Go Back

Spiced Cranberry Gelée

Silky spiced cranberry gelée with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—a festive dessert that sets beautifully and tastes like holiday magic
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Course: Dessert
Servings: 5 people

Equipment

  • Small Bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Individual serving glasses or a large serving dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups 100% cranberry juice no added sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin about 1 packet
  • Fresh cranberries orange zest, or a few pomegranate arils for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Gelatin:

  • In a small bowl, add the powdered gelatin to 1/4 cup of water and let it bloom (hydrate) for about 5 minutes.

Heat the Cranberry Juice with Spices:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, remaining 1/4 cup of water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is just starting to steam (do not boil).

Incorporate the Gelatin:

  • Remove the saucepan from heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir well until the gelatin is fully dissolved in the cranberry juice mixture.

Taste and Adjust:

  • Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed. Remember, the gelée will taste slightly less sweet when set and chilled, so adjust accordingly.

Strain and Pour:

  • For a smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup to remove any spice bits or undissolved gelatin.
  • Pour the gelée into individual serving glasses or a large serving dish. For a layered effect, you can fill the glasses halfway and let set before adding another layer (like panna cotta) on top.

Chill and Set:

  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the gelée is fully set. For a firmer gelée, chill overnight.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Just before serving, garnish with a few fresh cranberries, a twist of orange zest, or a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for a festive touch.