Delicious Homemade Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe You’ll Love
The sweet tang of cranberry jelly candy wafts through the air, beckoning you to take a bite. With its glossy finish and jewel-toned hue, this homemade treat isn’t just a candy; it’s a delightful adventure for your taste buds, as each chewy piece gives way to a burst of tart cranberry flavor. Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, this Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe promises to create a joyful moment that’ll leave your friends and family clamoring for more.
Recalling the fond memories of candy-making traditions, this gem of a recipe has me picturing kitchen counters dusted with powdered sugar, laughter filling the air, and the delightful anticipation of sweet rewards. Perfect for sharing or just indulging in when you need a pick-me-up, this scrumptious candy is both visually stunning and ridiculously easy to conquer. Get ready to dive into the fun of making your very own cranberry jelly candy!
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
- This incredible Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe:
240 milliliters cold cranberry juice – Opt for 100% juice with no added sugar for the best tartness and flavor.
180 milliliters boiling cranberry juice – This adds depth and heat to your mixture, ensuring proper gelatin activation.
35 grams powdered gelatin – Provides the candy’s structure; make sure to use unflavored gelatin for the best texture.
650 grams granulated sugar – Because, let’s be honest, sugar is what makes candy, candy! It’s what turns the tart juice into a sweet treat.
Nonstick spray – For greasing the tin and knife, making your candy-making process mess-free and more enjoyable.
How to Make Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare Your Tin
Line an 8×8-inch square tin with parchment paper in a criss-cross pattern, allowing a generous 1-inch overhang on all sides. Don’t forget to give it a healthy spray of nonstick spray; this will make removing your candy a whole lot easier later on!
Step 2: Combine Juices and Gelatin
In a large stock pot, pour in the cold cranberry juice and sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the top. Whisk it all together until it’s lovely and combined. You want a smooth mixture, so get in there and whisk like you mean it!
Step 3: Add the Hot Juice and Sugar
Now it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters! Pour in the boiling cranberry juice along with the granulated sugar, then whisk until the sugar dissolves completely, and your sweet potion is well mixed.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Put the mixture on the stove, bringing it to a boil over high heat, which should take about 5 minutes. Once it’s bubbling beautifully, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally until the candy thermometer reads 107°C / 225°F. This will take approximately 20-25 minutes or more. Patience is key here!
Step 5: Skim and Pour
Remove your pot from the heat and grab a skimmer or fine mesh strainer to gently remove any bubbles that have formed on the surface. You want a clear, lovely candy, not a bubbly mess! Pour the hot mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate your mixture until it’s firm, which will take at least 4 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight. It’s worth it for the perfect texture!
Once your candy is firm, lovingly flip the chilled cranberry slab onto a sugared board, peel away the parchment, and generously coat both sides with granulated sugar. Time to slice it up! Use the back of a knife to mark your squares, and with a sharp, well-oiled chef’s knife, cut along the lines. Roll each square in sugar and display your masterpieces on a tray, allowing them to dry at room temperature for 1-2 days until they’re delightfully crunchy on the outside.
Now, there’s nothing left to do but share your radiant creation with others (or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!). These gems make for the perfect sweet addition to any occasion, from special holiday treats to an everyday snack. Store them in an airtight container with some parchment paper layered in between, and indulge in your homemade cranberry jelly candy for up to a month!
This showstopping Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe Cooking Process
Start by preparing your tin and greasing it well, so the jelly releases easily later. Mix cold cranberry juice with gelatin first, then introduce the boiling juice and sugar for a seamless blend. This ensures a smooth candy texture, preventing any lumps.
Add Your Touch to Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
Feel free to play with flavors by incorporating complementary juices like apple or orange for a unique twist. For an extra zing, add a splash of lemon or orange zest to the mixture for a refreshing citrus note.
Storing & Reheating Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
Store your cranberry jelly candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. To refresh them, leave them out for a few hours, allowing them to regain their crunchy exterior without needing reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
- This professional-quality Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
During my first attempt at this candy, a friend cheekily suggested they were “the best thing to happen to fruit since sliced bread.” Their laughter filled the kitchen, making the process even sweeter and a memory I cherish.
FAQs About Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
What is Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe?
The Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe is a delightful homemade treat that transforms cranberry juice into chewy, flavorful candies. By combining ingredients like gelatin, sugar, and both cold and boiling cranberry juices, you create a fun, vibrant dessert that’s perfect for sharing. These candies are not only tasty but also versatile, allowing you to adapt them with different fruit juices or zests for unique flavors. A hit at parties and family gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your friends and loved ones.
How long does it take to make Cranberry Jelly Candy?
To prepare your Cranberry Jelly Candy, set aside about 30 minutes for the initial prep and cooking time. However, don’t forget about the chilling time! You’ll want to refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours—or better yet, overnight—to achieve the ideal firmness. This ensures that your candies have the perfect texture. Once they’re set and cut, allow them to dry at room temperature for 1-2 days, and voila! You’ll have a delicious homemade treat ready to enjoy.
Can I customize my Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the fantastic aspects of the Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe is its adaptability. You can easily mix in other complementary juices, such as orange or apple, to create a unique taste. For an extra zing, consider adding citrus zest like lemon or lime to enhance flavors further. You can also experiment with different sugars or sweeteners to suit your dietary preferences. Personalizing this recipe will make it even more special and tailored to your taste.
How should I store my Cranberry Jelly Candies?
Store your delicious Cranberry Jelly Candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Make sure they are well-coated with sugar before storage to keep them from sticking together. If they lose their crunch over time, simply let them sit out for a few hours to refresh their texture. There’s no need to reheat them—just enjoy these treats as they are!
Conclusion for Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe
The Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe offers a simple yet rewarding way to indulge your sweet tooth. With its vibrant flavors and fun chewiness, this recipe is a fantastic addition to any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself. Remember to allow time for chilling and drying, as these steps are crucial for achieving the perfect consistency. Whether you enjoy them right away or share them with friends, these candies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Cranberry Jelly Candy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8×8-inch square tin with parchment paper in a criss-cross pattern, allowing a 1-inch overhang on all sides, and generously grease with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large stock pot, add the cold cranberry juice and sprinkle powdered gelatin over the top. Whisk together until combined.
- Pour in the boiling cranberry juice along with the granulated sugar, then whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, which should take about 5 minutes. Then reduce to medium heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the candy thermometer reads 107°C / 225°F. This process takes approximately 20-25 minutes or more.
- Remove the pot from heat. Using a skimmer or fine mesh strainer, gently remove any large bubbles that have formed on the surface.
- Pour the hot mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Line a large tray with parchment or a silicone baking mat and coat a large chopping board with 2-3 scoops of granulated sugar. Flip the chilled cranberry slab onto the sugared board and peel away the parchment lining.
- Using your hands, thoroughly spread granulated sugar over the slab on both sides to fully coat.
- With the back of a knife, lightly mark squares on the sugar-coated slab as a cutting guide.
- Using a sharp, well-oiled chef’s knife, carefully cut along the marked lines to separate the candies.
- Roll each individual square in granulated sugar to completely coat all sticky surfaces.
- Arrange the coated candies on the prepared tray ensuring they do not touch. Allow them to dry uncovered at room temperature for 1-2 days until the sugar crystallizes and the candy is crunchy on the outside.
- Layer the dried cranberry jelly candies between sheets of parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
