Cranberry Simple Syrup & Topping
This sweet and slightly tart recipe for Cranberry Simple Syrup & Topping makes two recipes for a single effort! The cranberry topping is actually a byproduct of simple syrup, both of which can be used in a number of different food and drink recipes. Using only two ingredients, it’s hard to go wrong with this recipe. It’s so yummy, that you will be looking for even more ways to use it!
To learn how to make this easy simple syrup recipe, see the printable recipe card below. Take a look at the recipe video, or get Step by Step Instructions for a more detailed explanation of this recipe. For other recipe variations, visit the Pimp My Recipe section in this recipe’s Blog Comments & Tips.
Sign up for a free subscription to our monthly newsletter and access to exclusive content.
To browse some of our favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and pantry items, visit our Recommended Products page.
RECIPE
(Check out our Step by Step Instructions below the recipe card.)
CRANBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP & TOPPING
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a fine mesh strainer, rinse and drain cranberries.
- To a nonstick saucepan (3 quart), add fresh cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Place on medium heat, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil (about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally until cranberries start to pop. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to rest for 20 minutes (see Note #1). Uncover, and cool completely.
- Once cool, place a fine mesh strainer over a large measuring cup (8 cup) or large glass mixing bowl. Ladle the cranberries and syrup into the strainer, and using a spoon, firmly press the cranberries to push out all the liquid. Then set the topping aside. Double strain the syrup into another 2 cup measuring cup, by pouring it through a clean strainer once more, and scraping the bottom of the strainer to get all the syrup (see Note #2).
- Using a funnel, transfer the completely cooled syrup into a glass bottle with weighted pourer, or airtight glass bottle, and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. Then transfer the cranberry topping into a sealed glass bowl or airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- The syrup will be thin and liquidy, but will thicken as the mixture cools.
- Although double straining usually removes all the seeds from the syrup, make sure to strain until there are no more seeds in the liquid. After the last straining, slowly pour the syrup into another clean measuring cup to see if there is any residue or seeds at the bottom of the cup.
- For information on how to use this Cranberry Simple Syrup & Topping in various food and drink recipes, visit my Blog Comments & Tips for this website recipe.
- Makes about 16 servings of Cranberry Simple Syrup (about 2 cups - 1 ounce per serving), and 8 servings of Cranberry Topping (about 2 cups - ¼ cup per serving).
Nutrition Facts
Calories
57.91Fat (grams)
0.07Sat. Fat (grams)
0Carbs (grams)
15Fiber (grams)
0.77Net carbs
14.24Sugar (grams)
13.38Protein (grams)
0.1Sodium (milligrams)
1.65Cholesterol (grams)
0Nutritional information provided is strictly an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods. Nutritional calculation is an average combination of both syrup and topping. Estimated nutritional values for individual servings of each, as follows: Syrup (1 ounce serving): 40 calories, 9.375 carbs, 9.375 sugars. Topping (¼ cup serving): 110 calories, .10 fat, 3.5 sodium, 28 carbs, .80 fiber, 20 net carbs, 22 sugars, .60 protein.
Step by Step Instructions
PREPARATION
Organize all your tools and ingredients before you begin. Getting all your ingredients in one place at the beginning will shorten your prep time.
STEP 1
In a fine mesh strainer, rinse and drain 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 4 cups).
STEP 2
To a nonstick saucepan (3 quart), add fresh cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 ½ cups filtered water.
STEP 3
Place on medium heat, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally until cranberries start to pop. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to rest for 20 minutes (see Note below).
Note: The syrup will be thin and liquidy, but will thicken as the mixture cools.
STEP 4a
Place a fine mesh strainer over a large measuring cup (8 cup) or large glass mixing bowl. Ladle the warm cranberries and syrup into the strainer, and using a spoon, press the cranberries to push out all the liquid (be sure to scrape the bottom of the strainer to get all the syrup). Then set the topping aside.
STEP 4b
Double strain the syrup into a 2 cup measuring cup, by pouring it through a clean strainer once more, and scraping the bottom of the strainer to get all the syrup (see Note below).
Note: Although double straining usually removes all the seeds from the syrup, make sure to strain until there are no more seeds in the liquid. After the last straining, slowly pour the syrup into another clean measuring cup to see if there is any residue or seeds at the bottom of the cup.
STEP 5
Using a funnel, transfer the syrup into a glass bottle with weighted pourer or airtight glass bottle, and allow to cool uncovered. Refrigerate cooled syrup for up to 3 weeks. Then transfer the cranberry topping into a sealed glass bowl or airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Cranberry Topping is great served warm as a topping for ice cream, or cold as a mix in for yogurt. This topping is also used in my Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites and my Cranberry Goat Cheese Log (recipe coming soon).
Cranberry Simple Syrup can be used in cold or warm cocktails and drinks. Try it in my Cranberry Martini or my non-alcoholic Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail (recipes coming soon!).
Notes:
Recipe can be made ahead!
Makes about 16 servings of Cranberry Simple Syrup (about 2 cups - 1 ounce per serving), and 4 servings of Cranberry Topping (about 1 cup - ¼ cup per serving).
VIDEO
How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup & Cranberry Topping!
Blog Comments & Tips
A delicious 2-in-1 recipe for food & drinks!
This Cranberry Simple Syrup & Topping is absolutely delicious in so many food and drink recipes. The Cranberry Topping is considered a byproduct of the simple syrup recipe, but is equally delicious when served warm on ice cream, or cold mixed into yogurt.
I have used the Cranberry Topping just as much as the Cranberry Simple Syrup, in recipes like my Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites and my Cranberry Goat Cheese Log (recipe coming soon). The Cranberry Simple Syrup is fantastic in all kinds of cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages, such as my Cranberry Martini or my non-alcoholic Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail (both recipes coming soon).
My former blog partner, Leigh, created the original recipe. Although it’s been changed a bit to make it my own, I thank her for introducing me to it, as it has come in handy for so many other recipes!
How do you ensure the best results from this recipe?
My 5 tips to making this Cranberry Simple Syrup & Topping:
Use organic, fresh cranberries and filtered water.
Double strain the syrup to ensure you don’t end up with seeds.
When pressing the cranberry topping into the sieve, make sure to press out all that precious syrup.
Keep the syrup in an airtight container or glass bottle with weighted pourer. It will keep longer in the fridge (up to 3 weeks).
For freshest results, refrigerate the topping in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Enjoy and let me know what you think by commenting below, rating my recipes, subscribing, following, and liking Pimp My Recipe on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok! Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates on new recipes and tips & tricks.
Santé!
Mich
Footnote: Remember to double strain, and press the cranberries into the sieve and make sure you press out all the syrup.
Adapted from my former blog partner’s recipe for Cranberry Simple Syrup, I’ve taken Leigh’s recipe and tweaked it a bit to make it my own. Thanks Leigh for creating the original recipe and for the inspiration!
Every editorial product is independently selected. I may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you purchase products via these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
