Cranlets
Cranlets are colorful, sweet, and tangy gelatin candies with hints of orange and cherry, perfect for festive occasions or as a fun treat for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cranberry sauce, sugar, and unflavored gelatin together in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the orange and cherry jellos.
- Stir and cook for at least 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 9 inch pan or glass dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Cut into small 1/2 inch squares.
- Roll the squares in sugar and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
- Leave air space around each piece and let dry for 24 hours.
- Roll again in sugar and return to the cookie sheet.
- Repeat this process every 24 hours until the candies stay dry.
- Do not refrigerate after drying. Store in an airtight container when fully dry.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a high-quality whole cranberry sauce to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, consider substituting raspberry jello for cherry. When rolling the squares in sugar, use superfine sugar for an even coating. Ensure the squares are fully dry before storing to prevent stickiness. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also be used if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These cranlets make for a delightful holiday treat or a sweet addition to a dessert platter. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be served alongside a fruit salad or cheese board. For a festive touch, consider presenting them in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cranlets are fully dry, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can lead to stickiness. They can last for several weeks if kept properly sealed. To refresh, you can roll them in sugar again just before serving to restore their shine.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranlets contains roughly 90 calories, with 1g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Consider using frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available, but make sure to adjust the sugar level since frozen cranberries can be tart.
How long do the cranlets need to dry?
If you're in a rush, you can use a dehydrator set on low to speed up the drying process.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Additionally, you can substitute the sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural option.
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).