The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a plethora of festive flavors and sweet treats to indulge in. One of the most iconic and versatile fruits of the winter months is the humble cranberry. Tart, tangy, and oh-so-fragrant, these small but mighty berries can add a burst of flavor to anything from savory sauces to sweet desserts.
In this article, we’ll be counting down 20 mouthwatering cranberry dessert recipes that are sure to become new holiday favorites. From classic cakes and cookies to innovative tarts and crisps, we’ve got something for every taste and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for some inspiration to get your holiday baking started, these delicious desserts are sure to bring joy and cheer to your table this season.
Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of orange with the tartness of cranberries, topped with a caramelized orange and cranberry glaze. Perfect for a holiday dessert or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 orange, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, heavy cream, and orange juice.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Arrange cranberries in a single layer on the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour batter over cranberries and smooth top.
7. Arrange orange slices on top of the batter.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
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:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Cranberry Apple Crisp
A sweet and tangy combination of fresh cranberries, crisp apples, and warm spices, this Spiced Cranberry Apple Crisp is a perfect dessert for any season. It’s easy to make and serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cranberries, apple, sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix until well combined, then transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Top the cranberry-apple mixture with the oat mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cranberry Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Brighten up your holiday season with these tangy and sweet Cranberry Lemon Bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for a festive gathering or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cranberries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg. Pour mixture over shortbread crust.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
6. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Tart
This rich and decadent tart combines the tartness of cranberries with the deep flavors of dark chocolate, perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1 egg, beaten
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Arrange cranberries on top of the tart crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
6. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cranberries and sprinkle with orange juice.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
8. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Cranberry Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
This seasonal dessert combines the tanginess of cranberries with the warmth of gingersnap crust, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookies, crushed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crushed gingersnaps, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Cranberry Almond Biscotti
These crunchy biscotti are infused with the flavors of cranberries and almonds, making them a perfect snack for your holiday gatherings. With their delicate texture and sweet-tart flavor, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add almonds, cranberries, and salt; stir until combined.
4. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
7. Shape into 2 logs, about 12 inches long. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Bake again at 325°F (165°C) for an additional 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding
This maple cranberry bread pudding is a unique twist on the classic dessert, combining the warmth of maple syrup with the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for the fall season or any time you want to warm up with a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, maple syrup, and eggs.
3. Add bread cubes, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and melted butter; stir until well combined.
4. Fold in cranberries.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cranberry Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Cranberry Pecan Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
These sweet and tangy cookies are perfect for the holiday season, with the crunch of pecans and the burst of cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
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, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in flour mixture, then cranberries and pecans.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Vanilla Bean Cranberry Panna Cotta
This creamy dessert combines the sweetness of vanilla with the tanginess of cranberries, perfect for a refreshing winter treat. This panna cotta is light, airy, and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved and mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and cranberries. Let steep for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding solids.
4. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cranberry Coconut Macaroons
These chewy macaroons are infused with the tartness of cranberries and the richness of coconut, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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 baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until smooth. Add chopped cranberries and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow macaroons to cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Brown Butter Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the warmth of browned butter with the sweetness of cranberries and the comforting texture of oatmeal. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, cranberries, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cranberry Mousse Parfait with Granola
Elevate your dessert game with this refreshing and flavorful Cranberry Mousse Parfait with crunchy granola.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
– 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
– 1/2 cup granola
– Whipped cream and additional cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in cranberries and orange liqueur (if using). Let cool to room temperature.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the mixture to chill and thicken.
4. Just before serving, fold in vanilla yogurt.
5. To assemble the parfait, layer a portion of the cranberry mousse with granola and whipped cream in a glass or parfait dish.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Mousse Parfait with Granola!
Chocolate-Dipped Cranberry Shortbread
Elevate your holiday baking with this delightful combination of crumbly shortbread, tart cranberries, and rich chocolate. Perfect for gift-giving or a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cranberries
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press dough into a disk shape on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Allow shortbread to cool completely. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Dip cooled shortbread into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place dipped cookies on parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cranberry Gingerbread Loaf
Get ready to experience the perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and tanginess with this delicious Cranberry Gingerbread Loaf recipe. This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for snacking or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and cranberries.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Baked Cranberry Cinnamon Donuts
Start your day with a sweet and savory treat! These baked donuts are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the tanginess of cranberries, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in cranberries and cinnamon.
5. Pour batter into prepared donut pan.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cranberry Pistachio Baklava
This recipe combines the traditional flavors of baklava with the sweet and tangy taste of cranberries and the crunch of pistachios.
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. Layer phyllo, sugar, cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Drizzle with orange juice and sprinkle with salt.
5. Roll up remaining phyllo sheets and place on top of baklava.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Honey Roasted Cranberry Ice Cream
Elevate your ice cream game with this unique and delicious flavor combination, perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup roasted cranberries (see note)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers.
3. Remove from heat and stir in honey until fully incorporated.
4. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Add roasted cranberries and vanilla extract to the cooled mixture. Stir to combine.
6. Pour mixture into your prepared ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Once churned, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-7 minutes (heating the mixture) + 20-30 minutes (churning in ice cream maker)
Cranberry Pear Galette
This rustic galette combines the sweetness of pears with the tartness of cranberries, perfect for a seasonal dessert or snack. With a flaky crust and a flavorful filling, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dough until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press dough onto a lightly floured surface to form a circle.
5. Arrange pears and cranberries in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the crust over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush with honey and bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Eggnog Cranberry Trifle
This Eggnog Cranberry Trifle is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for the holiday season, this layered treat is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– Whipped cream and additional cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggnog, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until well combined.
3. Dip each ladyfinger into the eggnog mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable but not too wet.
4. To assemble the trifle, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a large serving dish. Top with a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of cranberries.
5. Repeat layers two more times, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
6. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with additional whipped cream and cranberries if desired.
Cooking Time: None required. Assemble and chill the trifle as needed.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a cranberry dessert extravaganza! This article presents 20 mouthwatering recipe ideas that combine the tartness of cranberries with sweet and savory flavors. From classic treats like Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake to creative concoctions like Spiced Cranberry Apple Crisp, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re a fan of cheesecakes, blondies, or cookies, these easy-to-make recipes are sure to delight your family and friends this holiday season.
