Amazing Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Recipe!

Get Ready for Chocolate Covered Cranberry Bliss

Oh, hello there! Come on in, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat. Today, I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite holiday treats with you: Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce. Now, I know what you might be thinking – cranberry sauce…covered in chocolate? Trust me on this one!

I remember the first time I made this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce. It was Thanksgiving a few years back, and I was determined to do something different with the leftover cranberry sauce. My kids weren’t huge fans of it plain, and I hate wasting food. I had some semi-sweet chocolate chips on hand, a lightbulb went off, and well, the rest is delicious history! The slightly tart cranberries paired with the rich, smooth chocolate? Oh my goodness, it’s a match made in heaven. Seriously, the tartness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a surprisingly balanced and addictive flavor. It’s the perfect cranberry chocolate recipe to satisfy that sweet and tart craving.

There was one slight hiccup the first time I tried to make Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce, though. I didn’t let the cranberry sauce cool completely, and the chocolate just melted right off! Talk about a sticky mess! But hey, we live and learn, right? Now, I make sure it’s properly chilled – a detail I’ll definitely share with you.

This recipe has become a beloved tradition in our family, and it’s so easy to whip up, even with my crazy schedule. I usually make a big batch of cranberry sauce specifically so I can make Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce the next day. It’s the perfect way to use those Thanksgiving leftovers! It really is a perfect cranberry sauce dessert. This recipe has been refined over the years, and I am excited to share it with you today!

My cooking philosophy is all about creating delicious, family-friendly meals and treats that don’t require hours in the kitchen. We are busy people, after all! I want you to feel confident and excited to try new things, even if you’re a beginner cook. And that’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. So, are you ready to transform that leftover cranberry sauce into something truly magical? Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need for This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce recipe is so simple, you probably have most of these things in your pantry already.

• 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce: I always use Ocean Spray for my Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce, but feel free to use your favorite brand or even homemade!
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: I prefer semi-sweet because it balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly, but you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional): This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice shine. It’s not essential, but I recommend it. This is a Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce trick I learned from my mom!
• Optional toppings: Sea salt flakes, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds), sprinkles, dried cranberries.

When making Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce, you can usually find canned cranberry sauce on sale around the holidays. Stock up! And speaking of chocolate chips, I often buy the big bags at Costco or Sam’s Club to save money.

Here’s a little kitchen wisdom for you: if your chocolate chips are old, they might not melt as smoothly. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results with your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce!

For those busy weeknights, you can even prep the cranberry sauce the day before. Just open the can and let it sit in the fridge overnight. It helps it firm up slightly, which makes it easier to dip.

Leftover chocolate chips can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to two years! That’s great because you will be making this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce all the time.

Let’s Make This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Together

Okay, friend, let’s get our aprons on and make some magic! This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is so easy; you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.

1. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Open the can of cranberry sauce and give it a good stir. If you want to make it easier to dip, you can gently mash the berries with a fork. This is totally optional, though! I typically mash mine as I like the smooth texture on this cranberry chocolate bark.
2. Chill the Cranberry Sauce: Spread the cranberry sauce in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes, or until it’s firm but not frozen solid. This is crucial for getting the chocolate to adhere properly! I learned the hard way with Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce that patience is key here.
3. Melt the Chocolate: While the cranberry sauce is chilling, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave. If using a double boiler, place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Add the coconut oil (if using) and stir until combined. I learned that using a double boiler is best as it’s less likely to burn the chocolate. The Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is only as good as the chocolate you use.
4. Dip the Cranberry Sauce: Remove the cranberry sauce from the freezer and use a small cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut it into shapes. I like to use small circles or squares. Dip each piece of cranberry sauce into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Use a fork to lift it out and tap off any excess chocolate.
5. Add Toppings (Optional): Place the dipped cranberry sauce pieces back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle with your desired toppings, such as sea salt flakes, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
6. Chill Again: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
7. Enjoy! Once the chocolate is set, carefully remove the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce from the parchment paper and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

In my kitchen, Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including chilling time. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe!

While the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is chilling, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a quick phone call. Multi-tasking is my superpower!

Your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce should smell like rich, decadent chocolate with a hint of tart cranberries. It’s an aroma that screams “holiday cheer!”

A family-tested shortcut: If you’re really short on time, you can skip the individual dipping and just spread the melted chocolate over the entire sheet of chilled cranberry sauce to make a cranberry chocolate bark. Break it into pieces once the chocolate is set.

Don’t worry if your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce isn’t perfectly shaped or if the chocolate isn’t perfectly smooth. It’s homemade, and that’s what makes it special! Imperfection is part of the charm, right? And remember, you can always get tips from other people who have made this holiday chocolate cranberry treat! For example, there are tons of tips on the Facebook group The Wedding Cookie Table Community.

How I Love to Serve This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce, now what? Well, let me tell you how my family enjoys it!

My family loves this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce when I serve it as an after-dinner treat during the holidays. It’s a great alternative to traditional pie and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the cranberries. This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce reminds me of another family favorite, Caramel Apple Slices with Chocolate Drizzle.

This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. I’ve even made it for potlucks and parties, and it’s always a hit.

Presentation is key! I like to arrange the chocolate dipped cranberries on a pretty platter or in a small bowl. You can even add a few fresh cranberries and some sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.

If you have extra Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce (which is rare in my house!), you can chop it up and add it to muffins, scones, or even ice cream. It adds a delicious burst of flavor and texture.

I’ve also experimented with seasonal variations. For Christmas, I add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top. For fall, I use a cinnamon-infused chocolate.

Friends always ask for this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s so easy to make and it’s always a hit. I even share tips on dipping other things in chocolate; for instance, I have a great recipe for Caramel Apple Slices with Chocolate Drizzle that has tons of extra tips!

Your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce. I’ve definitely had my share of mishaps and learning experiences, so I’m happy to share my wisdom with you!

• “My chocolate keeps seizing up when I try to melt it. What am I doing wrong?” Oh, honey, we’ve all been there! The most common culprit is moisture. Make absolutely sure that your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting the chocolate. Even a tiny drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize. You know what I do when my Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce chocolate seizes? I just add a tablespoon of shortening and whisk vigorously until it smooths out again.
• “Can I use dried cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?” While you could, I wouldn’t recommend it for this particular recipe. The canned cranberry sauce has a specific texture and moisture content that works best for dipping. Dried cranberries would be too hard and wouldn’t adhere to the chocolate as well.
• “What kind of chocolate is best for Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?” This is really a matter of personal preference! I prefer semi-sweet chocolate because it balances the tartness of the cranberries. But you can use milk chocolate if you like a sweeter treat, or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
• “How long does Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce last?” If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce will last for about a week. However, it’s usually gone much faster than that in my house!
• “Can I freeze Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?” Yes, you can! Wrap the chocolate dipped cranberries tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Just let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• “My cranberry sauce is too runny to dip. What can I do?” This usually happens if you don’t chill it long enough. Pop it back in the freezer for another 15-20 minutes, or until it’s firm enough to handle.
• “Can I make this with homemade cranberry sauce?” Absolutely! In fact, that’s what I do! Homemade cranberry sauce is an especially great holiday chocolate cranberry treat!

My Final Thoughts on This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a testament to how you can transform something simple into something truly extraordinary. It’s also a great way to use leftovers so that you aren’t wasting food. I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen, just as it has to mine!

Here are some of my pro tips for making the best Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce:

• My Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Pro Tip #1: Always chill the cranberry sauce before dipping. This is the most important step!
• My Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Pro Tip #2: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. It makes a huge difference!
• My Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Pro Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Get creative and have fun!

Over the years, we’ve tried several variations of this recipe. My son loves it with chopped pecans, while my daughter prefers a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. My husband is partial to the cranberry chocolate bark version with dark chocolate. He thinks this cranberry chocolate recipe is the best!

I encourage you to make this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create something that your family will love. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my recipe for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, it has a very similar mouth feel!

I hope that your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce cooking experience is filled with laughter, delicious aromas, and happy memories. Remember, cooking is all about sharing love and creating connection.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try. I know you and your loved ones will absolutely adore this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce! And if you love the combination of chocolate and something a little bit tart, I would recommend checking out my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, it has a very similar mouth feel! Also, I have heard this recipe for Cranberry Almond Shortbread Bars is amazing as well!