Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe combines fresh cranberries, sugar, and citrus zest for a tangy, sweet holiday classic it serves 6, takes about 20 minutes to make and can be topped with toasted nuts for added flavor and crunch.

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💕 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe:

Quick and Easy: Takes only 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, spices, or toppings to suit your preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for holiday meal prep, saving you time on busy days.
Rich Flavor: The balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors makes it irresistible.

❓ What Is Cranberry Sauce Recipe?

Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a sweet-tart condiment made with cranberries, sugar, and citrus zest this traditional holiday dish pairs perfectly with savory meals, offering a burst of flavor and vibrant color.

🍒 Ingredient

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water or orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

🍧 Directions

Rinse the cranberries and remove any soft or damaged ones.
In a medium saucepan, combine water (or orange juice) and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Stir in the cranberries and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and let cool. Top with toasted nuts before serving for a crunchy finish.

💭 Recipe Tips:

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the best flavor and texture to Cranberry Sauce. Frozen cranberries work in a pinch but may need slightly longer cooking time.
Control Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet Cranberry Sauce.
Use Citrus: Orange juice and zest brighten the flavor and add a festive touch to Cranberry Sauce.
Chill for Best Texture: Allow the sauce to cool and thicken in the refrigerator before serving.

🍰 What To Serve With Cranberry Sauce?

Serve Cranberry Sauce with desserts like cheesecake, pound cake, ice cream, or panna cotta its tangy sweetness complements creamy and rich treats, adding a burst of flavor it’s also delicious as a filling for pies or pastries.

🎚 How To Store Leftovers Cranberry Sauce?

Refrigeration: Store leftovers cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freezing: Freeze leftovers cranberry sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for Cranberry Sauce?

Yes, frozen cranberries are perfect for making Cranberry Sauce. You can cook them straight from frozen, but they may take a bit longer to soften and release their juices compared to fresh cranberries.

How do I make Cranberry Sauce less tart?

To make Cranberry Sauce less tart, increase the sugar or add a sweet fruit juice like apple or orange juice. A touch of honey or maple syrup can also balance the tartness.

What can I add to Cranberry Sauce for extra flavor?

You can add ingredients like orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, or a splash of alcohol (e.g., Grand Marnier or brandy) to elevate the flavor of Cranberry Sauce.

Why does my Cranberry Sauce taste bitter?

Cranberry Sauce can taste bitter if the cranberries are underripe or too much citrus zest is used. Adding more sugar or sweetener can help balance the bitterness.

How do I thicken Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry Sauce naturally thickens as it cools due to the pectin in cranberries. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid until the desired consistency is reached.

Cranberry Sauce Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon

Calories: 123
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g (with nuts)
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 2mg

Author: Hamdi Saidani Cooking Method:Simmering Courses:Winter Fruit Desserts, Sauce, Sides, Breakfast, Brunch Recipe Keys: H Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 10 minutesRest time: 5 minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:123 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ingredients

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water or orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Rinse the cranberries and remove any soft or damaged ones.
In a medium saucepan, combine water (or orange juice) and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Stir in the cranberries and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and let cool. Top with toasted nuts before serving for a crunchy finish.

Notes

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the best flavor and texture to Cranberry Sauce. Frozen cranberries work in a pinch but may need slightly longer cooking time.
Control Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet Cranberry Sauce.
Use Citrus: Orange juice and zest brighten the flavor and add a festive touch to Cranberry Sauce.
Chill for Best Texture: Allow the sauce to cool and thicken in the refrigerator before serving.

Keywords:Homemade Cranberry Sauce