Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce: Thanksgiving Treat!

When the season for Thanksgiving leftovers rolls around, I often find myself in a delicious dilemma—what to do with the surplus of cranberry sauce. This year, I stumbled upon a delightful way to elevate that simple jellied goodness into something magical. Imagine biting into a creamy, chocolate-covered cranberry sauce bite that dances between sweet and tart, creating the perfect treat to impress family and friends.

These Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce bites are not only a fun way to repurpose holiday remnants, but they’re also a no-bake dessert that’s both vegetarian and gluten-free—making them suitable for just about anyone at your gathering. Picture it: the rich chocolate enveloping that tangy cranberry filling, resembling gourmet truffles yet easy enough to whip up in no time. Whether you’re stuck in a fast-food rut or simply searching for a festive addition to your dessert table, these bites are sure to please and leave a lasting impression. Let’s dive into this sweet holiday adventure!

Why Love This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?

Deliciously unique: These bites transform leftover cranberry sauce into an indulgent dessert that stands out at any gathering.
Simple to make: Requires minimal effort with quick, no-bake preparation—perfect for busy hosts!
Two flavors collide: The pairing of rich chocolate and tangy cranberry offers a delightful contrast that excites the palate.
Diet-friendly: Vegetarian and gluten-free, these treats cater to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
Customizable: With options for chocolate and toppings, you can create your own signature version!
Great for gifting: Packaged beautifully, they make for thoughtful homemade gifts that friends and family will love.

Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

Unlock the secret to these delightful treats!

For the Bites

Jellied Cranberry Sauce – The sweet-tart foundation that brings a classic Thanksgiving flair to your treats; canned versions yield the best results.
Dark Chocolate Chips – Rich and sweet, they beautifully balance the tartness of the cranberries; feel free to swap for milk or white chocolate if preferred.
Coconut Oil (optional) – Adds smoothness and helps the chocolate melt perfectly; for a coconut-free alternative, use vegetable shortening instead.

For Toppings (optional)

Crushed Nuts – Enhance both texture and flavor; add them right after dipping while the chocolate is still wet for adhesion.
Festive Sprinkles – Add a touch of holiday cheer and color to your bites; sprinkle on immediately post-dip for a fun presentation.
Sea Salt – A sprinkle on top amps up the flavor contrast, providing a delightful salty-sweet bite that tantalizes the taste buds.

These Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce bites are a fun and flavorful way to revive those Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouthwatering delight!

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

Prepare the Sauce: Open the can of cranberry sauce and slice it into approximately ½-inch thick discs. This will create the base for your delicious bites!
Freeze: Place the cranberry sauce rounds on a lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm. This helps them hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and optional coconut oil. Heat in short increments, stirring until smooth. The mixture should be silky and ready for dipping.
Dip: Remove the frozen cranberry rounds from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each piece fully into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off for a clean finish.
Set: Return the coated rounds to the baking sheet and freeze again for about 30 minutes until the chocolate has fully set. You’ll want a firm chocolate shell around the cranberry filling!
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately for the best experience, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. These bites are perfect for sharing!

Optional: Drizzle additional melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce bites are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them with minimal fuss on busy days! You can prepare the jellied cranberry sauce rounds up to 24 hours in advance; simply slice the sauce into discs, freeze them, and store them in an airtight container. The chocolate can also be melted and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chocolate gently, dip the frozen cranberry rounds as previously instructed, and let them set. This way, you maintain the delightful texture and flavor of these treats, ensuring they are just as delicious as fresh-baked ones!

Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Variations

Get creative and make these bites your own with delightful twists!

Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter treat that kids will adore.
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate for a creamy, dreamy coating that complements the tartness beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed almonds or walnuts as a topping for a delightful crunch and added flavor contrast.
Spicy Sweet: For an adventurous spin, mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes into your melted chocolate for a hint of heat.
Coconut Bliss: Stir in shredded coconut with the chocolate before dipping for a tropical flair that enhances the overall flavor.
Festive Sprinkles: Top with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter right after dipping for a fun and festive presentation.
Flavored Extracts: Enhance your chocolate with a few drops of peppermint or orange extract to bring in a twist of seasonal flavor.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after dipping elevates the flavor contrast with a touch of savory against the sweet chocolate.

With these variations, each batch of chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites can bring a new, exciting flavor to your dessert table!

Storage Tips for Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Room Temperature: Keep chocolate covered cranberry bites at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving, but they are best enjoyed chilled.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps maintain the perfect texture of your chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bites individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: Thaw frozen chocolate bites in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as it can make chocolate too soft!

What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?

Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement these sweet-tart bites perfectly.

Festive Cheese Platter: A mix of creamy brie and tangy blue cheese creates a rich contrast, enhancing the flavors of the cranberries.
Savory Charcuterie: The saltiness of cured meats pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate and the tartness of the cranberries.
Nutty Candied Pecans: These crunchy morsels add a hint of sweetness and texture, making a delightful pairing with the creamy bites.
Zesty Orange Slices: Fresh citrus cuts through the richness, adding brightness and refreshing flavor that enlivens the palate.
Hot Chocolate: Cozy and indulgent, a cup of rich hot chocolate makes for a perfect drink accompaniment, enhancing the chocolate experience.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream alongside these delightful bites adds a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Spiced Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied, spiced red wine elevates the festive vibe, with notes that beautifully echo the flavors in the bites.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and rich, vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert duo with chocolate-covered treats, creating an ice cream float experience.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Enjoy these seasonal cookies as a playful side, as the warm spices complement the cranberry sauce bites wonderfully.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Chill Thoroughly: Make sure the cranberry sauce rounds are completely frozen before dipping; this prevents the chocolate from melting and ensures a smooth coating.
Dip Smartly: Dip the rounds quickly to avoid chocolate clumping. Let excess chocolate drip off to achieve a neat finish on your bites.
Perfect Pairings: Experiment with chocolate types for different flavor profiles—dark chocolate offers a rich taste, while milk chocolate brings sweetness to your chocolate covered cranberry sauce delights!
Toppings Strategy: Be timely with toppings; add crushed nuts or sprinkles immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still wet for the best adhesion.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness. Enjoy within a week for optimal flavor and texture!

Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of cranberry sauce is best to use?
For these chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites, I recommend using canned jellied cranberry sauce for the best texture and flavor. Whole fruit versions may yield uneven results and can be a bit mushy when frozen and dipped.

How should I store chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites?
To maintain freshness, store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This keeps the chocolate coating intact while preserving the tangy cranberry filling. Avoid keeping them at room temperature for long, as they’re best enjoyed chilled!

Can I freeze chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the bites. Lay them out individually on a lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a sealed container or bag where they will last up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.

What if my chocolate isn’t melting smoothly?
If you notice your chocolate isn’t melting smoothly, it could be due to overheating. Make sure you melt it in short increments (about 20-30 seconds at a time) and stir in between until you reach a silky consistency. Adding a bit of coconut oil can also help improve the texture.

Are chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites suitable for a vegan diet?
While these treats are vegetarian, they aren’t necessarily vegan due to the chocolate. To make them vegan-friendly, look for dairy-free chocolate chips that you can easily incorporate into the recipe. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive bites without concern!

How long do the bites last after they are made?
Once prepared, you should aim to eat the chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites within a week for the best flavor and texture. They can be stored in the fridge, and always remember to keep them in an airtight container to avoid any unwanted moisture affecting the chocolate coating!