Powdered Cranberries Recipe
These Powdered Cranberries are a delightful sweet and tangy treat made by infusing fresh cranberries in a mix of Sprite and pineapple juice, then coating them in powdered sugar and gently drying them in the oven. Perfect for snacking, garnishing cocktails, or adding a festive touch to desserts.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 12-14 hours (including refrigeration)
- Yield: About 2 cups of powdered cranberries 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Fresh Ingredients
- 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
Liquids
- 1 small bottle (8 oz) or a can of Sprite
- 1 small can (6 oz) of pineapple juice
Dry Ingredients
- Approximately 2 cups of powdered sugar (adjust as needed for full coating)
- Infuse the Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries in a large bowl and pour in the entire bottle (or can) of Sprite along with the can of pineapple juice. Cover the bowl tightly, gently shake to mix the liquids with the cranberries, then refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to fully infuse the fruit.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: After refrigerating, drain the cranberries, reserving the flavorful juice to use separately in cocktails or mocktails. Transfer the cranberries to a large zip-top plastic bag, add the powdered sugar, and gently shake or toss until each cranberry is thoroughly coated in the sugar for a sweet, powdery finish.
- Dry the Cranberries: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated cranberries evenly in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. This step helps to lightly dry the coating, enhancing texture and preserving the cranberries.
- Cool and Store: Remove the cranberries from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, store the powdered cranberries in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated or in a cool, dark pantry for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- The soaking step overnight is important to infuse the cranberries with citrusy sweetness and soften their natural tartness.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your preferred sweetness level; some may like a lighter dusting, others thicker coating.
- The reserved juice from draining the cranberries can be used to make festive cocktails, mocktails, or simply enjoyed chilled.
- Drying the cranberries at low temperature briefly ensures the sugar coating sticks better and adds a subtle chewiness.
- Store the finished cranberries properly to keep them fresh and prevent moisture buildup.
Keywords: powdered cranberries, cranberry snack, sweet cranberries, holiday snack, cranberry garnish, easy cranberry recipe