These Powdered Sugar Cranberries are not only a feast for the eyes but also burst with a delightful mix of tartness and sugary bliss, making them the perfect addition to any holiday table.
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How to make Powdered Sugar Cranberries
Powdered Sugar Cranberries are cranberries coated with powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar), creating a sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
To whip up your batch of enchanting Powdered Sugar Cranberries, you’ll need:
1 cup granulated sugar (for the simple syrup)
1 cup water
2 cups fresh cranberries, washed and dried
1 to 2 cups powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. Do not let it come to a boil.
Soak the Cranberries: Remove the simple syrup from heat. Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup and gently stir to ensure they’re fully coated. Let them soak for about 10 minutes; this not only infuses them with sweetness but also helps the powdered sugar adhere later.
Drain Well: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer. Let them dry for at least an hour or until tacky to the touch. The syrup must be sticky but not wet, which will help the powdered sugar cling to the cranberries without dissolving.
Sugar-Coat the Cranberries: Place 1 to 2 cups of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. In batches, roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar until they are fully coated. Shake off any excess sugar.
Let Them Set: Transfer your powdered sugar-coated cranberries back to the wire rack and leave them to set for an hour or two until dry.
Serve or Store: Once dried, your Powdered Sugar Cranberries are ready to be enjoyed! They can be used immediately as a garnish or snack or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Tips for Perfect Powdered Sugar Cranberries
Quality of Cranberries: Choose firm, bright-coloured cranberries without blemishes or soft spots to ensure the best taste and presentation.
Drying Time is Crucial: Don’t rush the drying steps. The cranberries need to be just tacky enough for the sugar to stick but not so wet that the sugar dissolves.
Adjust Sugar to Taste: While 2 cups of powdered sugar are recommended for dusting, you might not need all of it. Start with a cup and add more as needed.
Serving Ideas: These cranberries are versatile! They can adorn cakes, cupcakes, or even a cheese platter, adding a pop of color and taste.
Getting Creative: Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the simple syrup for an extra flavour twist.
What to serve with
Powdered Sugar Cranberries are incredibly versatile. They can enhance a variety of dishes and are a delightful treat on their own.
Cheesecakes and Tarts: Sprinkle them on top of a classic cheesecake or lemon tart for a festive look and a tangy burst of flavor that complements the creamy or citrusy fillings.
Ice Cream and Sorbets: To introduce a contrasting texture and flavor, add a handful of candied cranberries to a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sorbet.
Cupcakes and Cakes: Use them as an elegant decoration on frosted cupcakes or a holiday-themed cake. The cranberries’ red hue makes a striking visual against a white icing backdrop.
Breakfast Enhancements
Pancakes and Waffles: Serve sugared cranberries as a topping alongside maple syrup for a sweet and tart addition to your breakfast classics.
Oatmeal and Yogurt: Stir them into your morning oatmeal or sprinkle over a bowl of Greek yogurt to add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
Drinks
Cocktails and Mocktails: Garnish festive drinks with a skewer of candied cranberries. They are particularly appealing in a champagne flute with sparkling wine or a fancy mocktail.
Hot Beverages: For an eye-catching and tasty flourish, drop a few Powdered Sugar Cranberries into a steaming mug of hot chocolate or mulled cider.
Snacks and Appetizers
Cheese Boards: Intersperse sugared cranberries among the cheeses and meats on a charcuterie board for a dash of color and a palate cleanser.
Salads: Sprinkle them over a winter salad that contains other seasonal elements like roasted nuts, blue cheese, and greens for a festive side dish.
Bread and Rolls: Serve them alongside or on top of freshly baked bread or dinner rolls spread with cream cheese or goat cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Powdered Sugar Cranberries typically involves a few simple ingredients: fresh cranberries, granulated sugar (for a simple syrup), and powdered sugar for coating. However, there could be various reasons you might need substitutes for these ingredients, from dietary restrictions to availability issues.
Fresh Cranberries
Substitute: Dried Cranberries or Other Berries
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can try using rehydrated dried cranberries, though the texture and size will differ. Soak them in hot water until plump, then pat dry before proceeding. They will be sweeter and less tart than fresh.
Alternatively, fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries can be used for a different flavor profile and appearance.
Granulated Sugar (for Simple Syrup)
Substitutes:
Honey: You can create a syrup using honey diluted with water. Depending on the honey used, the flavor will be slightly more floral.
Maple Syrup: A simple syrup can also be made with maple syrup, which will impart a rich, distinct flavor.
Coconut Sugar: Boil coconut sugar with water to make a simple syrup. This will result in a deeper, caramel-like taste.
Agave Syrup: For a lower glycemic index alternative, agave syrup can be diluted slightly with water and used as the base for coating the cranberries.
Powdered Sugar (for Coating)
Substitutes:
Powdered Stevia or Erythritol: For a sugar-free version, use powdered forms of stevia or erythritol. Be mindful of the sweetness level; these are often sweeter than powdered sugar, so adjust accordingly.
DIY Powdered Sugar: If you have granulated sugar of any kind (including coconut sugar, raw sugar, etc.) and a high-speed blender or food processor, you can make your own powdered sugar by blending the sugar until it’s fine and fluffy. For every cup of homemade powdered sugar, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Cocoa Powder: For a chocolate twist, roll the cranberries in unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with a bit of your powdered sweetener of choice.
Final Thoughts
Creating this stunning treat is a delightful way to kick off the holiday season. Not only will these Powdered Sugar Cranberries bring a touch of elegance to your festive table, but they’re also sure to captivate the taste buds of your guests, creating a perfect balance between tartness and sweet, sugary bliss.
Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. Do not let it come to a boil.
Soak the Cranberries: Remove the simple syrup from heat. Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup and gently stir to ensure they're fully coated. Let them soak for about 10 minutes; this not only infuses them with sweetness but also helps the powdered sugar adhere later.
Drain Well: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer. Let them dry for at least an hour or until tacky to the touch. The syrup must be sticky but not wet, which will help the powdered sugar cling to the cranberries without dissolving.
Sugar-Coat the Cranberries: Place 1 to 2 cups of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. In batches, roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar until they are fully coated. Shake off any excess sugar.
Let Them Set: Transfer your powdered sugar-coated cranberries back to the wire rack and leave them to set for an hour or two until dry.
Serve or Store: Once dried, your Powdered Sugar Cranberries are ready to be enjoyed! They can be used immediately as a garnish or snack or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
