Cranberry Candles
Cranberry Candles are festive, colorful gelatin desserts with cranberry, apple, and walnut flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations and entertaining guests with a fun, decorative touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat cranberry sauce and strain to remove excess liquid.
- Mix strained cranberry liquid, boiling water, and strawberry gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add lemon juice and salt, and mix well.
- Chill the mixture until slightly thickened.
- Add mayonnaise and beat with a rotary beater until fluffy.
- Fold in reserved cranberries, diced apple, and chopped walnuts.
- Stir the mixture and chill until slightly thickened.
- Fill the cranberry sauce can three-quarters full of the mixture for the largest candle.
- Spoon the remaining mixture into assorted sizes of glasses or cans.
- Chill until the mixture is firm.
- Unmold the candles onto a serving tray and insert birthday candle halves into the center of each candle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cranberry sauce is well strained before mixing. If you prefer a different flavor, consider using raspberry gelatin instead of strawberry. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. To enhance the sweetness, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry candles can be served as a festive dessert or a unique centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Pair with whipped cream or serve alongside slices of the Over 65 Cake for an extra treat. They also complement savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry candles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To serve again, simply bring them to room temperature before un-molding or serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Candles contains roughly 144 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries! Cook them down with some sugar and water to create a sauce. Just ensure it's well blended and strained to achieve the right consistency for the candles.
How long do I need to chill the mixture?
Chill the mixture until it thickens slightly, approximately 1 to 2 hours. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't set too firmly, as you want to be able to fold in the other ingredients easily.
Can I make these candles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry candles a day in advance. Just ensure they are fully chilled and set before covering and storing in the refrigerator. This makes them an excellent make-ahead treat for gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).