Viral Candied Cranberries (Easy Tiktok Recipe)

Sweet, tangy, and sparkling, these viral candied cranberries are infused with prosecco and orange juice for a festive treat. Perfect for desserts, cocktails, or snacking!

Cranberries might not always get the spotlight they deserve, but that changes today. Enter Viral Candied Cranberries, the sweet and tangy holiday treat that’s about to become your go-to for festive flair. 

These little beauties are everything you want in a holiday snack—sparkly, juicy, and just the right amount of fancy. Whether you’re tossing them on a dessert, using them as a cocktail garnish, or just snacking by the handful, these cranberries bring the magic.

The secret to their irresistible flavor? A luxurious overnight soak in prosecco and orange juice that transforms their tartness into a bright, citrusy burst of goodness. 

But we don’t stop there. After their flavor infusion, the viral cranberries recipe gets a powdered sugar makeover and a quick bake to create that frosty, delicate crunch that makes them truly special. 

The result? A treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

What’s even better is how versatile these viral candied cranberries are. Garnish cakes, cocktails, or holiday cheese boards, or just keep them in a bowl for guests to nibble on. 

They’re simple to make, ridiculously pretty, and absolutely perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your holiday season. So, grab your cranberries, pour a little prosecco (save a glass for yourself), and let’s get candying! 

If you love easy holiday treats you may also enjoy my Peanut Butter Saltine Toffee or my Easy Christmas Bark Recipe.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS VIRAL CANDIED CRANBERRIES RECIPE

• Sweet Meets Tangy: The perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet powdered sugar, and a touch of citrusy prosecco magic.
• Holiday-Perfect: These sparkling beauties are festive, eye-catching, and ready to steal the show on your holiday table.
• Versatile Treat: Use them to top cakes, garnish cocktails, elevate cheese boards or dessert spreads, or enjoy as a snack that’s as fancy as it is delicious.
• Simple Elegance: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get a treat that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end patisserie.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Soak them overnight and bake the next day, leaving you with plenty of time for holiday fun.
• Sophisticated Flavor: The prosecco and orange juice infusion takes their flavor to the next level, making them anything but basic.
• Fun and Festive: With their frosty finish and burst of flavor, this viral cranberry recipe adds a sparkling touch to any holiday gathering or gift.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE SPARKLING CRANBERRIES

You will need the following basic ingredients listed below to make this sugar cranberry recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card are all below):

• Bag fresh cranberries – you can’t use frozen cranberries for this recipe
• Prosecco
• Orange juice
• Powdered sugar – for the sugar coating
• Optional – orange zest, cane sugar, vanilla extract, orange extract, granulated sugar, sprigs of rosemary, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE VIRAL CRANBERRY RECIPE

1. Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly, discarding any that are soft or bruised. Set aside in a large bowl.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the prosecco and orange juice. Pour the mixture over the cranberries, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the cranberries to absorb the flavors.
3. The next day, drain the cranberries and pat them dry gently using a clean towel or paper towels. Ensure they are only slightly damp to help the sugar adhere properly.
4. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Working in small batches, roll the cranberries in the sugar until they are evenly coated.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the sugar-coated cranberries in a single layer. Bake for 5–7 minutes to set the sugar coating, ensuring it doesn’t melt.
6. Remove the sugar-coated cranberries from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer to a serving dish or store in an airtight container.

TIPS AND TRICKS ON THE VIRAL CRANBERRY RECIPE FOR BEST RESULTS

• Pick the Best Cranberries
  • Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best results. Avoid any that are soft or mushy, as they won’t hold up well during the soaking and baking process.
• Don’t Skip the Soak
  • Let the cranberries soak in the prosecco and orange juice overnight. This step softens their tartness and infuses them with bold, citrusy flavor.
• Dry Before Coating
  • After draining the cranberries, gently pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Too much moisture will prevent the powdered sugar from sticking properly.
• Work in Small Batches
  • Coat a few cranberries at a time in powdered sugar to ensure even coverage and to keep the sugar from clumping.
• Line Your Baking Sheet
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Watch the Bake Time
  • Bake at 200 degrees F for just 5–7 minutes. You’re not cooking them, just setting the sugar coating, so keep an eye on them to avoid melting the sugar.
• Single Layer for Even Baking
  • Spread the coated cranberries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly and maintain their shape.
• Add Extra Zest
  • For an extra burst of flavor, mix a little orange zest into the powdered sugar before coating the cranberries.
• Store Them Properly
  • Keep your viral candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If refrigerating, let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Garnish Like a Pro
  • Use these cranberries as a beautiful garnish to top desserts, adorn cocktails, or decorate holiday charcuterie boards for a festive touch that wows every time.

STORING LEFTOVER CRANBERRIES

To store leftover candied cranberries, first ensure they’ve cooled completely after baking. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container to maintain their frosty, sugary coating. 

You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them in a cool, dry place to prevent the sugar from becoming sticky. If you prefer to refrigerate them, make sure they are well-sealed to avoid absorbing any moisture or odors from the fridge. 

When ready to serve, let the cranberries come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Proper storage ensures your candied cranberries stay fresh, sweet, and sparkly, ready to be enjoyed as a snack, garnish, or holiday décor!

FAQS

CAN I USE A SLOTTED SPOON TO HANDLE THE VIRAL CRANBERRY RECIPE?

Yes! A slotted spoon is ideal for removing cranberries from the syrup and allowing excess liquid to drip off before coating them in sugar.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER WONDERFUL WAYS TO USE EASY SUGARED CRANBERRIES?

Candied cranberries are great on cheese boards, as a garnish for cakes, or as a festive topping for a bowl of cranberry sauce.

ARE THESE VIRAL CANDIED CRANBERRIES DIFFICULT TO MAKE?

Not at all! Candied cranberries are an easy way to add a festive, elegant touch to any holiday dish.

DO I HAVE TO USE PROSECCO OR IS THERE A NON-ALCOHOLIC VERSION?

You don’t have to use prosecco! While prosecco adds a fun, bubbly twist, there are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives. Sparkling soda, ginger ale, or even sprite all work great.

The key is to keep the balance of sweet and tart, so the viral cranberry recipe gets that perfect pop of flavor. Whether you choose the boozy or non-alcoholic route, these candied cranberries will still turn out absolutely delicious and festive!

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF ABOUT THE VIRAL CRANBERRY RECIPE?

The contrast of the tart cranberries with the sweet sugar coating—it’s like nature-made Sour Patch Kids!

Other Holiday Desserts You May Enjoy Trying!

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Oreo Balls
• No Bake Peanut Butter Balls (5 Ingredients)
• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sugar Free Sugar Cookies
• Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
• Christmas Trees Gluten-Free Brownies
• Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
• Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

IF YOU TRIED THIS TART BERRIES RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS SWEET-TART SNACK ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails