Winter Berry Blend Delight (Printable)
A colorful blend of winter berries sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced by orange zest and cinnamon.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Berries
01 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
03 - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
04 - 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
→ Sweetener & Flavor
05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
06 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
07 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Garnish (optional)
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. If using frozen berries, allow them to thaw partially for easier mixing.
02 - Drizzle the maple syrup and orange juice over the berries.
03 - Add the orange zest and ground cinnamon.
04 - Gently toss the mixture until the berries are evenly coated.
05 - Let the blend rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It takes 15 minutes from counter to table, which means you can make it while the coffee brews.
- The citrus and berries do all the talking—no heavy cooking required, just cold brightness.
- Works as dessert, breakfast topping, or that thing you bring to a holiday table when you want everyone to ask what it is.
02 -
- Frozen berries are not a compromise; they often have more flavor than fresh berries that traveled 2,000 miles and sat on a shelf.
- The 10-minute rest is non-negotiable—this is when the berries soften just enough to soak up the syrup and the flavors actually fuse together.
03 -
- Make this the morning of serving, not days ahead—it stays fresher tasting and the berries hold their structure better.
- If your kitchen is very warm, chill the serving bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes before you transfer the blend; cold glass makes a difference in how the flavors land on your tongue.