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Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

The perfect blend of tart and sweet, this homemade Cranberry Sauce will elevate your holiday meals. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a must-have for Thanksgiving and beyond. You’ll love how it enhances everything from turkey to desserts.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 Zest of 1 medium orange
  • 1 Juice of 1 medium orange
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Begin by rinsing the cranberries. Place them in a colander and run cold water over them. Take a moment to check for any shriveled or damaged berries, tossing those aside. This step is essential to ensure you have the freshest ingredients for your sauce.
  2. Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Stir them together gently, allowing the flavors to begin mingling.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it, as it can bubble up quite quickly. You’ll notice the cranberries starting to pop, which is a good sign! This is the moment when the magic begins.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and watch the sauce transform as the cranberries break down. After about 20 minutes, you’ll have a thickened compote. It’s a beautiful sight—I love watching the colors deepen!
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, letting it infuse its warm flavor into the sauce. The aroma will be irresistible—take a moment to enjoy it!
  6. Allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to a bowl. Once cooled, pop it in the refrigerator to chill. This step helps the flavors develop even further, creating a richer taste.

Notes

This cranberry sauce can be made in advance. It will keep in a container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 4 months.