Easy 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries: Festive & Delicious!

Hey there, fellow busy moms! Juliette here from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition, ready to share a sanity-saving nutrition solution that’s as festive as it is easy: 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries! I know, I know, the holidays are chaotic. But trust me, this simple sugared fruit recipe is a game-changer.

Seriously, these little gems are not only gorgeous but also pack a surprising nutritional punch. Plus, my kids love them, which is always a win! I started making 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries a few years ago when I was desperate for a healthy holiday garnish that wasn’t loaded with artificial junk. This 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries recipe has become a cherished tradition, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious way to add some sparkle (and nutrition!) to your holiday table, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into this easy cranberry recipe and bring some simple nutrition to our families!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries recipe is all about simplicity. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. I love recipes like this, don’t you? Because who has time for complicated ingredient lists during the holidays? Not me!

Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious candied cranberries:

Ingredients for 3-ingredient sugared cranberries, including fresh cranberries, sugar, and water.
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries: Look for firm, bright red cranberries. They’re packed with antioxidants!
  • 2 cups granulated sugar: Plain white sugar works best for that classic sugared look.
  • ¾ cup water: Just regular tap water will do!

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the water for extra flavor. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a squeeze of orange juice. It’s a tasty twist!

No worries if you don’t have regular white sugar. I sometimes use coconut sugar in my 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries for a slightly different flavor and a bit more nutritional value. It doesn’t make them as sparkly, but they still taste amazing! This 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. Trust me, this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, let’s get to the fun part: making these beautiful 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries! Don’t worry, it’s so easy, even your kids can help. My little ones love rolling the cranberries in sugar – it keeps them entertained (and away from my holiday cookies!).

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these amazing candied cranberries:

  1. Rinse and sort: Gently rinse the cranberries in a colander and remove any stems or squishy berries. We want only the best for our families!
  2. Make a sugar syrup: In a saucepan, combine the water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, creating a light syrup.
  3. Add the cranberries: Pour the cranberries into the sugar syrup and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries start to soften slightly. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll burst!
  4. Cool and drain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberries cool completely in the syrup. This usually takes about an hour. Then, drain the cranberries in a colander, discarding the syrup.
  5. Sugar coating: Spread the remaining 1 cup of sugar on a plate or in a shallow dish. Working in batches, roll the drained cranberries in the sugar until they are completely coated.
  6. Dry time: Place the sugared cranberries on a wire rack lined with parchment paper to dry. This will take at least an hour, or even longer. I usually leave them overnight to ensure they are nice and firm.
  7. Enjoy! Once the cranberries are dry and the sugar coating has hardened, they are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries – I wouldn’t let them dry enough, and they’d be sticky. Learn from my experience! In my busy kitchen, this nutritious 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries usually takes about 20 minutes to prep, then mostly hands-off time.

While your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are drying, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! This easy cranberry recipe can also be found at Sugared Cranberries (easy w/ video!) | Vanilla And Bean.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now that you’ve made these beautiful 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries, let’s talk about how to enjoy them! This simple sugared fruit is so versatile, you can use it in so many ways.

My kids devour this nutritious 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries when I serve it alongside a cheese board with crackers and grapes. It adds a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor that everyone loves. For a healthy snack, try mixing them with some nuts and seeds for a homemade trail mix. They also make a beautiful garnish for cakes, pies, and even cocktails!

This 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I love to add them to salads for a burst of flavor and antioxidants. They’re also fantastic on top of yogurt or oatmeal for a healthy breakfast.

During the holidays, I always make a big batch of these holiday cranberry garnish and use them to decorate my Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. They look so festive and elegant! For another festive treat, check out Candied cranberries have just 3 ingredients and will make any …. The kids also love to string them together with popcorn to make a fun and healthy garland.

I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly! And if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can chop them up and add them to muffins or scones for a festive treat.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries, so let’s get to them! I’ve gathered some of the most common concerns and questions I get from fellow busy moms, and I’m here to share my experiences and nutrition discoveries.

Is this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! While these candied cranberries do contain sugar, they also provide antioxidants and vitamins from the cranberries themselves. Plus, you can always use a more natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup to reduce the refined sugar content.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries?

I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. Try introducing them slowly. Maybe just one or two on their plate at first. You can also try cutting them up and mixing them with something they already love, like yogurt or oatmeal. Sometimes, just the novelty of the sugared coating is enough to get them to try it!

Can I meal prep this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries for busy weeks ahead?

Yes, you can! These 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they are completely dry before storing them to prevent them from getting sticky.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this easy cranberry recipe?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. They may be a little softer than fresh cranberries, but they will still taste delicious.

What other variations can I try with this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries recipe?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add different spices to the sugar coating, like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. You can also use different types of sugar, like brown sugar or turbinado sugar, for a different flavor and texture. Some people even add a little lemon or orange zest to the sugar for a citrusy twist.

Are there any other uses for the leftover syrup from making these candied cranberries?

Don’t throw that syrup away! You can use it to sweeten drinks, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, or even use it as a glaze for roasted meats. It’s a delicious and versatile ingredient!

How do I prevent the sugar from melting and making the cranberries sticky?

The key is to make sure the cranberries are completely dry before coating them in sugar and to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the sugar from absorbing moisture and melting. If you’re struggling with the stickiness, check out Viral Candied Cranberries Recipe, How To Make Them.

Final Thoughts:

So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and festive way to add some nutrition to your holiday table. These 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are not only beautiful but also packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even your kids can help!

I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and find new ways to nourish your family. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to a happy and healthy family!

My 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries Nutrition Hacks:
  • Use coconut sugar: For a lower glycemic option.
  • Add citrus zest: For an extra boost of Vitamin C.
  • Mix with nuts and seeds: For a healthy and filling snack.
Here are some family-tested healthy 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries variations:
  • Cinnamon spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar coating.
  • Orange zest: Add the zest of one orange to the sugar coating.
  • Gingerbread: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves to the sugar coating.

My son loves the cinnamon spice version, while my daughter prefers the orange zest. I personally love the gingerbread 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries! I hope you make this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries recipe your own and have fun experimenting with different flavors and variations. Remember, the most important thing is to nourish your family with love and simple, wholesome ingredients. For more ideas, take a peek at Busy Mom Simple Nutrition.

Finished 3-ingredient sugared cranberries, coated in sugar and ready to serve.

You got this, mama! Enjoy those dinnertime nutrition wins! 💕

 
Print

3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries

Close-up of Sparkling 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries

These sparkling sugared cranberries are a festive and easy treat perfect for the holidays. Made with just three ingredients, they’re a delightful sweet and tart snack or a beautiful garnish for desserts and cocktails.

  • Author: Juliette
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add the cranberries to the sugar syrup and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they start to soften slightly. Do not overcook, or they will burst.
  3. Remove from heat and let the cranberries sit in the syrup for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, to soak up the sweetness.
  4. Drain the cranberries thoroughly. Spread the remaining 1 cup of sugar on a plate or shallow dish.
  5. Roll the cranberries in the sugar, ensuring they are fully coated.
  6. Place the sugared cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet to dry for at least 1 hour, or until the sugar coating hardens.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For a fun variation, try using flavored sugar, such as vanilla or orange-infused sugar, to coat the cranberries. Store leftover sugared cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!