Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Featured in: Sweet Little Indulgences

This vibrant candied cranberry garnish combines fresh cranberries gently coated in a sweet syrup and rolled in superfine sugar, creating a sparkling finish. The cranberries are dried carefully to retain a sticky-sweet texture, ideal for decorating desserts, cocktails, or holiday dishes. This easy-to-make topping offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness while maintaining a beautiful jewel-like appearance that enhances any presentation.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:46:00 GMT
Vegan candied cranberry garnish glistening with sugar, ready to elegantly top holiday desserts. Save Pin
Vegan candied cranberry garnish glistening with sugar, ready to elegantly top holiday desserts. | fabulousdishesby.com

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

This garnish has become my go-to festive decoration that always impresses guests

Ingredients

  • Cranberries: 1 cup (100 g) fresh cranberries
  • Syrup: 1/2 cup (120 ml) water and 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 & tart vegan candied cranberries, drying on a rack offering visual interest with a red hue. Save Pin
Sweet & tart vegan candied cranberries, drying on a rack offering visual interest with a red hue. | fabulousdishesby.com

My family loves enjoying these cranberries on cakes pancakes and holiday platters

Notes

Try flavoring the syrup with orange zest cinnamon or vanilla for variation

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

Close-up of vibrant vegan candied cranberry garnish, showcasing the glossy sugar-coated texture. Save Pin
Close-up of vibrant vegan candied cranberry garnish, showcasing the glossy sugar-coated texture. | fabulousdishesby.com

This garnish adds a delightful touch of color and sweetness that enhances any festive dish.

Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure cranberries are evenly coated?

After simmering cranberries in sugar syrup, stir gently to coat each berry before drying to achieve an even sugar layer.

Can I flavor the syrup for a unique twist?

Yes, adding orange zest, cinnamon, or vanilla to the syrup imparts aromatic notes enhancing the garnish's flavor profile.

What sugar type is best for coating?

Superfine sugar is preferred for a delicate, sparkly coating that adheres easily to the sticky cranberries.

How long should the garnish dry before use?

Allow the cranberries to dry 45–60 minutes after dipping, then roll in sugar and dry an additional 15 minutes to set the coating.

How should I store the candied cranberries?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and use within two days for optimal freshness.

Vegan Candied Cranberry Garnish

Vibrant cranberry topping with a sparkly sugar coating, ideal for desserts and festive dishes.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to cook
5 min
Overall duration
15 min
Posted by Fabulous dishes by Vanessa Collins


Skill level Easy

Cuisine style American

Servings made 8 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegan-friendly, Without dairy, No gluten

Ingredient list

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)

Step-by-Step Guide

Instruction 01

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

Instruction 02

Make Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar fully dissolves and the syrup is clear. Avoid boiling.

Instruction 03

Coat Cranberries: Remove syrup from heat and allow cooling for 2 minutes. Add cranberries, stirring to coat evenly.

Instruction 04

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

Instruction 05

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

Instruction 06

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

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Take a moment to check each ingredient for possible allergens. Always reach out to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Free from dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy. Verify sugar certification when adhering to strict vegan standards.

Nutrition details by serving

These details help guide you, but be sure to consult a healthcare professional when needed.
  • Kcal: 44
  • Lipids: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Protein: 0 g