Description

Zesty Cranberry Orange Delight is a vibrant, sweet-tart dessert or side dish perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks. This easy stovetop recipe combines fresh cranberries, bright orange zest and juice, warm spices, and sweet pineapple, finished with optional crunchy nuts and a dollop of whipped cream or topping. It’s a refreshing, no-bake treat that sets up beautifully after chilling.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Mixture

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 medium orange (zested and juiced)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins and Toppings

1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Whipped cream or whipped topping for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir gently to mix the ingredients well.
Cook the Mixture: Cook the cranberry mixture for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Cool the Mixture: Let the cranberry mixture cool for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature to slightly set before adding other ingredients.
Fold in Pineapple and Nuts: Gently fold the drained crushed pineapple and optional chopped nuts into the cooled cranberry mixture.
Chill to Set: Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl or individual dishes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill completely and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream or whipped topping for added creaminess and festive flair. Serve chilled as a refreshing sweet-tart side dish or light dessert.

Notes

For a smoother texture, blend the cranberry mixture before adding the pineapple.
This dish can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Perfect for holiday meals, Thanksgiving sides, or potlucks.
Use plant-based whipped topping to keep the dish vegan.