Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce: Festive Condiment for the Holidays

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Rich, glossy chocolate meets tangy cranberry in this unexpectedly delightful holiday treat. Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is a decadent twist on traditional cranberry sauce, offering a smooth, fudgy texture with a burst of tart fruitiness. It’s elegant enough for a Thanksgiving or Christmas table, yet simple enough to whip up in under an hour.

This isn’t just a dessert or a condiment—it’s a conversation starter. Serve it as a side to roast turkey or ham, or slice it into wedges for a festive dessert bite. The silky chocolate shell encases a sweet-tart cranberry layer that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

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Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

If you’re someone who loves creative spins on classic dishes, this one’s for you. It perfectly balances sweet and tart, with a texture that’s both creamy and chewy. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.

Whether you’re serving it on a cheese board or offering it as an after-dinner bite, this is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is secretly very easy to make.

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What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

For the best results, use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Dark chocolate provides a richer contrast to the sweet-tart cranberry filling, while semi-sweet keeps it more kid-friendly. Avoid milk chocolate, as it may overpower the cranberries and make the dessert overly sweet.

You can also get creative with flavor-infused chocolates (like orange or chili) if you’re feeling bold. Just make sure whatever chocolate you use melts smoothly and sets firmly.

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Ingredients for the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and richness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Cranberries – The star of the show, bringing a tart and vibrant punch.
• Sugar – Sweetens the cranberries and balances their natural acidity.
• Orange Juice – Adds citrusy brightness and enhances the cranberry flavor.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the cranberry sauce to give it sliceable consistency.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate – For coating the sauce and providing a rich, decadent outer layer.
• Coconut Oil or Butter – Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a glossy finish.

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How To Make the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Creating this festive treat is simpler than it looks. Follow these steps to get a smooth, glossy chocolate exterior with a perfectly tart center.

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce Base

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 2: Thicken the Mixture

Dissolve cornstarch in a bit of water and stir it into the cranberry mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Chill the Cranberry Layer

Pour the sauce into a parchment-lined dish or silicone mold. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm and sliceable.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and coconut oil (or butter). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until fully melted and glossy.

Step 5: Coat in Chocolate

Once the cranberry layer is firm, cut it into discs or bars. Dip each piece into the melted chocolate using a fork, letting excess chocolate drip off. Place on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 6: Let It Set

Refrigerate the chocolate-covered pieces until the coating is fully set, about 20 minutes. Garnish with sugared cranberries or edible leaves for an extra festive touch.

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How to Serve and Store Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

This recipe makes around 8 to 10 servings, depending on how you portion the pieces. Serve them chilled, straight from the fridge, for the best texture and flavor. Each slice holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for elegant platters, dessert tables, or as a striking garnish on holiday plates.

To store, place the chocolate-covered slices in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be refrigerated for up to 7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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What to Serve With Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?

H3: Aged Cheddar or Brie

Serve it with slices of aged cheddar or creamy brie on a cheese board for a sweet and savory combination.

H3: Roasted Turkey

Use it as a unique and elegant cranberry side to roast turkey, elevating your holiday meal with a chocolatey twist.

H3: Vanilla Ice Cream

Place a slice next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick, show-stopping dessert.

H3: Shortbread Cookies

Pair with buttery shortbread cookies for a festive tea-time treat.

H3: Toasted Nuts

Add it to a platter with toasted almonds or pecans for a crunchy contrast.

H3: Sparkling Wine or Champagne

The tart-sweet cranberry and rich chocolate pair beautifully with bubbles, making it a great holiday cocktail party bite.

H3: Gingerbread Cake

Complement spiced gingerbread flavors by adding a small slice on the side.

H3: Yogurt Parfait

Layer small pieces into a yogurt parfait for a festive holiday breakfast or brunch idea.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh?
You can, but the texture will be much softer and may not hold its shape as well when coated in chocolate. Fresh cranberries give the best consistency and tartness for this recipe.

What type of mold should I use?
A silicone mold works best for easy removal and a clean shape. You can also use a parchment-lined loaf pan if that’s what you have on hand.

Can this be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just use dairy-free chocolate and swap out the butter for coconut oil. The result is still rich and delicious.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the chocolate-covered slices in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. They thaw beautifully in the fridge.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you experiment with white chocolate? Add orange zest? Try layering it?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more festive food ideas, visit my Pinterest at Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is one of those recipes that turns heads and sparks curiosity. It merges the comforting tradition of cranberry sauce with the indulgence of dessert, all while being incredibly simple to make. Whether you serve it at your holiday dinner or wrap it up as a gourmet edible gift, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

This easy recipe fits perfectly into your collection of creative holiday dishes. Go ahead, give your cranberry sauce a makeover—you might never go back to the plain version again.

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