Learn how to make an easy Dehydrated Cranberries Recipe followed by cranberry powder in the comfort of your home. These homemade dried cranberries add a tangy sweetness to salads and tarts, ensuring perfect texture in every bite. Pop your cranberries in a dehydrator and make craisins without added sugar.
Add into a protein bread or a muffin to add sweetness to your creative breakfast. You can also pair them with salads for a sweet and tart twist. Topping your bundt cake or cheesecake with dried fruits also makes a good and balanced fruity flavor.
Why You Will Love This Tangy Treat
Making my own dried cranberries at home has never been easier. Here are some advantages.
- Naturally sweet – these dried cranberries are like fresh candies with a natural sweetness kick and tart explosion in every bite.
- Long shelf life – no need to worry about your fresh fruit going bad because dehydrating cranberries extends their shelf life, making them a convenient pantry snack.
- Versatile – from salads to baked goods, dried cranberries add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture to any dish.
Best Recipes From The Dehydrator
Since this site is about clean eating, I have made a few simple dehydrated recipes from vegetables, fruits, and even chicken. I love dehydrating so much that almost the whole pantry is filled with dry food.
For dried veggies, I made dry mushrooms that you can also transform into mushroom powder. I also made dehydrated broccoli because I once tried it as a topping on a rice dish, and it was delish. These onion flakes can also be your pantry staple because of the natural flavor of onion.
Making chicken chip jerky is an excellent idea for a healthy snack, especially for camping, as they are high in protein. Dehydrated cucumbers are a better alternative than potato chips, as they are crisper, chewier and healthier.
For something on a sweet side, cranberry fruit roll ups are as delicious as you might imagine.
Sweetened And Dried Cranberries Recipe
Sweetened and dried cranberries you buy are made by simmering fresh cranberries in a simple syrup or sugar water, allowing them to absorb sweetness before dehydrating until chewy. It makes them a little more exciting for some.
Our recipe is straightforward and only needs a few ingredients to make. Frankly, unsweetened dried cranberries are as good. You do not realize it, but cranberries make a good snack.
How To Make Dried Cranberries Using Food Dehydrator
Here is the complete instruction with images and simple steps to dehydrate your cranberries quickly.
I suggest to pick fresh cranberries in the market. Look for ones without any signs of mold for the best results.
With our dehydrator method recipe, you can choose a sugar free recipe or an unsweetened recipe. Exact steps to follow, just skipping extra sweetness.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Dehydrator
- Bowl
- Sieve or Colander
Ingredients:
- Fresh Cranberries
- Water
- Brown Sweetener – entirely optional
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOMEMADE DRIED CRANBERRIES RECIPE
First Step: Prepare Ingredients
Prepare your ingredients. Brown sweetener is only optional. It depends on whether you want to add sweetness.
Wash the cranberries using cold water and drain them well. I recommend using a sieve to drain them.
I used brown sweetener for this recipe to show you how to make sugar free dried cranberries, but you can use any sugar you choose.
Second Step: Cook to Soften
In a small pan, pour the water and add the desired sweetener. Let all dissolve, and add whole cranberries.
Third Step: Blanch Your Berries And Dehydrate
Now that you have prepared your water, sugar, and cranberries together in a pan, bring them to a boil briefly until the sugar dissolves into the water and the berries absorb it. Cook for a few minutes until they start popping.
Use a sieve to drain the cranberries from the boiling water and cool them in a cooling rack.
After making sure they are cooled enough:
- Transfer the cranberries to the dehydrator trays and spread.
- Make sure you use a sharp knife to pop those berries that have not opened while cooking.
- Close the lid, set the dehydrator to 70 Celsius or 160 Fahrenheit and dehydrate cranberries for approximately 7-8 hours.
Unpopped cranberries will take hours to dry. My experience is that they have not dried fully, even after a few days.
Fourth Step: Serve And Enjoy
Once the cranberries are completely dehydrated, turn off the dehydrator and let them cool in the tray before serving or storing.
TRICKS AND TIPS BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR OWN CRAISINS:
- Pop – you must cook and pop your cranberries. Otherwise, they will not dry thoroughly. The skin of cranberries is so thick that even after three full days, they will not dry – my own experience.
- Parchment paper – if you do not have dehydrator trays, you can use parchment paper or a baking sheet.
- Rotating – if you are dehydrating a significant amount of cranberries on multiple trays, rotate them occasionally to ensure even drying.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Make Cranberry Powder with Craisins?
Yes, you can make cranberry powder from dried cranberries, and I have full recipe for you. Ensure that the craisins are fully dehydrated and no longer contain any moisture.
You can use a blender or a food processor to grind the dried craisins into a fine powder and use it as a flavorful addition to your sweet recipes, such as smoothies and baked bread, or sprinkle it over yogurt.
What to Serve With Dehydrated Fresh Cranberries?
Add them to nuts, drinks like lavender mocktail, fruit flavored water, hibiscus tea, and seeds for trail mix, or pair them with your homemade granola. Dried cranberries are great as an addition to various dishes. Toss them into salads, sprinkle them onto your charcuterie or cheese plate, and add them to protein bread before baking.
A great idea is to add them to green bean potato casserole for even a festive meal.
Can I use Frozen Cranberries?
For dehydration, you can use frozen cranberries or berries, but it requires thawing them first before arranging them in the dehydrator trays.
The dehydrating time may be slightly longer than if you were using fresh berries.
How Do I Dry Cranberries in The Oven?
You can dry cranberries using the oven as well. Although it may slightly compromise color and flavor due to the higher temperature and lack of consistent airflow, the result will be the same.
Adjust the baking temperature to the lowest possible and bake until fully dry.
How Do I Store And Condition The Cranberries?
You will need to keep the cranberries cool before storing them. Then transfer them to airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption and maintain their freshness.
Optionally, you can also condition the dried cranberries. To do this, place them in a container in a cool, dry place, checking them every day for one week. Watch for any moisture or mold, and disregard the moist ones. After a week, all of the cranberries can last a long time.
Freezing is possible, but they might retain their moisture once thawed. Ensure the cranberries are completely cooled, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
More Clean Eating Snacks
Soaked almonds are perfect if you are looking for snacks that are easy to make at home. Try soaking your almonds, and you’ll never eat raw almonds again.
Want to try veggie chips for snacking or movie time? Say no more. These crispy radish chips will satisfy your cravings with its rich flavor.
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Dehydrated Cranberries Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Fresh Cranberries
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sweetener – fully optional
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients. Brown sweetener is only optional. Wash the cranberries using cold water and drain them well.
- In a small pan, pour the water and add the desired sweetener. Let all dissolve, and add whole cranberries.
- Now that you have prepared your water, sugar, and cranberries together in a pan, bring them to a boil briefly until the sugar dissolves into the water and the berries absorb it. Cook for a few minutes until they start popping. Use a sieve to drain the cranberries from the boiling water and cool them in a cooling rack. After making sure they are cooled enough, transfer the cranberries to the dehydrator trays and spread. Pop those berries that have not opened while cooking. Close the lid, set the dehydrator to 70 Celsius or 160 Fahrenheit and dehydrate cranberries for approximately 7-8 hours.
- Once the cranberries are completely dehydrated, turn off the dehydrator and let them cool in the tray before serving or storing.
Video
Notes
- Pop – you must cook and pop your cranberries. Otherwise, they will not dry thoroughly. The skin of cranberries is so thick that even after three full days, they will not dry – my own experience.
- Parchment paper –Â if you do not have dehydrator trays, you can use parchment paper or a baking sheet.
- Rotating –Â if you are dehydrating a significant amount of cranberries on multiple trays, rotate them occasionally to ensure even drying.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
More Recipes Using Dehydrator
Dive into tasty and healthy snacks with our dehydrator recipes. From yummy fruit snacks to crunchy veggie chips, these simple and nutritious treats bring out the natural goodness in every bite. Discover how easy and delicious clean eating can be!
