Cranberry Jelly Candy has become a cherished treat in my home, especially during the holiday season. This festive, tart, and sweet homemade delight is not only visually appealing with its ruby-red color but also offers a burst of flavor that complements warm drinks and dessert platters alike. Whether you’re searching for a unique gift or a sweet addition to your holiday festivities, this cranberry jelly candy is a perfect choice. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful confectionery!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jelly Candy

There are countless reasons to adore this Cranberry Jelly Candy. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Second, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various forms, such as a Cranberry Gumdrop or even a Cranberry Fruit Chew. Additionally, it’s a great way to use up fresh cranberries, and the recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs, including vegan options. Plus, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family, bringing smiles during the holidays.

Ingredients for Cranberry Jelly Candy

Gather these items:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
½ cup water
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp unflavored gelatin (or 2 tsp agar-agar powder for vegan option)
¼ cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract or orange zest
Additional sugar for coating (optional)

How to Make Cranberry Jelly Candy Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine cranberries, sugar, and ½ cup water in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes until berries burst and soften.
Step 2: Purée with an immersion blender and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Sprinkle gelatin over ¼ cup cold water and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
Step 4: Return the purée to the saucepan. Stir in lemon juice and bloomed gelatin. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes until dissolved (do not boil).
Step 5: Pour the mixture into silicone molds or a parchment-lined pan. Chill for 2–3 hours until firm.
Step 6: If using a pan, cut into squares. Optionally roll in sugar for sparkle.
Step 7: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Jelly Candy

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the gelatin is fully bloomed before adding it to the mixture for the best texture.
Experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla extract or orange zest.
This recipe can also be made using agar-agar for a vegan version, making it versatile for various dietary preferences.

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Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Jelly Candy

There are numerous ways to enjoy this delightful candy. Serve it as a sweet treat alongside your holiday desserts or decorate your dessert platters with these colorful candies. They also make for a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift idea for friends and family during the festive season. Consider pairing them with other Cranberry Confectionery items for a themed gift basket!

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Jelly Candy

To keep your Cranberry Jelly Candy fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. This candy does not require reheating, making it a perfect option for meal prep, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Jelly Candy

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Jelly Candy?

The key to perfect Cranberry Jelly Candy is ensuring that the gelatin is fully dissolved before cooling the mixture. This guarantees a smooth, chewy texture that everyone will love.

Can I make Cranberry Jelly Candy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Cranberry Jelly Candy days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh until you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Jelly Candy?

To avoid common pitfalls, be careful not to boil the mixture after adding the gelatin, as this can affect the texture. Also, ensure you bloom the gelatin properly for the best results.

Cranberry Jelly Candy: 7 Steps to a Festive Delight - Cranberry Jelly Candy - additional detail

Variations of Cranberry Jelly Candy You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with your Cranberry Jelly Candy. You can add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or mix in different fruit purees to experiment with flavors. For a unique twist, try making Cranberry Gummy Candy by altering the proportions of gelatin for a chewier consistency. You can also explore vegan options using agar-agar, making this treat accessible to everyone.

Cranberry Jelly Candy: 7 Steps to a Festive Delight

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Cranberry Jelly Candy – A Festive, Tart, and Sweet Homemade Treat!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 pieces 1x
Category: Candy
Method: Stovetop and Chilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
½ cup water
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp unflavored gelatin (or 2 tsp agar-agar powder for vegan option)
¼ cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract or orange zest
Additional sugar for coating (optional)

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Instructions

Combine cranberries, sugar, and ½ cup water in a saucepan. Simmer 10 minutes until berries burst and soften.
Purée with immersion blender and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth mixture.
Sprinkle gelatin over ¼ cup cold water and let sit 5 minutes to bloom.
Return purée to saucepan. Stir in lemon juice and bloomed gelatin. Heat gently 2–3 minutes until dissolved (do not boil).
Pour mixture into silicone molds or parchment-lined pan. Chill 2–3 hours until firm.
If using a pan, cut into squares. Optionally roll in sugar for sparkle.
Keep in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.