15-Minute Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce (naturally sweetened!)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
137 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Condiments
15-Minute Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce (naturally sweetened!)
Description
The recipe features a simple mixture of cranberries simmered with freshly squeezed orange juice, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Cooking over medium-high heat brings the cranberries to a boil, then simmering covered softens the berries and releases natural pectin to thicken the sauce. The optional addition of whiskey, bourbon, brandy, or scotch adds complexity and warmth.
After initial cooking, removing the lid allows the sauce to reduce and thicken further, especially useful when using frozen cranberries that require extra time to fully soften. The final product is a vibrant sauce coating the back of a spoon, balancing tartness from cranberries with sweetness from maple syrup and citrus brightness.
This sauce can be served chilled or warmed and pairs well with turkey, chicken, or pork dishes, adding seasonal flavor. It can be prepared several days ahead and refrigerated, making it a convenient holiday accompaniment.
Cooking tips acknowledge differences in fresh or frozen cranberry timing, and cooling before refrigerating preserves texture and flavor until serving. Garnishing with orange zest adds a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cranberry fresh or frozen
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon whiskey or bourbon, brandy or scotch; optional
- orange zest from 1
Instructions
- Add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract and bourbon in a small pot and place over medium high heat.
- Once mixture begins to boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce becomes nice and thick, coating the back of a spoon. You may notice a popping sound; this is the cranberries bursting so don't worry.
- After 10 minutes I recommend removing the lid and allowing cranberries to simmer a few minutes to thicken the sauce up. If you are using frozen cranberries, this may take a bit longer.
- Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, then garnish with orange zest. Serves 6 (about ¼ cup each). Feel free to double the recipe!
Notes
- If using frozen cranberries, remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of cooking to help thicken the sauce.
- The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance; cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Serve the cranberry sauce cold or gently reheat over low heat before serving if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving (based on 6) | |
| Calories | 137cal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 0.3g | 1% |
| Fiber | 2.8g | 11% |
| Sugar | 24.2g | 48% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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