The Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This homemade cranberry sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, enhanced by fresh orange and warm cinnamon. It’s a simple, fresh alternative to canned cranberry sauce and a delicious addition to any holiday or everyday meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup (170 g) maple syrup or honey
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 stick of cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small pan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup (or honey), orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon stick.
- Step 2: Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until most cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens. Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Step 3: Allow the sauce to cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier note, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg along with the cinnamon stick.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Stir in chopped fresh ginger for added warmth and depth.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently on the stove if you prefer it warm, or serve chilled alongside your meal.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
How thick will the sauce get?
The sauce thickens as it cooks and will continue to firm up as it cools, reaching a jam-like consistency perfect for serving.
PrintThe Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
A simple and delicious homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, natural sweetener, and brightened with orange zest and juice. This recipe yields a perfectly tangy and sweet sauce that’s ideal for holiday meals or as a flavorful accompaniment to roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 ¼ cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ½ cup (170 g) maple syrup (or honey)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 stick of cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small pan, mix together the cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon stick until evenly combined.
- Cook the Sauce: Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally. Cook for 10-15 minutes until most cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove Cinnamon Stick: After simmering, remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools. Transfer to a container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a sweeter sauce, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to taste.
- Using frozen cranberries is a convenient alternative to fresh and works just as well.
- The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- This sauce is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners but also pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry year-round.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, orange cranberry sauce, natural sweetener sauce, stovetop cranberry sauce
