Are you looking for unique and delicious dessert recipes that go beyond the usual pie? Then look no further! Jellied cranberry sauce, often a Thanksgiving staple, is surprisingly versatile and lends itself beautifully to a range of sweet treats. Its tartness provides a delightful counterpoint to rich desserts, adding a sophisticated touch to your homemade cooking. This post offers some easy recipes and quick dinner ideas that transform this pantry staple into stunning desserts. Get ready to explore the world of cranberry-infused delights!
Cranberry Sauce Chocolate Bark: A Quick & Easy Dessert
This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert fix or a simple yet impressive gift. The combination of sweet chocolate and tart cranberry sauce is irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup good quality dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup jellied cranberry sauce, coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the chopped cranberry sauce and nuts (if using) over the chocolate. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt.
- Gently swirl the cranberry sauce and nuts into the chocolate using a toothpick or knife.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Break into pieces and serve.
Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake Bars: A Crowd-Pleasing Delight
These cheesecake bars offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The cranberry sauce adds a vibrant color and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheesecake filling. This recipe makes a great addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup jellied cranberry sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and cranberry sauce.
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cranberry Sauce Swirled Brownies: A Festive Fusion
These fudgy brownies get an unexpected boost of flavor and color from swirled cranberry sauce. It’s a simple recipe that creates a beautiful and tasty dessert, perfect for parties or a special occasion.
Ingredients: (Use your favorite brownie recipe as a base)
- Your favorite brownie batter (box mix or homemade)
- ½ cup jellied cranberry sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare your brownie batter according to package directions or your favorite recipe.
- Pour half of the batter into a greased 8x8 inch baking pan.
- Dollop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cranberry sauce.
- Gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the brownie batter using a knife or toothpick.
- Bake according to your brownie recipe's instructions.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother cranberry sauce, you can pulse it in a food processor before adding it to your recipes.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or chocolate chips.
- Add a sprinkle of orange zest to the cranberry sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- These recipes can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or vegan by using suitable substitutes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, varies by recipe):
Calorie counts and macronutrient breakdowns will vary greatly depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities of your chosen recipe. However, these desserts generally provide a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and some protein, along with vitamins and antioxidants from the cranberries.
Enjoy experimenting with these easy recipes and discovering your new favorite cranberry dessert! These healthy meals are sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to adapt them to your own taste and preferences. Happy baking!