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- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup sugar - 1 cup water - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 2 tablespoons coconut oil To create chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce, gather these main ingredients. Fresh or frozen cranberries provide a bright, tart flavor. Sugar and water help balance the tartness. Vanilla extract and cinnamon add warmth and depth. Dark chocolate chips bring richness, while coconut oil gives the chocolate a smooth texture. - Sea salt for garnish A sprinkle of sea salt is key. It enhances the sweet and tart notes. The salt creates a lovely contrast to the chocolate. This simple touch makes every bite more exciting. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Rinse the cranberries under cold water. - If you use frozen cranberries, you do not need to thaw them. - In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. - Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. - Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. - Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. - Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. - Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. - Move the bowl to the fridge and chill for at least one hour. - In a microwave-safe bowl, mix dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. - Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth. - Once the cranberry sauce is chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon. - Form small mounds of cranberry sauce and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Dip each mound into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. - While the chocolate is warm, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on each mound. - Chill the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30 minutes until the chocolate sets. - Using high-quality chocolate: Always choose good chocolate. It makes a big difference in taste. Dark chocolate works best for a rich flavor. Look for chocolate that has at least 60% cocoa for the best results. - Adjusting sweetness to taste: Taste your cranberry sauce before dipping. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar while cooking. Remember, the chocolate adds some sweetness too. Balance is key for the perfect treat. - Temperature control for chocolate: Keep an eye on your chocolate temperature. If it’s too hot, it can separate. If too cool, it will not coat well. Aim for a smooth, melted consistency. - Suggestions for coating thickness: When dipping, don’t rush it! Make sure each piece is well-coated. A thicker layer adds to the yum factor but may take longer to set. Try different thicknesses to find what you like best. - Pairing with desserts or snacks: These bites go great with ice cream or cake. They also work well on a cheese board. Try serving them with salty snacks for a nice contrast. - Creative serving ideas: Arrange your chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce on a platter. Add some fresh berries or nuts around them. This way, they look fancy and taste even better! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones, enhancing the overall quality of your sauce. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe. Feel free to reduce it or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey. Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is great, consider adding other spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist on your cranberry sauce. Storage Tips: Store any leftover chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for a delightful snack or dessert. {{image_2}} You can switch up your chocolate for a new taste. Milk chocolate offers a sweeter flavor, while white chocolate adds creaminess. You can also use flavored chocolate. Try mint chocolate for a fresh twist or orange chocolate for a bright flavor. Get creative by adding spices or extracts. A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract can elevate the taste. You can also mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans. Dried fruits, such as cherries or apricots, can add a chewy texture. Use chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce in fun ways. It makes a great addition to a cheese board, pairing well with cheeses and crackers. You can also serve it as a topping for desserts. Pour it over ice cream or cake for a delicious surprise. To store your chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other smells. You can use glass or plastic containers. Make sure the sauce is cool before sealing it. If you want to freeze chocolate-dipped bites, layer them in a single row in a freezer-safe container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. When you want to serve them, take out the bites and let them thaw in the fridge. This keeps their taste and texture best. Chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce can last up to two weeks in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about three months. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or an odd color. If you see these signs, it's best to throw it away. Chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce is a sweet and tart treat. It combines homemade cranberry sauce with rich chocolate. You start by cooking fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, water, vanilla, and cinnamon. Once the sauce cools, you dip small mounds into melted dark chocolate. This mix gives a delightful burst of flavor in each bite. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work just as well as fresh ones. You don’t need to thaw them before cooking. Just rinse them, and follow the recipe as usual. This makes it easy to enjoy this treat any time of year! The chocolate takes about 30 minutes to set in the fridge. After you dip the cranberry mounds, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. This cools the chocolate and makes it firm. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels solid and shiny. While you might find some variations in stores, pre-made chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce is rare. It’s easy and fun to make at home. Plus, you can control the flavors and sweetness. Making it yourself ensures freshness and taste that store-bought can’t match. Chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce pairs well with many foods. Try it with cheese on a charcuterie board. It also tastes great with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can use it as a topping on pancakes or waffles too. The sweet and tart balance makes it versatile! In this post, we covered how to make chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure success. Understanding variations and storage options can help you enjoy this treat longer. Final thoughts: This sauce is versatile, tasty, and easy to make. It’s perfect for any occasion and pairs well with many desserts. Enjoy experimenting and sharing this delightful dish!

Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Sauce

A delightful treat combining tart cranberry sauce with rich chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 pinch sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries under cold water. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them.
  • Cook the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Cool Down: Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature before moving it to the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  • Dip the Sauce: Once the cranberry sauce is chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form small, uniform amounts of cranberry sauce and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with Chocolate: Dip each mound of cranberry sauce into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated before placing them back on the baking sheet.
  • Garnish: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top for added flavor.
  • Chill Again: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has set.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
Keyword chocolate, cranberry, dessert, holiday