Zingy Maple-Cranberry Delights Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Twist
Bursting with festive flavor, these maple infused cranberry delights dance between sweet and tart in every delectable bite.
The ruby-red cranberries sparkle like culinary jewels against a golden maple backdrop.
Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that captures winter’s essence with remarkable depth.
Rich maple syrup weaves through the recipe, adding luxurious warmth to each tender morsel.
Bakers love how simple ingredients can produce such an elegant treat that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Guests will swoon over these irresistible delights that showcase the perfect balance of robust maple and vibrant cranberry.
Grab your apron and let’s make magic happen in the kitchen.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: 165 kcal
Servings: 9
What’s in Maple Cranberry Treats
For Cranberry Base:
Cranberries: Fresh, plump berries bursting with tart flavor; select firm, deep red fruits without soft spots or blemishes for the best taste and texture.
Water: Pure liquid essential for creating the sugar syrup; filtered water ensures clean, crisp infusion.
For Sugar and Sweeteners:
Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that balance cranberries' tartness; choose high-quality, fine-grained sugars for smooth coating and caramelization.
Maple Syrup: Rich, golden liquid adding depth and warmth; select pure, grade A maple syrup from reputable producers for authentic woodland sweetness.
For Preparation Support:
Baking Sheet: Flat surface crucial for even drying and coating; use non-stick or lined sheet for easy cranberry release.
Tools That Help Make Maple Cranberry
Medium Saucepan: Essential for creating and heating the sugar syrup, perfect for soaking cranberries.
Large Baking Sheet: Needed for coating and drying the cranberries with maple and sugar.
Strainer or Colander: Used to drain the cranberries after soaking in syrup.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sugar mixture and gently tossing cranberries.
Measuring Cups: Critical for accurately measuring sugar and water amounts.
Making Maple Cranberrys Your Way
Fruity Foundation Select plump, vibrant cranberries that look fresh and firm. Carefully inspect each berry, removing any that appear bruised or soft.
Sweet Liquid Bath Create a silky syrup by gently warming water and sugar together. Stir until the sugar completely melts and transforms into a clear, glossy liquid.
Flavor Infusion Submerge the cranberries in the warm syrup. Tuck them into the refrigerator and let them rest quietly overnight, allowing the sweet essence to penetrate each berry.
Maple Transformation Drizzle maple syrup over the cranberries and sprinkle with light brown sugar. Gently roll the berries until they are completely embraced by the sticky, golden coating.
Drying Adventure Spread the glazed cranberries on a baking sheet. Let them sit peacefully in an open space, becoming less sticky and more crystallized as time passes.
Creative Add-Ins for Cranberry Recipes
Roll dried cranberries in finely ground nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nutty depth.
Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for different sweet profiles that complement the cranberries' tartness.
Keep candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Sprinkle these maple-kissed cranberries over salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or use as a garnish for holiday cheese boards to add burst of festive flavor.
Freeze the candied cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for long-term storage up to three months without losing their bright, sweet-tart character.
Present Maple Cranberry Snacks Beautifully
Elevate Holiday Charcuterie: Sprinkle these maple-infused cranberries over a festive cheese board for a burst of tangy sweetness that complements sharp cheddars and creamy bries.
Top Festive Desserts: Garnish holiday pies, puddings, or ice cream with these glistening cranberries to add a sophisticated touch and delightful crunch.
Create Cocktail Garnish: Use these candied cranberries as an elegant garnish for winter cocktails like old fashioneds or champagne drinks, adding a festive pop of color and flavor.
Enhance Breakfast Treats: Scatter these glossy cranberries over morning yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes to transform an ordinary breakfast into a gourmet morning experience.
Keep Maple Cranberry Treats Fresh for Days
Maximize Freshness: Store cooled cranberries in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Refrigerate Right: Keep maple-infused cranberries chilled in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, preventing moisture buildup and preserving their delicate coating.
Freeze for Later: Pack cranberries in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months when frozen properly.
Smart Serving Tip: Remove cranberries from refrigeration 15 minutes before serving to allow them to slightly warm and enhance their maple-infused flavor profile.
Maple-infused cranberry delights showcase Canadian culinary tradition with sweet and tart flavors. Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly, creating a memorable dessert that connects you to northern wilderness and festive joy.
Ingredients
Scale
1 bag (16 oz / 454 g) fresh cranberries, washed and drained
2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
2 cups (473 ml) water
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
Instructions
Preparation: Rinse cranberries under cool water, discarding any damaged fruits. Thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Sugar Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves completely into a clear liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Cool for 3-4 minutes.
Infusion Process: Submerge cranberries in the warm sugar solution, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 8-10 hours to allow deep flavor absorption. Drain using a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the infused syrup for future use.
Coating Preparation: Spread brown sugar on a large baking sheet. Drizzle maple syrup over the sugar. Gently coat cranberries in the maple-sugar mixture, ensuring an even, glistening layer covers each berry.
Drying Stage: Arrange coated cranberries in a single, spacious layer on the baking sheet. Allow to air dry for 45-60 minutes until they develop a slightly tacky, firm texture without excess liquid.
Notes
Rinse Thoroughly: Discard any bruised or soft cranberries to ensure only pristine, firm fruits are used for the best texture and flavor.
Sugar Syrup Secret: Dissolve sugar completely over medium heat, creating a transparent base that will beautifully infuse the cranberries with sweetness.
Refrigeration Magic: Overnight soaking allows cranberries to absorb maximum flavor, transforming them from tart to delightfully sweet and complex.
Drying Technique: Let maple-coated cranberries air dry completely to achieve a perfectly crisp, candied exterior that provides an irresistible crunch.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.