Description
A vibrant and tangy homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, sweetened with sugar and brightened with fresh orange juice and zest. This easy sauce simmers gently on the stovetop to create the perfect balance of sweet and tart, ideal for holiday meals or as a flavorful condiment throughout the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water together, preparing the base for the sauce.
- Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon if using, infusing the sauce with fragrant citrus and warm spice notes. Remove from heat immediately after.
- Cool the Sauce: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. This cooling helps the sauce to thicken further and develop deeper flavors.
- Store and Serve: Transfer to a serving dish or an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries during or after cooking.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste for a less sweet or more tart sauce.
- Optional cinnamon adds a warm undertone, but can be omitted for a pure cranberry flavor.
- Fresh orange juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
