Fall in love with a holiday treat that marries tart, ruby-red cranberries with the silky, decadent embrace of melted chocolate. This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s a festive twist where chocolate meets cranberries in a delightful sauce that doubles as a dessert or appetizer. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter gathering, a full Thanksgiving spread, or an intimate dinner party, this recipe brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. Each spoonful delivers that joyful blend of tangy fruit and sweet richness, making it impossible to resist sampling just one more piece.
Easy to whip up in under an hour (plus rest time!), this beginner-level recipe walks you through every step, from simmering fresh or thawed cranberries with sugar and citrus notes to drizzling silky semi-sweet chocolate over the cooled sauce. The preparation time is just 10 minutes, the cooking time spans 20 minutes on the stove, and then you’ll chill everything for about an hour until the chocolate sets. At around 250 calories per serving, it’s an indulgence you can enjoy without feeling overly decadent. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet after-dinner nibble, this sauce is simply irresistible.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHOCOLATE COVERED CRANBERRY SAUCE
Every memorable dish starts with star ingredients that shine on their own and elevate each other when combined. In this festive sauce, each item plays a vital role—providing texture, sweetness, acidity, or that chocolatey finish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
These little tart gems form the heart of the sauce. As they pop and break down, they release their vibrant juices, creating a bright, fruity base that contrasts beautifully with melted chocolate.
- Granulated sugar
Balanced sweetness is essential to tame the cranberries’ natural tang. Sugar dissolves during cooking, thickening the sauce and giving it a luscious mouthfeel.
- Orange juice
The citrus adds a zesty dimension, brightening flavors and helping the fruit break down more quickly. Its acidity cuts through sweetness and deepens the overall profile.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Melting into a glossy coating, semi-sweet chocolate delivers that luxurious finish. It complements the tang of the cranberries without overwhelming their brightness.
- Water
A small amount of water prevents the cranberries from sticking and burning while cooking. It helps create a syrupy consistency before the mixture reaches full thickness.
- Vanilla extract
Just a hint of vanilla warms up the flavor, adding aromatic depth and rounding out any sharp edges in the sauce.
- Salt
A pinch of salt heightens the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate’s flavor, ensuring a well-balanced treat.
- Slivered almonds or chopped nuts (optional)
For added crunch and a nutty accent, sprinkle your favorite nuts over the chocolate. It creates a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy sauce underneath.
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE COVERED CRANBERRY SAUCE
Transforming tart cranberries into a decadent chocolate-covered delight is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect texture and flavor every time:
1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water if using fresh. If using frozen, no need to rinse, but ensure they are thawed so they cook evenly.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water over medium heat. This creates the foundation for your vibrant sauce.
3. Cook the mixture while stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop and break down, approximately 10–15 minutes. Watch as the berries burst and release their juices.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enrich the flavor.
5. Let the cranberry sauce cool for at least 30 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools, achieving that perfect spreadable consistency.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
7. Once the cranberry sauce is completely cooled, spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for an even layer about a quarter-inch thick.
8. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cranberry sauce, ensuring an even coating. Alternatively, you can fully dip spoonfuls of cranberry sauce into the chocolate if you prefer more coverage.
9. Optional: Sprinkle slivered almonds or chopped nuts over the chocolate-covered cranberry sauce for a delightful crunch.
10. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set.
11. Cut or break into pieces and serve as a festive treat or side dish that dazzles on a holiday dessert table.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHOCOLATE COVERED CRANBERRY SAUCE
When it comes to showcasing this festive sauce, creativity is your best friend. You can keep it simple or turn it into an artful display that wows guests. These ideas will help you serve each bite with flair:
- Pair with roasted meats
Spoon a small dollop alongside turkey, chicken, or pork for a sweet-tart accent. The chocolate edge adds a surprising depth, making every bite memorable.
- Create a cheese board accent
Arrange slices of brie or camembert next to the cranberry squares. The creamy cheese and chocolate-covered fruit form an irresistible flavor harmony.
- Plate it as a mini dessert
Serve bite-sized pieces on decorative spoons or mini dessert plates. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Top vanilla ice cream or yogurt
Warm slightly and drizzle over a scoop of ice cream or yogurt for a quick, indulgent treat. The contrast of cold cream and chocolate-coated tangy fruit is pure delight.
HOW TO STORE CHOCOLATE COVERED CRANBERRY SAUCE
Proper storage ensures your chocolate-covered cranberry sauce retains its flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Whether you’re preparing a batch in advance or saving leftovers, follow these tips to keep it fresh:
- Airtight container in the refrigerator
Transfer the cooled, cut pieces into a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to one week. This prevents moisture from softening the chocolate and keeps flavors bright.
- Layering with parchment
When stacking pieces, insert parchment or wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. This preserves each slice’s shape and ensures easy removal.
- Freezer storage
For longer preservation, place individual pieces on a baking sheet to freeze for about 2 hours. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Room-temperature dessert stand (short-term)
If serving at a party, arrange on a covered cake stand or platter at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Keep away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain the chocolate’s sheen.
CONCLUSION
This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce recipe brings a festive burst of color and flavor to any holiday table. We’ve explored how vibrant cranberries, zesty orange juice, and silky chocolate chips come together in a beginner-friendly recipe with just a few simple steps. From rinsing fresh berries to drizzling melted chocolate over a parchment-lined sheet, every stage is designed to delight both home cooks and guests. With preparation time of just 10 minutes, a cooking time of 20 minutes, and a rest time of one hour, you’ll have a showstopping appetizer or dessert ready in under two hours from start to finish. Whether you serve it with roasted meats, as part of a cheese board, or atop vanilla ice cream, this dish adds a joyful twist of sweet and tart that’s sure to spark compliments.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—it’s a handy reference for your next holiday gathering or cozy family dinner. You can also find a FAQ below for any extra tips or troubleshooting with chocolate coverage, cooling times, or flavor variations. If you try this recipe or need help at any step, please leave your comments, questions, or feedback. I love hearing your stories, suggestions, and twists on this festive treat—let’s keep the conversation going and make every holiday season a little more chocolatey and cranberry-sweet!
Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce
Description
Experience the joyful blend of tart cranberries and rich chocolate, perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat! It's easy to make and simply irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Rinse the cranberries under cold water if using fresh. If using frozen, no need to rinse, but ensure they are thawed.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water over medium heat.
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Cook the mixture while stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop and break down, approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Reduce heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
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Let the cranberry sauce cool for at least 30 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
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In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Once the cranberry sauce is completely cooled, spread it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cranberry sauce, ensuring an even coating. Alternatively, you can fully dip spoonfuls of cranberry sauce into the chocolate if you prefer more coverage.
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Optional: Sprinkle slivered almonds or chopped nuts over the chocolate-covered cranberry sauce if desired.
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Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is set.
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Cut or break into pieces and serve as a festive treat or side dish.
Note
- This dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats or as a standalone dessert.
- You can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter touch.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy note.
- The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
