This bright and tangy cranberry sauce gets a zesty twist from oranges and a warm touch from cinnamon. It’s perfect for your holiday table!
I love how this sauce adds a burst of flavor to turkey or can be enjoyed on toast. Just boil, mix, and cool—so easy to make, you could make it in your sleep!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key to the sauce’s tart flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries are a good substitute—just thaw them first!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the sauce. You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: These add a bright citrus kick. If you’re out of fresh oranges, bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best. Lemon juice can also add a good twist.
Cinnamon Stick: Using a stick gives the sauce a warm spice without overpowering. If needed, ground cinnamon works too; just use about 1/2 teaspoon.
How Do I Cook Cranberries Without Them Bursting Too Much?
Cooking cranberries requires a bit of attention to avoid a mushy texture. Here’s a simple method to follow:
- Start with rinsed cranberries, removing soft ones to maintain quality.
- When boiling, keep the heat at medium to prevent rapid burst reactions.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, just until they start to burst and release their juices.
After cooking, letting the sauce cool will help it firm up nicely. Enjoy your homemade fruit sauce with holiday meals or breakfast!
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cranberry sauce takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 15-20 minutes cooking and cooling. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for festive occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cool water. As you do this, look for any soft or damaged cranberries and discard them. This will ensure your sauce has a nice, fresh taste!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Next, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, water, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Stir it gently as the mixture heats up, ensuring that the sugar fully dissolves. You want to wait until it starts to simmer—this means it’s ready for the cranberries!
3. Add Cranberries and Cinnamon:
Now it’s time to add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan along with the cinnamon stick. Stir everything together to make sure the cranberries are coated with that delicious sugary orange mixture.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Let your mixture cook at a gentle boil for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. You’ll notice the cranberries start to burst and release their juices. The sauce will thicken in this process, transforming into a beautiful deep red color!
5. Finish the Sauce:
After cooking, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick—it’s done its job of flavoring the sauce. Let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will thicken even more as it cools.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a lovely serving bowl. For a nice touch, you can garnish it with fresh cranberries, orange slices, or extra cinnamon sticks. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes. Enjoy the burst of flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using, and you may need to simmer them for a little longer to achieve the desired thickness in your sauce.
How Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to three months.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce. Start by reducing it by ¼ cup and taste-testing as you go. You can also try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust accordingly for sweetness levels.
Is There a Substitute for Orange Juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use lemon juice or even apple juice for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that lemon juice will make the sauce more tart, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly!
