Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundup » 35 Fresh Cranberry Recipes (+Produce Guide)
by Marcie //December 13, 2021 (updated 2/23/23)
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There are so many delicious ways to use fresh cranberries, and this collection of 35 Fresh Cranberry Recipes is living proof! You’ll learn all about this incredible fruit, including nutrition information and health benefits, and will find a variety of sweet and savory recipes for the entire family!
I truly love this time of year. It’s certainly hectic, but when I’m able to relax and soak up all of the holiday spirit, there’s nothing like it!
Cranberries are a big part of the holiday season for me. While I love using dried cranberries year round in my broccoli slaw and breakfast cookies, fresh cranberries are where it’s at for me.
My cranberry orange sauce is a holiday staple, and my sugared cranberries make desserts and the holiday cookie tray sparkle.
During the fall and winter months, I buy several bags of fresh cranberries and stash them in the freezer because the season is just too short.
They keep for up to a year, so I can make my favorite cranberry orange muffins all year long. 🙂
What are cranberries?
Cranberries are fruits grown on evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines in the genus Vaccinium. Blueberries, lingonberries and huckleberries are also members of this genus.
They’re one of the only fruits native to North America. The fruit is small, hard and deep red in color, and has a very sour, bitter flavor.
The fruit was named “cranberry” by Dutch and German settlers. They thought the flower of the cranberry resembled the head and bill of a crane, and dubbed it “crane berry”.
When are cranberries in season?
The cranberry growing season is from April to November. The major production areas for cranberries are located in the northern part of the United States, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington.
How do cranberries grow?
Cranberries are very unique and are grown unlike any other fruit. They grow on low-lying vines similar to strawberries, and have small evergreen leaves. The berries are larger than the leaves, and turn from white to dark red when ripe.
They’re grown in beds (otherwise known as bogs or marshes) layered with sand, peat (moss), gravel and clay. Commercial bogs use water bodies like ponds, wetlands, ditches and plumes to provide a natural habitat for wild life and plants.
The plants thrive in well drained soil that’s acidic with a low pH.
Can cranberries be eaten raw?
Yes, cranberries may be eaten raw, but they are quite tart all on their own. They’re great in salsas, relishes, salads and even smoothies. It’s best to combine them with sweet ingredients or add sugar to tame the tartness.
Health benefits of cranberries
Cranberries are very nutritious and include a wide variety of health benefits. In fact, they’re a superfood and even outrank almost every fruit and vegetable in disease-fighting antioxidants, including strawberries, broccoli, blueberries and cherries to name a few.
Fresh cranberries are composed of 90% water, with the other 10% composed mostly of carbohydrates and fiber. They’re low in sugar — which is why they’re so tart!
They’re a great source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins C, E, K1 and magnesium and copper.
All of us have probably heard that we should drink cranberry juice to help prevent bacterial infections like urinary tract or yeast. According to my research, 100% cranberry juice is the best kind to drink, but cranberry supplements are your best bet. Of course, anything of this nature should be discussed with your doctor.
Consuming cranberries regularly may lower the risk of inflammation which can improve gut health and protect against chronic diseases.
Choosing cranberries
Fresh cranberries are sold in plastic bags, so I try to inspect the bags carefully and choose one with the least amount of discolored or bruised berries.
How long do fresh cranberries last?
Store the cranberries in the original bag in the fridge and use within a week or so, or freeze for up to one year. When ready to use, be sure to rinse the berries well and discard any discolored or bruised berries.
Cranberries may be made into cranberry sauce straight from the freezer or thawed first.
How to eat fresh cranberries
Past cranberry sauce, a lot of people have no idea what to do with fresh cranberries. They’re great in sweet recipes like co*cktails, pie, fruit crisp and quick breads, and make a great compote or sauce for roast pork tenderloin, chicken, baked camembert and more!
If you love produce, be sure to check out the following recipe round ups:
- Butternut squash recipes
- Carrot recipes
- Chicory recipes
- Corn recipes
- Delicata recipes
- Fava bean recipes
- Fennel recipes
- Fig recipes
- Leek recipes
- Kabocha squash recipes
- Persimmon recipes
- Poblano recipes
- Pomegranate recipes
- Rhubarb recipes
- Shish*to pepper recipes
- Swiss chard recipes
- Tomatillo recipes
35 Fresh Cranberry Recipes
If you have no clue what to make with fresh cranberries, this list of fresh cranberry recipes should give you a few ideas. Fresh cranberries can be used in desserts, compotes, sauces, co*cktails, savory recipes and more!
Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce is an easy homemade cranberry sauce that's tart, sweet and bursting with fresh orange flavor. It's made with just a few ingredients and cooks up in just 15 minutes!
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Easy Baked Camembert
This warm, gooey, cheesy Baked Camembert Recipe is the ultimate appetizer for any party! It’s made with 5 ingredients, so easy to prepare and ready in 20 minutes!
Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini
Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini is the perfect party appetizer! Bite sized deliciousness that’s quick and easy to make will be the hit of your parties year after year!
Orange Sugared Cranberries
Orange Sugared Cranberries are sure to add sparkle to your holiday table! They're a great addition to cheese boards, and make a festive garnish for co*cktails, desserts and so much more!
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Sweet Potato Crostinis with Roasted Cranberries
These sweet potato crostinis are topped with nutmeg-spiced ricotta and roasted cranberries. Pretty, healthy and a delicious appetizer for your holiday party!
Port Cranberry Pear Sauce
Port Cranberry Pear Sauce is sweet, tangy homemade cranberry pear sauce with the flavors of orange, cinnamon and port wine!
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Crock Pot Cranberry Apple Butter
Crock Pot Cranberry Apple Butter is an easy, no sugar fruit spread for toast, biscuits, muffins, and scones, it’s also perfect for holiday gift giving!
Cranberry Orange Muffins
These cranberry orange muffins are bursting with cranberries in every bite. This healthy muffin recipe is easy to make in one bowl!
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Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal
Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal is a fluffy baked oatmeal recipe studded with fresh cranberries, orange zest and topped with a tangy orange cream cheese glaze!
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Cranberry Orange Bread
Cranberry Orange Bread is an easy quick bread that’s perfect for the holiday season. Serve it for brunch on Christmas or Thanksgiving, turn it into a special after school snack or have it for dessert – it’s always the perfect choice!
Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel
Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel is a lightened up coffee cake that’s studded with fresh cranberries and bursting with fresh orange flavor!
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Cranberry Orange Rolls
Cranberry Orange Rolls are the perfect holiday breakfast! Filled with sweet and tart cranberry jam and topped with a delicious, sweet orange icing, these perfectly gooey and tender Orange Sweet Rolls are a family favorite.
Cranberry Raspberry Smoothie
A sweet, tangy and creamy cranberry raspberry smoothie made with few, simple ingredients — the perfect snack or breakfast!
Cranberry Donuts
Celebrate cranberry season with these dense, cakey white chocolate cranberry donuts. It’s a baked glazed donut recipe that brings together a smattering of tart cranberries and a delicious white chocolate glaze.
Fluffy Cranberry Orange Eggnog Pancakes
Fluffy Cranberry Orange Eggnog Pancakes are the fluffiest pancakes with plenty of eggnog flavor. They’re topped with whipped cream and orange sugared cranberries for one special holiday breakfast!
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Cranberry Dark and Stormy
A classic dark and stormy co*cktail, spruced up with homemade cranberry simple syrup using fresh cranberries – a fun and festive beverage to share with your buds at your Friendsgiving celebrations.
Cranberry Prosecco co*cktail
Raise a glass to the holidays with this refreshing and delicious Cranberry Prosecco co*cktail! Nothing but natural sweeteners in the syrup.
Cranberry Sangria
Cranberry Sangria is a refreshing holiday co*cktail with fruity red wine, fresh cranberries and warm cinnamon spice. It's perfect for entertaining!
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Orange Cranberry Kombucha Moscow Mule
Enjoy a festive and flavorful holiday co*cktail with this Orange Cranberry Kombucha Moscow Mule. It’s made with gin, kombucha, cranberries and freshly squeezed orange and lime juice.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
The perfect holiday drink, this Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is made with apple, cranberry and orange juices! Perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas party.
Cranberry Walnut Roasted Acorn Squash
This Cranberry Walnut Roasted Acorn Squash is the perfect Fall side dish, and perfect for Thanksgiving. The roasted onion and fresh cranberries give it warm bursts of delicious flavor, and the walnuts add a fabulous crunch!
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese
These green beans with cranberries, bacon and goat cheese are a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving table that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta – This sweet and savory side dish is perfect for the holidays and loaded with Fall flavor!
Roasted Acorn Squash and Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Orange Maple Tahini Dressing
This healthy quinoa salad is mixed with maple roasted acorn squash, cranberries and oranges for a fall meal that is gluten free and vegan friendly.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Cranberries
Fresh, maple roasted cranberries and roasted butternut squash are mixed with soft spinach leaves and creamy goat cheese to create a new favorite salad! This roasted butternut squash salad with cranberries is perfect for the holidays or any day!
Cranberry Garlic Crusted Prime Rib Roast Recipe
A perfectly tender and flavorful beef roast to impress family and friends.
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect one pan, a seasonal meal made with juicy, tart cranberries and fresh orange juice and zest.
Baked Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary
This easy baked cranberry chicken recipe with rosemary is your ticket to a comforting, show-stopping dinner! You’ll love the bold flavors from fresh minced garlic, rosemary, and citrus. Fresh cranberries make a festive, luscious and juicy topping.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Pear Sauce
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Pear Sauce is easy and filling, and features a delicious sweet-tart sauce sweetened without refined sugar!
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Cranberries & Leeks
There is unbelievable flavor in these Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Cranberries and Leeks. Plus, it will make your kitchen smell fantastic!
Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Almond thumbprint cookies have a rustic quality, and at the same time, with that sweet-tart jam peeking out of the centers, they’re actually dainty.
Apple Cranberry Pie
Apple Cranberry Pie is sure to be a hit this holiday season. Crisp, sweet apples married with tart cranberries on a tender, flaky pie crust is absolute perfection!
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies will get you in the mood for baking! Loaded with lots of flavor, you won’t want to pass them up!
Easy Gluten Free Cranberry Shortbread Bars
You are going to love how easy these Gluten Free Cranberry Shortbread Bars are to make! Sweet and tart at the same time, these bars are just bursting with holiday flavors!
Rustic Cranberry Galette
My rustic cranberry galette is a festive fall/winter/holiday dessert that will look beautiful on your table and delight your guests’ tummies.
References:
posted in: Fall, Produce Guides, Recipe Roundup, Recipes, Winter // 12 comments
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Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary — Reply
I am absolutely with you, Marcie! I do love this time of year… despite the somewhat hectic vibe in the air. 😉 And, I happen to also love me some cranberries! Not only are they pretty, but they are also so delicious! Needless to say, I am loving this months produce guide!!! You have filled it with all the deliciousness! I’m so honored you included my baked camembert in the line up! Thank you so very much!! Cheers, friend! BTW, Pinned!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thank you for the pin and I’ve got to try your baked camembert — yum! 🙂
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Katherine | Love In My Oven — Reply
Great info, Marcie! Did you know I only started buying and baking with fresh cranberries a few years ago? I grew up with canned cranberry sauce and that was about all I knew. Now I can’t get enough!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks Katherine! That’s good that you’re using fresh now…you’re making up for lost time!
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Leanne | Crumb Top Baking — Reply
I love cranberry season too! From the moment they start showing up in the grocery store, I start stocking up! I love how the tart taste pairs well with so many different flavours. And I especially love how festive they look. They are one of my favourite food ingredients to photograph! Thanks for including my moscow mule recipe as part of your round up! Much appreciated Marcie!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
I agree with you on all of your reasons for loving cranberries…they’re truly special. Thanks Leanne and I need to try your mule!
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Letty / Letty's Kitchen — Reply
Love your very informative monthly produce guides. Thank you for including my Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies in the tasty tempting recipe roundup. Shared around!L
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thank you Letty and your cookies look amazing!
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Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness — Reply
Cranberries really do have such a gorgeous color! Love all of these recipe ideas. I’m bookmarking the baked cheese with orange & cranberry recipe to maybe make over Christmas!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
That camembert would be perfect for Christmas!
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Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes — Reply
I am in love with this produce guide for this month. Cranberries deserve way more attention than they get. Well done!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks so much Katie — I appreciate that! 😘
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