The Best Cranberry Dessert Recipes You'll Ever Make (2024)

FAQs

Are fresh or dried cranberries better for baking? ›

Can I substitute dried cranberries in recipes that call for fresh cranberries? Yes, dried cranberries work well in baked goods; however there is a ¼ cup difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, use ¾ cup of sweetened dried cranberries.

If cranberries are frozen then removed from the freezer then thawed, they will have a soft texture and are usable for cooking and baking.

HOW MUCH CRANBERRIES TO EAT DAILY? Studies confirming the health-promoting properties of cranberries have typically used doses of 100-300 g of fresh cranberries, equivalent to 7-10 g of dried cranberries, and 100-150 ml of 100% cranberry juice.

Rehydrate the fruits: Dried fruits can be quite hard and dry, so it's often a good idea to rehydrate them before adding them to your baked goods. To do this, simply soak the dried fruits in warm water or fruit juice for 15-20 minutes until they are plump and tender.

Dried cranberries may be marketed as craisins due to the similarity in appearance with raisins, although the word "Craisin" is a registered trademark of Ocean Spray. Craisins were introduced as part of a packaged cereal produced by Ralston Purina in 1989.

Pack cranberries into containers, leaving ½-inch headspace for expansion, or freeze them on a tray and then pack into containers or freezer bags as soon as berries are frozen. Frozen berries are best if used within one year.

Both fresh and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many can lead to an upset stomach.

Cooking with cranberries is a fun and easy way to incorporate unique flavor, color and variety into meals. Frozen cranberries can often be used in recipes that call for fresh without even having to thaw.

What kind of cheese goes with cranberries? ›

Try some crumbled chèvre or feta with fresh cranberries for a salad that is as pretty to look at as it is tasty to eat. Don't love fresh, whole cranberries? No problem! Vermont Creamery's Cranberry and Tarragon Goat Cheese Crumbles use slightly sweetened dried cranberries.

Cranberries (particularly in juice form) are very effective at settling digestive problems and stomach aches. This is due in part to the fruit's high acid content.

Is it safe to eat cranberries raw? Cranberries are generally considered safe whether they are cooked or raw. However, because of their notoriously bitter, sharp taste, most people prefer not to eat them raw or unsweetened. This bitterness is due to the high tannin content of cranberries.

Aspirinallergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin. Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar.

Cranberries have anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to their high amounts of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins and flavanols, which give cranberries their dark hue. “Antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases because they can help lower inflammation in our bodies,” says O'Neill.

Choose. Although cranberries are almost always prepackaged, look for firm, plump berries with a deep red color. Avoid shriveled or soft berries.

Yes, Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup (60 mL) difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup (175 mL) of Craisins®. Craisins® should not be used in cooked sauces.

Using Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh

Rehydrating dried cranberries is an optional (but recommended) step if you're baking with them, as they won't dry out further during baking and become chewy or hard. Instead, they'll be plump and add moisture to the end product.

Cranberries, in general, dried, or fresh, are loaded with nutrition in the form of vitamins and antioxidants. Dried cranberries contain almost the same number of antioxidants and dietary fibers that you will get in the fresh ones.