Fresh cranberry recipes for the 2023 cranberry harvest ~ from muffins, cakes and pies, to jam, jelly, and meatballs for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond.
when will we see fresh cranberries in the supermarkets in 2023?
They’re hitting the stores now!! Fresh cranberries are so special we only see them briefly each year ~ only in stores for about 6-8 weeks. Of course you can find frozen cranberries all year round, but true cranberry fanatics (raising hand) get super excited about the tart vibrant FRESH fruit every year.
This year’s crop is bigger than the past few years ~ yay! But less than 5% of the cranberries grown in the US are served up fresh, the rest get juiced or dried. The 2023 crop is being harvested right now and the berries will be hitting the shelves in week 1 and 2 of October. Ask your produce manager if you don’t see them.
did you know?
- cranberries are one of many fruits native to North America (along with blueberries and Concord grapes, for example) They grow in bogs in the northern regions of the United States and Canada.
- only about 3% of the annual cranberry crop is sold fresh, the rest gets canned and bottled.
- fresh cranberries can bounce! This is why they are sometimes called “bounceberries.” In the past, growers would bounce them to determine if they were ripe; a fully ripe cranberry can bounce up to 4 inches high.
- cranberries are insanely healthy ~ they’re low calorie, high fiber, high in vitamin C and cancer fighting antioxidants.
- fresh cranberries can reduce the need for antibiotics in women with UTIs due to their high levels of proanthocyanidins, which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls.
- yes you CAN eat cranberries raw! Pulse them into a relish, or blend up into a super nutritious smoothie.
- cranberries freeze beautifully, just throw the bags in the freezer, they’ll keep all the way ’til next cranberry season.
- fresh cranberries are good for so much more than sauce…just scroll down and see!
cranberry health benefits?
Cranberries are considered a superfood because of their many proven and potential health benefits!
- Antioxidant Rich: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, which protect cells from damage.
- Urinary Tract Health: They help prevent urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial adhesion.
- Heart Health: Cranberries can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.
- Digestive Aid: They’re a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
- Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest cranberries may inhibit cancer cell growth.
- Anti-Inflammatory: They have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
- Oral Health: Cranberries inhibit harmful mouth bacteria, reducing gum disease and cavities.
- Weight Management: Their fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding weight management.
- Skin Health: Cranberry antioxidants protect skin from UV damage and pollutants.
our favorite fresh cranberry recipes
This is what you do with those bags of crimson gems you score in October through December. And then you keep on making them throughout the rest of the year with frozen berries!
Cranberry Orange Cake
Cranberry Cleanse Smoothie
Cranberry Walnut Wild Rice Porridge (Mahnomin Porridge)
Cranberry Breakfast Cake
The BEST Cranberry Orange Bread
Fresh Cranberry White Chocolate Scones
Chocolate Cake with Cranberry Buttercream
Cranberry Apple Crisp
Cranberry Gingersnap Pie
Cranberry Crumble Tart
No Churn Cranberry Ice Cream
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Cranberry Whipped Cream
Fresh Cranberry Bars
Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars
Scandinavian Rice Pudding with Cranberries
Hot Pepper Cranberry Jam
Easy Mulled Cranberry Jelly
Cranberry Relish with Horseradish and Sour Cream
Spiced Rum Cranberry Sauce
Easy Crock Pot Cranberry Butter
Microwave Cranberry Curd
Cranberry Cornbread
Brats with Spicy Cranberry Relish
Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Baked Brie with Maple Roasted Cranberries
fresh cranberry faqs
When can you find cranberries in the grocery store?
- During cranberry season (mid September through December) you’ll find them fresh, in plastic bags, in the produce section. Every store locates them differently, so ask if you don’t spot them. You can usually find frozen cranberries year round in the freezer aisle.Add image
What is the best way to store fresh cranberries?
- They’re pretty hardy so they’ll last up to a month in the refrigerator. They can be kept in their original packaging or in a breathable container. Do not wash them until you’re ready to use them.
How can I freeze my cranberries?
- Rinse and dry them thoroughly. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking tray and put the tray in the freezer until the berries are frozen solid. Transfer to a heavy duty freezer zip lock bag and press out any excess air before sealing. You can also simply throw bags of fresh cranberries right into your freezer.
Can I eat fresh cranberries raw?
- Yes! Contrary to popular belief, you can eat raw cranberries, although they are very tart.
Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh cranberries in recipes?
- It really depends on the recipe. You can substitute dried cranberries in some baked goods, but in most fresh cranberry recipes I would stick to the fresh.
Can I use fresh cranberries to make homemade cranberry juice?
- Yes, you can make homemade cranberry juice by simmering fresh cranberries with water and sugar, then straining the mixture. You can adjust the sweetness and dilution to your preference.
WOW! These recipes were just what I was looking for….canned some fresh cranberries last year but have been looking for just the right recipe to use them….thanks Sue!
I can’t wait to try these recipes. I love cranberries and often stockpile them in my freezer so I have them all year long. Your recipes are always the best. Thank you!
You are amazing, as is this collection of cranberry recipes! I want to make them all, right now! I will probably make a few gluten free. And those bars! Those are happening as soon as I can buy cranberries. I live in Florida. Thank you very much!
These cranberry recipes all look so amazing!! I especially want to try the cranberry pie. Looks perfect for Christmas! And the shortbread cookies! The new web design looks so classy! Love it! Your blog is always so organized and easy to navigate. Has always been a favourite of mine. Trusted recipes and amazing pic! Thank you for your hard work!
Thank you Lola, I’m happy to hear it. I think the organization of the new layout is a definite improvement. Since I’ve got over 2,000 recipes, it can be hard to keep them all accessible.
I buy as many bags of fresh cranberries as I can get as they keep forever in the freezer! Loved your collection of new recipes. I like my cranberry sauce on roast chicken (Thanksgiving year-round).
Cranberries and chicken is such a great combo, I agree.
I love your new format!!
Thanks Melinda <3
I love your new format! I especially like the font used throughout. It’s easy to read and looks very clean and airy on the page! Love all your recipes, and I am forever forwarding them to friends and relations. I tried your focaccia bread recipes – all of them – over the last six weeks and everyone raves about them (and they are so easy)! Many thanks for your creativity and generosity.
Thanks Kate! I’m so glad you like the new ‘look’, there’s a lot I can do now that I couldn’t do before, so it will be fun and functional.
Can’t wait to stock up on CRANBERRIES! These recipes sound so delicious Thank you so much. By the way, I never knew freezing the cranberries was so easy…toss bag into freezer…YAY!!
They’re probably the easiest things in the world to freeze, I love that they don’t stick together or get frosty or anything. Good thing for us cranberry freaks 🙂
I hate your new format
Wow, Carolyn ~ why?
Hi Sue,
I absolutely enjoy cranberries, too! This collection is amazing!
What an interesting idea, love it Susannah!