Description

This easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe transforms fresh or frozen cranberries into a sweet and tangy accompaniment perfect for holiday meals or everyday dishes. Combining simple ingredients like sugar, orange juice, and a hint of orange zest, this sauce is simmered until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a luscious, flavorful topping. Optional add-ins like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and natural sweeteners enhance its depth and versatility.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients:

12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
1 teaspoon orange zest

Optional Add-Ins:

½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

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Instructions

Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or shriveled to ensure the best texture and flavor in your sauce.
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the cranberries will burst, and the mixture will thicken into a sauce-like consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Once the sauce has thickened, taste it and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar, honey, or maple syrup if desired. If the sauce is too thick, thin it slightly with additional orange juice or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool completely. Transfer the cranberry sauce into a sealed jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze it for up to 3 months to enjoy later.

Notes

This sauce can be served warm or chilled depending on your preference.
For a spiced version, add cinnamon or nutmeg during the simmering step.
Maple syrup or honey can be used as a natural sweetener instead of sugar or in addition to it, adjusting to taste.
Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
This sauce pairs perfectly with turkey, chicken, pork, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.