44
  • Fats: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 0 g