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Can you freeze cranberries? Absolutely! Below, I show you how to freeze these seasonal gems that are all over the grocery stores during the holidays. Stock up when they’re on sale and learn the best way to freeze cranberries so you can use them in recipes all year long.
Whether folded into baked goods or savory dishes, this superfood will bring a sweet-tart blast of nutrition including vitamin C, tons of fiber, and more antioxidants than any other fruit except blueberries.
How to freeze cranberries tutorial
Wash and dry
- First, place all the cranberries in a colander. Rinse and drain. Pick out any shriveled or funky berries.
- Transfer cranberries to a kitchen towel and spread out. Allow 15-20 minutes for them to air dry.
Lay out on baking tray
- Spread the cranberries in a single layer on a freezer-safe, rimmed baking tray. Try to keep the berries separated.
- Freeze for 2-4 hours, being careful not to leave longer than 4 hours since the berries are in danger of freezer burn if left in longer.
Transfer to a storage container
- Transfer the frozen cranberries to freezer bags or freezer-safe containers and seal.
- Return to the freezer and store for up to one year. Be sure to date and label your container.
Recipes using frozen cranberries
- Cranberry Lemon Muffins
- Cranberry Apple Mini Pies
- Cranberry Orange Bread
- Cranberry Lemon Pound Cake
- Cranberry Mango Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
- Cranberry Christmas Cake
- Cranberry Smoothie
- Cranberry Cheesecake Pie
- Cranberry Orange Pancakes
Frequently asked questions
Frozen cranberries will last an entire year in the freezer.
Add some into your morning oatmeal while it cooks or drop them (still frozen) into a bubbly fruit seltzer drink at the end of the day. Defrosted, they are a tart addition to fruit salads.
It’s best to thaw the cranberries in the fridge overnight or for at least a couple hours. When you thaw them, they’ll release some moisture. So make sure to strain them and dry them with a paper towel.
Cranberries are so nutritious and so uniquely sweet-tart, don’t reserve them just for the holidays. Freeze them properly and then use them in recipes all year.
For more kitchen tips, check out:
- How to Freeze Garlic
- How to Cut Onions
- How to Cut an Avocado
- How to Make Nutella
- How to Cut Kiwi
- How to Cut Cauliflower
- How to Make Chicken Stock
- How to Make Oatmeal
- How to Poach an Egg
If you’ve found this cooking resource for How to Freeze Cranberries helpful or if you’ve tried any recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience with this technique. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
How to Freeze Cranberries
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Wash the cranberries with cold water and drain using a colander.
- Transfer cranberries to a kitchen towel and spread out on the towel. Allow 15-20 minutes for them to air dry.
- Spread the cranberries in a single layer on a freezer safe rimmed baking tray.
- Freeze for 2-4 hours, being careful not to leave longer than 4 hours since they will get freezer burn.
- Transfer the frozen berries to freezer bags or freezer safe containers and seal. Return to the freezer and store for up to one year.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
