If you’ve spent even five minutes on social lately, you’ve probably seen these Viral Frosted Popping Cranberries making the rounds. I’ll be honest — I wasn’t convinced at first. Cranberries? Soaked in soda? Covered in sugar? It felt a little chaotic. But after making them myself, I’m here to report that they are 100% worth the hype. They’re sweet, crisp, tangy, and somehow taste like the holidays in candy form, without actually being candy. Totally doable and totally fun.
I made these on a whim one night after scrolling past what felt like the 47th video. Hunter walked through the kitchen, asked what on earth I was making, and then proceeded to eat half the tray once they came out of the oven. That’s when I knew this recipe needed to live here.
What I love most is how simple the whole process is. The cranberries soak overnight and do all the flavor-absorbing work for you. By the next day, they’re plump, slightly sweet, and ready for their powdered sugar snowstorm. A few minutes in the oven and they transform — a little crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and impossible to stop popping them in your mouth.
And because they’re so easy, they’re perfect for the holidays. Set them out for grazing, add them to a dessert board, or gift them in little jars. It’s one of those recipes that delivers big payoff with almost zero effort. Which, let’s be honest, is the energy we all need right now.
What You Need to Make These Viral Cranberries
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries hold their shape through the soak, stay perfectly tart, and turn into crisp little jewels once they dry in the oven. Their natural pop makes every bite super fun!
- Orange Juice: The orange juice gently sweetens the cranberries overnight while infusing them with bright, citrusy flavor. It softens their tart edge just enough without making them overly sweet.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: A splash of lemon-lime Olipop (or 7Up) helps create that light candy-like shell once the berries are coated in powdered sugar. It adds subtle fizz and sweetness that makes the cranberries extra addictive.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar clings to the soaked cranberries and dries into a frosty, delicate coating. It balances their tanginess and gives you that signature snowy look and satisfying crunch.
How to Make The Viral Frosted Popping Cranberries
To make these frosted popping cranberries, start by adding your rinsed cranberries to a large bowl. Pour in the orange juice and lemon-lime soda, then give everything a gentle stir so the berries are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge to soak overnight.
The next day, drain off all the liquid and return the cranberries to the bowl. Add the powdered sugar, cover again, and shake really well until every berry is evenly coated.
Now, preheat your oven to 250°F. Spread the coated cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for 5 to 7 minutes, just until they dry out. Let them cool slightly, then dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions
You do. The overnight soak softens the cranberries slightly, adds flavor, and helps the powdered sugar stick. Without it, the cranberries stay too tart and the coating won’t set the same way.
Absolutely. Lemon-lime Olipop, 7Up, Sprite, or even ginger ale all work. You just want something lightly sweet and carbonated to help the cranberries “candy” overnight.
No — granulated sugar won’t coat the berries evenly and won’t give you the frosted finish. Powdered sugar melts and dries into that crisp, snowy shell.
If a few pop, that’s normal — it happens when they’re extra plump. If many are bursting, they may need a shorter bake time. Pull them as soon as the sugar coating looks dry.
Surprisingly, no. They’re lightly sweet with a bright tang; more like a crunchy, citrusy snack than a full-on candy.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Cranberries (1 bag), rinsed well
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- 1 Can Lemon Lime Olipop, or 7up
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- To make these frosted popping cranberries, start by adding your rinsed cranberries to a large bowl. Pour in the orange juice and lemon-lime soda, then give everything a gentle stir so the berries are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge to soak overnight.
- The next day, drain off all the liquid and return the cranberries to the bowl. Add the powdered sugar, cover again, and shake really well until every berry is evenly coated.
- Now, preheat your oven to 250°F. Spread the coated cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for 5 to 7 minutes, just until they dry out. Let them cool slightly, then dig in!
Rate & review
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