17 Can-Do Cranberry Desserts

Cranberry desserts are wonderfully rich, sweet and tart, with dutifully ruby-red cranberries that come already holiday adorned in their finest

Cranberries bring to mind tucked-away memories of holiday gatherings and decorations! 

Cranberries have so many uses, from being a tangy ingredient in a recipe to an embellishment on a table centerpiece. 

Today we are exploring creative cranberry dessert ideas. And if you want savory cranberry recipes, stop by here too.

Whole, fresh cranberries are an absolute treasure…for only about three months of the year. 

So here is  a reason (or three) to freeze some of these tart jewels when they are next available so you can have them handy to use throughout the year. 

Pro Tip: Thawed whole cranberries are leaky, so unless you are using your cranberries frozen, transfer them to a covered watertight container. The red juice can stain countertops, and the bags of thawing cranberries tend to leak in the fridge.
Even if you just set the bag into a glass bowl, it will save you some cleanup.

Come on, this will be fun!

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

I particularly love these cranberry brie bites made in phyllo cups. 

Not only are they an easy cranberry dessert to prepare, but they look lovely on a serving plate and are easy to distribute at a gathering or event. 

Cut, assemble, bake, and serve sounds like something we can all do!  

2. Dark Chocolate Cranberry Magic

Textures are what make a cranberry dessert recipe luscious, which is several notches above great, for those of you keeping track! 

Also the fact that you can easily swap the toppings to fit your taste preferences is freeing. 

Not a fan of walnuts? Use pecans. 

Not a fan of dark chocolate? Use milk chocolate.  

So many delicious combinations possible here in this quick cranberry dessert!

3. Apple Cranberry Crisp

This quick cranberry recipe is akin to a cobbler in style and presentation. 

To assemble, there are two parts, a crisp topping, and a fruit filling!

 It may take a while to peel and slice the apples but other than that, this comes together quickly, using fresh or frozen cranberries. 

And if you serve up a bowl of apple cranberry crisp, your kids will certainly ask for a scoop of ice cream on top! 

4. Cranberry Pistachio Fudge

If fudge is a dessert that you allow yourself to indulge in but are tentative to try on your own, then this quick cranberry dessert recipe is for you! 

Bonus ingredients of dried cranberries and pistachios add to the fabulous combination of creamy and crunchy, sweet, and tangy all at the exact same time! 

Talk about a grownup guilty pleasure! Oh, and add to that our list of eye-popping cranberry cocktails and you have a party starting!

5. Cranberry Christmas Cake

This cake recipe is most definitely not the same old, same old! 

This fresh cranberry dessert recipe is delightfully scrumptious. 

It involves room temperature butter and slight peaks from an egg and sugar mixture. 

It is topped not with icing but a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a perfect finishing touch. 

Here’s how to make Sugared Cranberries from The Rose Table too!

6. Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

Pound cake and cranberries? Absolutely! 

This cranberry dessert recipe might take you by surprise because this pound cake has proper cream cheese icing. 

Unexpected? Yes. Delicious? Yes! 

The white chocolate chips sealed the deal! 

It is beautiful on the plate and certainly something new to share.

7. Cranberry Trifle Recipe

Just saying “trifle” makes me sit up straighter as if I am partaking in a formal afternoon tea. 

This fresh cranberry dessert recipe includes layers of sweet custard, cake and tart cranberries.  

Whipped cream and sugared cranberries popped on top when serving for the final added touch.

8. Cranberry, Orange and Pecan Muffins

The best feature of a muffin is its freezability! 

Yes, I just made that word up because it perfectly communicates how valuable this cranberry dessert recipe is in helping me get ahold of my meal prep whether it is on a week-night or a Christmas dinner.

 You will see what I mean when you make them tomorrow or next month or next holiday!

9. Fresh Cranberry Cookies

My greatest weakness is a cookie. 

I can never resist trying or tasting or sampling or devouring a cookie.

This fresh cranberry cookie recipe is all that and a bag of chips (well, no chips, but there are fresh cranberries that come out of a bag). 

Mix it all together in the proper order, bake, and lastly, the drizzle that goes on top is to die for! 

Figuratively of course, but you might think you are at heaven’s door!

10. Cranberry and Walnut Pinwheels

Easy assembly is all you need for this cranberry dessert recipe. 

Premade pie crusts work best and I am here for it! 

Spread the crust with the filling, roll it up, slice into pinwheels, bake and drizzle a little honey on top! 

We can do this! Easy to make, easy to serve, and they make everyone easy to please!

11. Cranberry Cream Cheese Pastries

Got leftover cranberry sauce from a holiday get together? Fabulous.

You can make this lovely light cranberry dessert recipe!

Six simple ingredients, a little assembly and you are off to the races with your cooking game! 

This one is similar to the Cranberry Brie Bites above but uses cream cheese instead of brie.  

These keep in the fridge for several days, which is always a perk.

12. Cranberry Lemon Scones

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I will simply say, this link has amazing step by step pictures to follow for the cranberry lemon scone dessert recipe. 

The egg basting on top is the chef’s kiss for the perfect golden brown. 

13. Orange Cranberry Turnovers

Look no further for an easy cranberry dessert!

This delicious turnover recipe has not only fresh cranberries but also some fresh squeezed orange juice!

These are certifiably not going to last long!

14. Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danish

I have found another variation for a quick cranberry dessert idea for the no-nonsense chef in your home.

This cranberry cream cheese crescent danish starts with a can of crescent dough. Yep. You read that right! 

This time use the rectangle shape made by two triangles, fill them up, fold them up, bake them up, glaze if you wish, and gobble them up! 

Looking for savory Cranberry Appetizers? Check out our list here.

15. Cranberry Vanilla Cupcakes White Chocolate Frosting

Cranberries get mentioned twice in this cranberry dessert idea! 

Take a vanilla cupcake and level it up with cranberries inside AND on top! 

Lots of room for variations too! Icing or whipped cream? 

Cranberries or strawberries? Vanilla or chocolate? You get to decide! Plus, individual serving size for the win!

16. Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal lovers beware! 

This easy cranberry dessert recipe for cookies is going to make your mouth water!

Using dried cranberries and pairing them with white chocolate is a match made in heaven! 

These come out of the oven soft and chewy, looking as delicious as they taste!

17. Fresh Cranberry Shortbread Cookie Recipe

This make-ahead fresh cranberry dessert recipe serves up yet another lovely festive cookie! 

After making the batter with fresh cranberries, it is rolled into a log and refrigerated overnight. 

The next day or two it can be simply sliced and baked!

 Gotta love a homemade slice-and-bake cookie for sure!

The bottom line

While faux cranberries can be found on door wreaths or garlands at the holidays, I love cranberries gracing my table in oh so many different ways.

Hoping for some cranberry sauce inspiration? We got you there, too. 

I hope this collection of cranberry dessert ideas and recipes inspired you to consider using them throughout the year.

For fun flair and foodie fare, I hope you found your next favorite cranberry desserts here!