If you’ve ever thought cranberry sauce was just a simple side, wait until you try this show-stopping Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce. It’s a playful and delicious twist that elevates the classic holiday favorite into a luscious treat you’ll want to savor anytime. Combining the tangy, fruity burst from jellied cranberry sauce with the rich, velvety smoothness of dark chocolate creates a delightful balance that melts in your mouth. Trust me, this is one recipe that will have your friends and family asking for seconds (and maybe thirds) at every gathering!

Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly few but essential to create that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each one brings something special to the table, from the bright tartness of cranberry to the deep indulgence of dark chocolate.

14 ounce can jellied cranberry sauce: The star of the dish, providing tang and sweetness in a perfectly smooth texture that’s easy to slice.
16 ounces dark chocolate chips: Adds rich, bittersweet notes that pair beautifully with the tart cranberry, and melts perfectly for coating.
1 Tbsp coconut oil (optional): Helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and gives the coating a lovely, shiny finish.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the cranberry slices

Start by opening your can of jellied cranberry sauce and slicing it into about ½ inch thick discs. Usually, two ribs from the imprint on the can make a good size for a chunk that’s easy to dip but still substantial enough to enjoy all the flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Chill the cranberry slices

Next, arrange the cranberry discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Pop the tray into your freezer for at least 30 minutes until the slices are firm. This chilling step makes dipping each slice in chocolate much easier and helps the final treat hold its shape beautifully.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate

While your cranberry discs chill, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them on high for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue melting in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Dip the cranberry slices

Now for the fun part! Remove the chilled cranberry slices from the freezer and use a fork to dip each one fully into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place each coated slice back onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all slices are decadently covered.

Step 5: Set the chocolate coating

Return the tray to the freezer for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened completely. Once set, your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is ready to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to try it.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair really brings this treat to life. Consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or finely chopped toasted nuts over the chocolate while it’s still wet for a salty crunch or nutty contrast that complements the flavors.

Side Dishes

This unique dessert pairs wonderfully with mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese, making for a sophisticated cheese board addition. It also shines alongside simple vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce pieces on a festive platter with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a gorgeous centerpiece. You can also skewer the pieces for easy serving at holiday parties or drizzle extra melted white chocolate on top for a pretty striped effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will keep the chocolate from melting and preserve the cranberry’s perfect texture for several days.

Freezing

You can freeze these chocolate-coated treats in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. This makes a delicious snack to enjoy months later—just remember to let them thaw briefly before indulging.

Reheating

Since this isn’t a dish meant for heating, just bring the frozen or refrigerated pieces to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will soften the cranberry sauce slightly while keeping the chocolate firm yet not brittle.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries don’t have the same texture or sweetness for dipping, so jellied cranberry sauce is the best choice to achieve smooth slices that hold together perfectly under the chocolate coating.

Is the coconut oil necessary in the recipe?

While optional, coconut oil helps melt the chocolate evenly and give it a shiny finish that’s easier to work with. You can skip it, but just be prepared for a thicker, less glossy chocolate coating.

Can I use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark?

Absolutely! Milk or white chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier contrast to the tart cranberry sauce, so feel free to choose based on your personal preference.

How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

Including chilling and setting times, plan for about an hour. The active prep is quick, but freezing the slices before and after dipping ensures the best texture and ease of assembly.

Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to keep this treat completely vegan. The cranberry sauce is naturally vegan, making this a perfect plant-based dessert option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s quick, impressive, and bursting with flavor, give this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce a try. It’s a delightful way to reinvent a classic holiday staple and treat yourself or your guests to something truly special. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed cranberry sauce without that perfect chocolate hug.