17 cranberry recipes that aren’t just sauce

Cranberries bring a tangy twist to sweet and savory holiday favorites, and this list is packed with ways to use them in everything from baking to drinks. These recipes are all about showcasing cranberries in fun and delicious ways, with plenty of variety for your table. Whether you’re planning dessert, breakfast, snacks, or appetizers, there’s something here to brighten up your next gathering. Each one blends seasonal flair with rich textures and bold flavor combinations.

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

Sliced cranberry bread topped with powdered sugar on a plate, surrounded by fresh cranberries. — Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

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This moist pound cake is dotted with cranberries that add a bright contrast to the dense, buttery crumb. A simple glaze drizzled over the top gives it a glossy finish and a sweet touch. The tartness of the berries balances out the richness in every bite. It’s a striking dessert that slices beautifully for guests.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

A white bowl of cranberry fluff salad topped with mini marshmallows, pecans, and cranberries on a marble surface, with a spoon and a plaid cloth nearby. — Cranberry Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Fluffy and colorful, this take on ambrosia brings in cranberries for a tangy spin. The mix of fruit, cream, and mini marshmallows makes it a nostalgic favorite with extra holiday flair. It’s cold, creamy, and refreshing alongside heavier dishes. A chilled bowl of this always gets scooped up fast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

Cranberry Cheeseball

Cheese ball coated with dried cranberries and nuts, surrounded by square crackers on a white plate. — Cranberry Cheeseball. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

This cheeseball blends cream cheese with dried cranberries for a tangy-sweet punch. Rolled in chopped nuts or herbs, it’s eye-catching and full of texture. Spread it on crackers or crostini for a rich bite with a fruity twist. It’s an easy appetizer that looks festive on any table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheeseball

Cranberry Curd Tart

A crisp tart shell holds a smooth, vibrant cranberry curd with a bold hue. The curd is silky and full of concentrated cranberry flavor with a hint of citrus. It slices cleanly and holds its shape for a beautiful presentation. Top it with whipped cream or meringue for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Curd Tart

Cranberry Pecan Cookies

A plate of round, freshly baked cookies with a golden-brown color, featuring visible chunks of white chocolate and pieces of cranberries. — Cranberry Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Chewy with a bit of crunch, these cookies mix tart cranberries and toasty pecans in a buttery dough. They come out golden with a soft center and crisp edges. Each bite has a sweet and nutty balance that works well with the tangy fruit. They store well and make great edible gifts.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Cookies

Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread

Banana bread gets a seasonal twist with cranberries and chopped walnuts. The tart berries cut through the sweetness of ripe bananas, giving it a bright flavor. Walnuts add a satisfying crunch throughout the moist loaf. This is a cozy option for breakfast or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Walnut Banana Bread

Cranberry Zucchini Muffins

Two muffins on a small cutting board. — Cranberry Zucchini Muffins. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Zucchini makes these muffins extra moist while cranberries add a bold pop of flavor. They’re spiced just right for the season and not overly sweet. The soft texture contrasts nicely with the slightly chewy berries. Make a batch to have on hand for quick morning bites.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Zucchini Muffins

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread

A loaf of bread is sitting on a piece of paper. — Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This loaf brings together rich dark chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. It’s dense and slightly sweet with bursts of fruit and nut in every slice. The chocolate gives it a deeper flavor that makes it feel more indulgent. Serve it warm or toasted with a bit of butter.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side. — Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This no-cook salad features cranberries, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans in a sweet creamy base. It’s chilled until set and often served as a side or dessert. The texture is soft with bits of crunch from the nuts. It pairs well with roasted meats or holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita

A cranberry margarita adds bright color and a tangy edge to your drink selection. Tequila, cranberry juice, and citrus combine for a lively cocktail with a refreshing bite. A sugared rim and fresh cranberries make it look ready for a party. Serve it over ice for the best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita

Frozen Cranberry Margarita

This frozen version of the cranberry margarita blends everything with ice for a slushy consistency. It’s fruity, cold, and strong enough to stand up to holiday flavors. Garnish with lime or fresh cranberries for a wintry touch. A great option for a festive twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita

Homemade Cranberry Fruit Roll-Ups

Fruit Roll-Ups on a wooden table. — Homemade Cranberry Fruit Roll-Ups. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Made with fresh cranberries and a touch of sweetener, these roll-ups are tart and chewy. They’re baked low and slow until they reach the perfect texture. Slice them into strips for a homemade snack that’s fun to eat. Kids and adults both enjoy the bright berry flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Fruit Roll-Ups

Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

This dip blends spicy jalapeño with sweet cranberry for a bold contrast. Cream cheese or goat cheese balances the heat and adds richness. It’s great served with crackers or sliced baguette. The color is vibrant and the flavor is unexpected in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cranberry Dip

Just Like Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Copycat Recipe

This version recreates the popular coffee shop treat with white chocolate, dried cranberries, and cream cheese frosting. The blondie-style base is chewy and sweet, with lots of flavor throughout. The frosting is rich and tangy with a drizzle of more white chocolate. They slice into pretty bars that go fast.
Get the Recipe: Just Like Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Copycat Recipe

Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin

These hand pies wrap turkey, cranberry sauce, and herby Boursin cheese in flaky pastry. They’re compact, flavorful, and easy to make with leftovers. The cranberry adds moisture and zing to the savory filling. Bake a batch for a snack or next-day lunch.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin

Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

These bars have a buttery crust, a creamy lemon cheesecake layer, and bursts of cranberry. The citrus brightens the richness while cranberries give a tart counterpoint. They chill well and slice into neat squares. A dusting of powdered sugar gives them a festive finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Orange Cranberry Scones

These scones are tender and crumbly with hints of citrus and cranberry. The zest and juice of orange complement the tart berries perfectly. They rise tall and golden with just the right amount of sweetness. Serve them warm with butter or jam.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Scones