This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tart twist on a classic condiment. It’s made by mixing fresh cranberries with a rich layer of smooth chocolate. Yum!
You might just want to eat this sauce by the spoonful! It pairs perfectly with turkey, but honestly, I could enjoy it on anything. It’s a fun way to spice up your holiday table! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key to creating that tart flavor in the sauce. If fresh ones are hard to find, frozen cranberries work well too—just don’t thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of cranberries. For a healthier option, you can try using honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preference!
Dark Chocolate: I recommend using semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for a richer taste. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, any good quality vegan chocolate will do. You can even use white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter coating.
Butter/Coconut Oil: While I like using butter for its creamy flavor, coconut oil adds a nice sheen to the chocolate. If you need a vegan alternative, coconut oil is perfect!
How Do I Keep My Chocolate Coating Smooth?
Getting a smooth chocolate coating can be tricky, but here are some helpful tips:
- Use a double boiler when melting chocolate. This keeps the temperature consistent and prevents burning.
- Stir constantly while melting. This helps the chocolate remain smooth and creamy. If using a microwave, melt in short bursts, checking often.
- Adding a bit of butter or coconut oil helps with consistency and gives a shiny finish.
Once you’ve dipped the cranberry rounds, let the excess chocolate drip off, and don’t forget to refrigerate them to set! This will give you that beautiful glossy look and ensure they taste amazing too.
Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional for a citrus flavor)
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (semisweet or bittersweet), chopped or chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil (for shine and smoothness)
- Fresh whole cranberries (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1.5 hours to chill and set. So, you’ll need a total of about 2 hours to make these delicious treats. Most of this time is hands-off while your concoction chills in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
Rinse the fresh cranberries and set aside any that are soft or damaged. In a medium saucepan, combine your cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. If you’re adding it, sprinkle in the orange zest for a nice, zesty kick. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally until most berries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
2. Cool the Sauce:
Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This is essential for the next steps!
3. Shape the Sauce:
Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper or wax paper. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, make small round dollops of the cooled cranberry sauce and place them on the lined surface. Once you’ve finished, chill these in the refrigerator for about 1 hour so they can firm up nicely.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the cranberry rounds are chilling, it’s time to melt the chocolate! You can do this by creating a double boiler (a heatproof bowl over simmering water) or in the microwave. If using the microwave, melt in short bursts, stirring often until smooth. Stir in the butter or coconut oil for a glossy finish.
5. Coat the Rounds:
After chilling, take the cranberry rounds out of the fridge. Dip each one completely into the melted chocolate, using a fork to lift them out. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Garnish and Set:
If you like, you can top each chocolate-covered cranberry with a fresh cranberry for a festive touch. Place your tray back in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets, which should take about 30 minutes.
7. Serve:
These delightful bites can be served chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a unique condiment or as a special sweet treat during the holidays!
With a glossy, rich chocolate coating and a tart, sweet cranberry center, these Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce bites are sure to impress at your next gathering or holiday feast!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to cook them directly from frozen without thawing for the best texture and flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup or even half a cup. You can always taste the mixture while cooking and adjust as needed!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chocolate-covered cranberry rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to a week. Just pop them back in the fridge before serving for that perfect chill!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to dip them in chocolate until the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste!
