Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

These easy Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites are the perfect treat to use up leftover canned cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas! With their rich chocolate coating and tangy cranberry center, they make a delightful dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a sweet snack, these bites are sure to impress with their unique flavor combination and simple preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These bites take minimal time to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious treat in under an hour.
• Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to repurpose leftover cranberry sauce, turning it into a fun and indulgent dessert.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and tart cranberry creates a mouthwatering contrast that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• No Baking Required: This no-bake recipe means you don’t need an oven, making it ideal for warm-weather gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like nuts or sprinkles to customize your bites and suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand for smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for placing the cranberry sauce bites while they freeze.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of the chocolate-covered bites after they set.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate evenly without burning it, crucial for achieving a smooth coating.
• Fork: Helps in dipping the cranberry slices into chocolate and allows excess chocolate to drip off easily.

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Ingredients

These easy dark chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites are the perfect way to use up leftover canned cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas!

For the Bites

• 14 ounce can jellied cranberry sauce

For the Chocolate Coating

• 16 ounces dark chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil (optional but makes dipping much smoother)

How to Make Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

1. Open your can of cranberry sauce and cut into approximately ½” thick discs (about 2 full “ribs” from the can imprint).
2. Place the sauce rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone mat.

Step 2: Freeze the Rounds

1. Place the baking sheet into your freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up (you can freeze longer if desired). Freezing helps make dipping easier.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

1. Add your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir.
3. Continue microwaving in additional 15-second increments, stirring each time until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Rounds

1. Remove the cranberry rounds from the freezer.
2. Use a fork to submerge each round completely in the melted chocolate.
3. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the lined baking sheet. Repeat until all are coated.

Step 5: Set and Enjoy!

1. Return the baking sheet to the freezer for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
2. Once set, enjoy your delicious Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites!

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

These Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For a Holiday Dessert Platter

• Create a colorful spread with assorted desserts, placing the cranberry bites among cookies and brownies. The contrast of flavors will impress your guests.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these bites with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The rich chocolate complements the beverage beautifully.

As a Party Favor

• Package individual bites in small boxes or bags tied with ribbon. They make excellent party favors for holiday gatherings or celebrations.

On Top of Ice Cream

• Crumble the chocolate-covered bites over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of cold ice cream and rich chocolate is heavenly.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the chocolate-covered bites.

How to Perfect Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

To ensure your Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Cranberry Sauce: Before cutting, chill the cranberry sauce in the fridge. This makes slicing easier and helps maintain its shape during dipping.

• Use Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor and better melting consistency.

• Adjust Coconut Oil: If you prefer a thicker chocolate coating, omit the coconut oil; if you want smoother dipping, include it.

• Allow Even Cooling: After dipping, let the bites cool on parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain shape.

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

If you’re looking to complement your Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites with some delicious side dishes, here are some great options.

1. Cheese Board: A mix of cheeses—like brie, cheddar, and goat cheese—pairs well with the sweetness of the bites, offering a savory contrast.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the chocolate.

3. Nut Mix: A variety of roasted nuts provides crunchiness and pairs excellently with sweet treats like these cranberry bites.

4. Mini Pastries: Serve mini pastries such as cream puffs or eclairs for an elegant dessert table addition that complements the flavors.

5. Dark Chocolate Fondue: Create a fun fondue station where guests can dip fruits and other snacks into melted dark chocolate as an interactive treat.

6. Spiced Cookies: Offer spiced cookies like ginger snaps or snickerdoodles that add warmth and zest alongside your sweet cranberry bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your experience with these Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites.

• Not freezing the cranberry sauce: Freezing the cranberry sauce rounds helps them hold their shape during dipping. Without this step, they may fall apart in the chocolate.
• Skipping the coconut oil: While optional, coconut oil makes the melted chocolate smoother and easier to work with. Skipping it can lead to a thicker coating that’s harder to apply.
• Overheating the chocolate: Melting chocolate too quickly can cause it to seize. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, for a perfectly smooth consistency.
• Not letting the chocolate set properly: Failing to return the coated bites to the freezer for adequate time can result in messy bites. Ensure they are fully set before serving for best results.
• Using the wrong type of chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate chips for better flavor and texture. Avoid using chocolate that is too sweet or waxy, as it won’t pair well with the tartness of cranberries.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm bites for about 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent melting.
• Microwave: Heat at low power for about 10 seconds at a time until just warm. Avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler on low heat, placing bites on top briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites.

Can I use fresh cranberry sauce instead?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberry sauce! Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when cut into rounds.

What type of dark chocolate should I use?

Choose high-quality dark chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa content for rich flavor and smooth texture.

How long do these bites last?

They last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 3 months if stored properly.

Can I customize the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or sprinkle sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for added texture and flavor.

Are these bites suitable as gifts?

Yes! These bites make a delightful homemade gift when packaged nicely in a decorative box or jar.

Final Thoughts

These Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites are not only delicious but also a clever way to use leftover cranberry sauce. They offer versatility by allowing customization with various toppings or flavors. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress friends and family!