Introduction

Powdered cranberries are a delightful and tangy treat, perfect for snacking or adding a festive touch to desserts and cocktails. Infused with citrusy flavors and coated in sweet powdered sugar, these berries offer a unique texture and vibrant taste.

The image shows many small round pieces covered in white powdered sugar, scattered on white parchment paper inside a dark baking tray. Some of the pieces are cracked, revealing a dark and red center, while others have a smooth, powdery surface with a few showing glimpses of the red inside. The powdered sugar is lightly dusted all over the pieces and the parchment, creating a snowy effect with some clumps of sugar scattered around. The baking tray has worn edges, contrasting with the white powdered sugar and parchment below. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
1 small bottle (8 oz) or a can of Sprite
1 small can (6 oz) of pineapple juice
Approximately 2 cups of powdered sugar (adjust as needed for full coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the cranberries in a large bowl and pour in the Sprite and pineapple juice. Cover the bowl, gently shake to mix, and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors infuse.
Step 2: Drain the cranberries, reserving the juice for a cocktail or mocktail. Transfer the cranberries to a large zip-top bag and add powdered sugar, shaking gently until the cranberries are fully coated.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated cranberries in a single layer on the sheet.
Step 4: Place the baking sheet in the oven for 5–7 minutes to dry the cranberries. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge or a cool, dark pantry for up to one week.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger powder to the powdered sugar before coating the cranberries.
Use sparkling water instead of Sprite for a less sweet but equally refreshing infusion.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, extend drying time in the oven by a few minutes, checking frequently.

Storage

Store cooled powdered cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dark pantry. They will keep fresh for up to one week. To enjoy, serve chilled or at room temperature. Avoid humid environments to maintain their powdery coating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of many small round berries covered evenly with a white powdery coating, scattered on a white paper-lined tray. The berries are mostly light purple and red beneath the powder, some showing spots where the coating has broken to reveal the soft fruit inside. Powder is scattered around them, creating a textured layer on the paper. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before starting the recipe.

What can I do with the reserved juice?

The juice is perfect for cocktails or mocktails. Use it as a mixer with your favorite spirits, or combine it with soda water and a splash of lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.

Powdered Cranberries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

Powdered Cranberries are a delightful, tangy-sweet treat made by soaking fresh cranberries in a blend of Sprite and pineapple juice, then coating them generously with powdered sugar before lightly drying them in the oven. They offer a unique texture and flavor that is perfect for snacking or as a festive garnish for cocktails and desserts.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 14 hours 17 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups powdered cranberries 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
1 small bottle (8 oz) of Sprite
1 small can (6 oz) of pineapple juice
Approximately 2 cups of powdered sugar (adjust as needed for full coating)

Instructions

Soak the Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries in a large bowl and pour in the entire bottle of Sprite and the can of pineapple juice. Cover the bowl, gently shake it to combine the liquids and cranberries evenly, then refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the cranberries.
Coat with Powdered Sugar: The next day, drain the cranberries using a colander, reserving the flavorful juice for use in cocktails or mocktails. Transfer the cranberries to a large zip-top plastic bag, add the powdered sugar, and gently shake the bag until all the cranberries are fully coated with a thick layer of the powdered sugar.
Dry the Cranberries: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the sugar-coated cranberries out in a single layer to ensure even drying. Place the baking sheet in the oven and dry the cranberries for 5 to 7 minutes, checking to make sure they do not melt the sugar coating.
Cool and Store: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cranberries to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cool, dark pantry. They will keep fresh for up to one week, making them a convenient, flavorful treat or decorative garnish.

Notes

The reserved juice makes a great base for cocktails or mocktails, so don’t discard it.
Adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your desired sweetness and coating thickness.
Keep a close eye on drying time to avoid melting the sugar or cooking the cranberries too much.
For an extra festive touch, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar before coating.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sugar from absorbing moisture.

Keywords: powdered cranberries, cranberry snack, holiday treat, coated cranberries, cranberry garnish