Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites
It’s that enchanting time of year again when the air is crisp, and the cozy aroma of holiday treats fills our kitchens. One of my fondest memories growing up was helping my grandmother prepare her famous cranberry dishes as we listened to our favorite holiday tunes. The vibrant ruby hue of cranberry sauce always reminded me of happiness and warmth, especially when paired with rich, velvety chocolate. Together, we would concoct all sorts of delightful goodies, but this recipe for Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites truly captures the essence of comfort and joy during the holiday season. Perfect for gift-giving or enjoying by the fire, these decadent bites are a nostalgic nod to holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite of these creamy Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites, you’ll know exactly what I mean! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare and requires no baking, making it a perfect holiday treat for busy days.
- The combination of sweet and tart from cranberries and silky dark chocolate creates a deliciously satisfying balance.
- Freezable, meaning you can make them ahead of time and pull them out when guests arrive.
- Kid-friendly fun: get the little ones involved by helping with the dipping process!
- Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting, or simply indulging at home with a cozy cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites
To recreate this festive treat, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 14-ounce can jellied cranberry sauce
- 16 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional but makes dipping much smoother)
Let’s Make It Together
Are you ready to dive into the world of rich chocolate and tart cranberry goodness? Follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll have an irresistible batch of Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites!
Open your can of cranberry sauce and carefully cut it into approximately ½” thick discs. I like to use the can imprint as a guide, slicing off about two full “ribs” for each round.
Place the sauce rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat, and pop them into your freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up. (Longer is just fine if you want to make them in advance!) If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it for easier dipping.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, then continue to heat in additional 15-second intervals, stirring each time until the mixture is melted and smooth — a creamy dream!
Once the cranberry discs are nice and firm, remove them from the freezer. Using a fork, submerge each slice completely in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before returning it to the lined baking sheet.
Repeat the dipping process until all the cranberry rounds are coated in chocolate.
Return the baking sheet to the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. Enjoy your cozy creation!
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Sprinkle with sea salt before the chocolate sets for a delightful sweet-and-salty twist!
- Dip in white chocolate instead for a festive look and a creamy contrast.
- Mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before dipping for a crunchy surprise.
- Drizzle with melted caramel for an indulgent caramel-chocolate cranberry bite!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- If you want to save time on melting the chocolate, you can use a double boiler instead of the microwave for smoother results.
- These bites can be prepared up to a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the freezer for ultimate freshness!
- To simplify the slicing process, run your knife under hot water before cutting the chilled cranberry sauce for cleaner cuts.
- Feel free to explore other varieties of cranberry sauce—homemade or different flavors can add a unique touch!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 10mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These bites can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the freezer, and enjoyed as needed.
Can I use different ingredients?
Sure! You can experiment with different types of chocolate or even try flavored cranberry sauces for a special twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for optimal freshness, and just thaw before enjoying!
How long does it last?
These bites can last for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer—if they last that long!
Final Thoughts
As the holiday season unfolds, these Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites will surely bring warmth and cheer to your gatherings. Each bite embodies a delightful balance of flavors and memories, reminding us of the joy and sweetness of sharing food with loved ones. So, gather your family, create these cozy treats, and embrace the magic of the season. Save this Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites recipe to your holiday treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy indulgence!
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Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bites of jellied cranberry sauce coated in rich dark chocolate, perfect for gift-giving or enjoying by the fire.
Ingredients
- 14-ounce can jellied cranberry sauce
- 16 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Open the can of cranberry sauce and slice it into approximately ½” thick discs.
- Place the sauce rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil, microwave for 1 minute, stirring, then continue heating in 15-second intervals until melted.
- Once firm, submerge each cranberry disc in the melted chocolate and let excess drip off.
- Return to the lined baking sheet and repeat until all rounds are coated.
- Freeze for an additional 30 minutes or until chocolate is set.
Notes
Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist or drizzle with melted caramel for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate, cranberry, holiday treats, no-bake dessert, gift idea