As the holiday season approaches, many of us are on the lookout for new and exciting desserts to serve at our gatherings. And what better way to add some festive flair than with the tart and tangy flavor of cranberries? From classic cheesecakes and crisps to creative trifles and cookies, we’ve rounded up 18 mouthwatering cranberry dessert recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a sweet treat to add to your holiday menu, these delicious desserts showcase the best of what cranberries have to offer. With flavors ranging from classic orange and cinnamon to more unexpected combinations like lime and pistachio, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
Elevate your dessert game with this delightful Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared crust.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
6. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling time)
White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
These chewy blondies are infused with the sweetness of white chocolate and the tartness of cranberries, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Fold into the wet ingredients.
5. Gently fold in cranberries.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cranberry Apple Crisp
A perfect blend of sweet and tangy, this Cranberry Apple Crisp is a delicious dessert for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 6 cups mixed cranberries (fresh or frozen)
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cranberries and sliced apples.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add this mixture to the cranberry-apple mixture; toss until well combined.
4. Transfer the fruit mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped pecans (if using). Mix until well combined.
6. Top the fruit mixture with the oat mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
These sweet and crunchy biscotti are perfect for dipping into your favorite coffee or tea. With the added flavors of cranberries and pistachios, they’re a delicious treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until smooth. Add cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest; stir until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Shape dough into a log about 12 inches long. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick slices.
7. Place slices on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each biscotti.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cranberry Mousse Tart
Cranberry Mousse Tart Recipe
A sweet and tangy tart perfect for the holiday season, this Cranberry Mousse Tart is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on prepared baking sheet. Fold edges over to form a crust, pressing gently to seal.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and salt. Let stand for 15 minutes, until cranberries start to release their juices.
4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream and egg, beating until combined.
5. Spread cranberry mixture over pastry crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with whipped cream cheese mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is set. Let cool completely before serving.
Cranberry Almond Cake
A moist and flavorful cake that combines the sweetness of almonds with the tartness of cranberries, perfect for a seasonal treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in cranberries and almonds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cranberry Pecan Pie
Cranberry Pecan Pie Recipe
A classic twist on the traditional pecan pie, this recipe adds a tangy and sweet cranberry filling to create a deliciously unique dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 2 cups pecan halves
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in melted butter and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla extract. Add the cooked cranberry mixture and stir to combine.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the cranberry-pecan mixture and top with pecan halves.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cranberry Bread Pudding
This sweet and tangy bread pudding is perfect for the holiday season, featuring the flavors of cranberries and white chocolate. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, white chocolate chips, cranberry sauce, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
3. Add bread cubes to the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream. Pour over bread mixture and stir until combined.
5. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cranberry Chocolate Truffles
Elevate your holiday dessert game with these bite-sized Cranberry Chocolate Truffles, perfect for parties and gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval).
3. Add granulated sugar, cranberries, vanilla extract, and salt to the melted white chocolate. Stir until combined.
4. Fold whipped cream into the mixture until well incorporated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Roll mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
7. Melt semisweet chocolate chips as above.
8. Dip truffles into melted chocolate, coating completely.
9. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours + chilling time
Cranberry Lime Sorbet
A refreshing winter treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of lime, this sorbet is perfect for a light and fruity dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries and sugar.
2. Add the lime juice and water to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened slightly.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
6. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Once the sorbet is almost set, stir in the honey (if using).
8. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Cranberry Coconut Macaroons
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy with these Cranberry Coconut Macaroons! Chewy coconut-based cookies infused with dried cranberries and a hint of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut, sugar, flour, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and egg whites until smooth.
4. Add the cranberries and orange zest to the wet ingredients; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture; stir until a dough forms.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each macaroon.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cranberry Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Warm up your fall mornings with these scrumptious Cranberry Pumpkin Spice Muffins, infused with the perfect blend of seasonal flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cranberries
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and cranberries. Stir until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Cranberry Gingerbread Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the warmth of ginger with the sweetness of cranberries, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cranberry Raspberry Parfait
A refreshing and fruity dessert perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup vanilla yogurt
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the raspberries and cranberries.
2. Spoon a layer of the fruit mixture into the bottom of a parfait glass or tall clear cup.
3. Top the fruit with a layer of vanilla yogurt, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Sprinkle the granola over the yogurt.
5. Drizzle the honey over the granola.
6. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a layer of yogurt on top.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed, just assemble and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cranberry Maple Pecan Bars
Cranberry Maple Pecan Bars: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
These bars combine the sweetness of maple syrup with the tartness of cranberries, all on a crunchy pecan crust. Perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pecans. Stir until well combined.
3. Add melted butter, cranberries, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Press dough into prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Start your day with a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, infused with the tartness of cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, warm milk, egg, cranberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Cut into 8-10 equal pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
7. Place rolls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each roll.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving. Enjoy!
Cranberry Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
Elevate your dessert game with this creamy and tangy panna cotta infused with the flavors of cranberry and vanilla bean.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1/4 cup unflavored gelatin
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Remove from heat and add the cranberry sauce, vanilla bean, and bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cranberry Brown Butter Shortbread
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic shortbread cookie, this Cranberry Brown Butter Shortbread combines the flavors of fresh cranberries and caramelized brown butter for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons brown butter (see note)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add cranberries and brown butter to the butter mixture; stir until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture; mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between cookies.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note: To make brown butter, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool before using.
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 delicious cranberry dessert recipes! From classic cheesecakes and crisps to creative blondies and truffles, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at a Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies, or a warm Cranberry Apple Crisp. Or, get fancy with a Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti or Cranberry Mousse Tart. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and make your holiday gathering a hit!
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