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–+ servings

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Bright, tangy homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange, and warm spices. Quick to prepare and perfect as a condiment for holiday roasts, sandwiches, and desserts.
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Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday condiment, Thanksgiving, orange cranberry
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings (about 1 1/2 cups)
Calories: 70kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3/4 cup 150 g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 3/4 cup 180 ml water
  • 1/4 cup 60 ml orange juice (fresh preferred)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 –2 tbsp maple syrup or honey optional

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan combine water, orange juice and sugar; bring to a simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
  • Stir in orange zest and the cinnamon stick.
  • Add cranberries to the simmering liquid and return to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to pop (about 8–10 minutes).
  • Use the back of a spoon to gently crush some berries for a mix of whole and sauced texture.
  • If using vanilla or maple syrup, stir them in during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or a squeeze of orange juice as needed.
  • Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
  • Let the sauce cool; it will thicken as it chills.
  • Transfer to a clean jar or container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 0.2g | Fiber: 1.5g