This bright and tangy blueberry cranberry sauce is a perfect addition to your meals. It’s simple to make and adds a splash of color to any dish!
Plus, it’s not just for holidays—you can use it on pancakes, yogurt, or even straight from the jar! I love how it brightens up breakfast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen ones work just as well if you can’t find fresh. They’re usually available year-round in the freezer section!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a nice pop to the sauce, but I often use frozen when they’re out of season without compromising flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can use honey or maple syrup if you prefer a more natural sweetener. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
Orange Juice and Zest: The orange adds a lovely citrus note! If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice can be a substitute for a different twist. Just remember, it will change the flavor profile a bit.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are optional but add warmth to the sauce. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out, or even try vanilla extract for a different flavor!
How Do You Ensure Your Cranberry Sauce Thickens Perfectly?
The thickening process is vital for a rich texture. Here are the steps to make sure your sauce comes out just right:
- After boiling the sugar and water, add your berries and zest. This mixture needs to be stirred, but don’t rush it—allow it time to simmer gently.
- Keep the heat low once the berries are in. This prevents burning and helps the cranberries burst beautifully.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until you notice a nice thick consistency. The sauce will thicken more as it cools!
Remember, patience is key! The more the cranberries break down, the thicker your sauce will become. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Blueberry Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful blueberry cranberry sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, plus a little time to cool. So, you’ll be enjoying this fresh, vibrant sauce in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Berries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries and blueberries under cold water. Drain them well and set them aside. If you’re using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them before using.
2. Make the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved—this takes just a few minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Once the sugar is dissolved, stir in the rinsed cranberries, blueberries, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Give everything a good stir to mix well.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally. After about 10-15 minutes, the cranberries should start to burst, and the sauce will thicken. You can add cinnamon and nutmeg during the last 5 minutes for extra flavor, if you like.
5. Cool and Serve:
After it’s cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool at room temperature. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools! Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl when ready.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your beautiful sauce with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired. It’s ready to serve chilled or at room temperature, pairing perfectly with roasted turkey, chicken, or even as a topping for breakfast items like pancakes or yogurt!
Enjoy your tangy and slightly sweet blueberry cranberry sauce, bursting with the bright flavors of fresh berries!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries and blueberries work great in this sauce. There’s no need to thaw them before use; just add them directly to the pan with the other ingredients!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3/4 cup of sugar instead of a full cup. You can always taste the sauce as it simmers and add more sugar if needed.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, definitely! This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or serve it cold!
What Are Some Good Serving Suggestions?
This sauce is versatile! It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, but it’s also delicious on pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. Feel free to get creative!
