TikTok’s favorite holiday snack this year is Erica Kuiper’s snappy candied cranberries.
The recipe, which began circulating in 2020, has exploded this year with more than 3.5 million views on a single TikTok video. It traces back to Grandma Lillian’s original method of soaking cranberries in Champagne or prosecco before coating them with powdered sugar.
The current version, shared by Kuiper and her daughter Morgan, uses apple cider and Sprite in equal parts. After washing and patting dry the cranberries, the berries are submerged in the liquid mixture and left to soak for 12 to 24 hours. Once drained, they are tossed with a generous amount of powdered sugar, shaken until fully coated, and then baked at 200°F for five minutes to dry the sugar shell.
After baking, the candied cranberries are left on the counter for a few hours to finish drying, then stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for 12 hours. They are best served chilled and stay good for 4 to 5 days.
Kuiper stresses the importance of screening the fruit for soft berries, as they can affect flavor and texture. She also notes that powdered sugar containing cornstarch can leave a soapy or floral perfume-like taste, so she prefers organic sugar, which is usually free of cornstarch.
In the original recipe, Grandma Lillian favored Ocean Spray cranberries for their texture and flavor. She was a confident cook who could create magic out of almost nothing, and her family would gather to play cards while the berries soaked and coated.
The family’s background is rooted in Brooklyn, New York, where Grandma Lillian and her husband owned a jewelry store. She loved sharing recipes from her own childhood, dishes that became staples in her kitchen and later in Morgan’s. “She loved sharing recipes from her own childhood, dishes that became staples in my kitchen and later in Morgan’s … She and my grandfather owned a jewelry store in Brooklyn, New York, and they made a point to include us in every part of their lives,” Kuiper says.
She added, “Tradition and culture meant everything to them,” explains Kuiper, “and those things always come to life in the kitchen – hence the cranberries.” The recipe has become a symbol of that tradition, especially in Slavic countries where it is called klyukva v sakhare.
In Belarus, a factory processes up to 35 tons of candied cranberries per year. The candy-coated berries have been a tradition for more than a century, and by some reports they were Alexander Pushkin’s favorite snack. During the Soviet era, the candied berries were sold seasonally in cardboard boxes, though that version was dipped in sugar syrup rather than juice or soda.
Kuiper’s modern version has several practical tips. She recommends using plenty of powdered sugar so that every berry is fully coated, and baking only for a couple of minutes to dry the coating without cooking the berries. Once finished, the candied cranberries can be stored covered and refrigerated for up to four days. On day five, some of the coating may pop off, but they remain tasty.
For gifting, Kuiper suggests filling mason jars with the candied cranberries and attaching a label, or serving them with fresh uncandied berries to give a hint of the pop that awaits. She also mentions that she has a whole cookbook of Grandma Lillian’s recipes and plans to share more on social media in the coming days.
With its viral TikTok presence, the recipe showcases how a simple holiday treat can bring family traditions to the modern kitchen. The candied cranberries offer a crunchy, sweet, and tart experience that balances fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants with a satisfying snap.
