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Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Recipe Details

Prep 5 m
Cook 15 m
Total 20 m
Serves 8
Calories 110 kcal
Level Medium

"This vibrant, ruby-red sauce balances the natural tartness of fresh cranberries with bright citrus notes and warm cinnamon. Far superior to anything in a can, it thickens perfectly as it cools and adds a sophisticated touch to any holiday table."

1 Ingredients

Qty Item
12 oz Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp Orange Zest
1 whole Cinnamon Stick
1/4 tsp Salt

2 Instructions

1

Rinse the cranberries thoroughly in a colander and discard any that are soft, shriveled, or bruised.

2

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, and the cinnamon stick.

3

Bring the liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.

4

Add the cranberries to the saucepan and return the mixture to a gentle boil.

5

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has started to thicken.

6

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh orange zest and salt.

7

Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature before transferring to a bowl; it will continue to gel and thicken as it cools. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.


πŸ’‘ Tips & Tricks

  • Β·

    Make it ahead of time: This sauce tastes even better after 24 hours and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

  • Β·

    For a smoother texture, use a potato masher to lightly crush the berries while they are simmering.

  • Β·

    If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup and taste before adding more.

  • Β·

    Add a splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier at the end for an adult, boozy twist.


? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! You don't even need to thaw them first; just add them directly to the boiling liquid and cook for an extra 2 minutes.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
The sauce naturally thickens as it cools due to the high pectin content in cranberries. If it looks too thin while hot, don't worryβ€”it will firm up in the fridge.
Can I substitute the sugar?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or honey, but the sauce may be slightly less firm. Use a 1:1 ratio.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as written.

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