Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

These easy Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites are a delightful treat that transforms leftover canned cranberry sauce into a rich and satisfying dessert. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack, these bites combine the tartness of cranberry sauce with creamy dark chocolate, making them irresistible. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a unique dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it simple to whip up.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of dark chocolate and cranberry sauce creates an exciting contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Great for Leftovers: Perfectly repurposes leftover cranberry sauce from holiday meals.
• Customizable: You can add toppings like nuts or sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
• No Baking Required: Enjoy a dessert without the hassle of baking or cooking!

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to freeze the cranberry bites evenly, ensuring they set properly.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless after coating the cranberry sauce in chocolate.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Bites

• 14 ounce can jellied cranberry sauce
• 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 it 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 a silicone mat.

Step 2: Freeze the Rounds

1. Place the baking sheet into your freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cranberry rounds. Longer is fine if you want to prepare in advance. Skipping this step is possible but may make dipping harder.

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 Cranberry Rounds

1. Remove the sauce rounds from the freezer.
2. Use a fork to submerge each slice completely in melted chocolate.
3. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place it back on the lined baking sheet. Repeat until all are coated.

Step 5: Set the Chocolate

1. Return the coated bites 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 delightful bites offer a sweet and tart combination, making them a versatile treat for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests.

As a Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange the dark chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites on a beautiful platter alongside fresh fruit like strawberries and oranges for a colorful display.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Pair these bites with your favorite warm beverage. The richness of dark chocolate complements the warmth of tea or coffee perfectly, creating a cozy experience.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual bites in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. These make charming party favors for holiday gatherings or special events.

On a Cheese Board

• Include the bites on a cheese board with assorted cheeses and crackers. The sweet flavor balances well with savory cheeses, adding an exciting contrast.

How to Perfect Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

To ensure your dark chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips for better flavor and smooth melting. It makes a noticeable difference in taste.
• Chill before dipping: Chilling the cranberry sauce rounds helps maintain their shape during dipping. This step also makes it easier to coat them evenly in chocolate.
• Add coconut oil for smoothness: If you choose to use coconut oil, it helps create a smoother chocolate coating, making the dipping process easier and more enjoyable.
• Experiment with toppings: Consider adding crushed nuts or sea salt on top of the dipped bites before they set for added texture and flavor enhancement.

Best Side Dishes for Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

These dark chocolate covered cranberry sauce bites can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great pairings:

1. Cheese Platter
   A selection of soft and hard cheeses can provide savory contrast to the sweet bites, making each bite even more enjoyable.
2. Fruit Salad
   Fresh fruit salad adds brightness and freshness to your dessert table, balancing out the richness of the chocolate-covered treats.
3. Spiced Nuts
   A mix of spiced nuts offers crunchiness and flavor depth that pairs beautifully with the softness of the cranberry sauce bites.
4. Mini Pastries
   Serve an assortment of mini pastries like tarts or puffs for a diverse dessert experience that will delight your guests.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside these bites creates a deliciously creamy contrast to the tart cranberries and rich chocolate.
6. Dark Chocolate Fondue
   Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruits or pretzels into melted dark chocolate, enhancing the overall chocolate experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not freezing the cranberry sauce – Failing to freeze the sauce rounds makes them harder to dip in chocolate. Always freeze for at least 30 minutes for easier coating.
• Skipping the coconut oil – Omitting coconut oil can lead to a thick chocolate coating. Use it for a smoother and shinier finish.
• Overheating the chocolate – Microwaving chocolate too long can cause it to seize. Always use short increments and stir frequently until melted.
• Using unlined baking sheets – Not lining your baking sheet can make cleanup difficult. Always use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal.
• Not letting chocolate set completely – Cutting into the bites before the chocolate hardens can ruin their shape. Be patient and let them set in the freezer.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Reheating Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bites on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat bites on low power in 10-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid melting the chocolate.
• Stovetop – Use a double boiler for gentle warming, stirring occasionally until slightly softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites healthier?

You can reduce sugar by using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage or opting for sugar-free alternatives.

Can I customize my Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or spices to the cranberry sauce before dipping to add unique flavors.

What type of dark chocolate should I use?

Choose high-quality dark chocolate chips or bars with at least 60% cocoa content for optimal taste and texture.

Are Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites suitable for gifting?

Yes! These bites make a delightful homemade gift. Package them in decorative boxes or jars for a personal touch.

Final Thoughts

Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce Bites are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various ingredients and flavors. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce from holidays while providing a sweet treat that everyone will love. Give it a try!