This zesty spiced cranberry sauce adds a fun twist to your holiday meals! With fresh cranberries, warming spices like cinnamon, and a hint of orange, it’s sweet and tangy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work well too. Just thaw them before use, and you’re good to go!
Sugar: I stick with granulated sugar for a balanced sweetness, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
Cinnamon and Spices: A cinnamon stick adds a nice touch, but if you don’t have one, ground cinnamon works fine. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the spices and add nutmeg or ginger if you like a little extra kick.
Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh orange is preferred, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Lemon zest and juice will also work if you want a different citrus option.
How Do I Make the Sauce Thick and Creamy?
Thickening the sauce is all about cooking the cranberries long enough. As they cook, they burst and release pectin, thickening the mix naturally. Here’s how:
- Simmer the cranberries for about 10 to 15 minutes until they burst. Stir occasionally.
- If you want it thicker, let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce the liquid further.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely—this really helps it firm up!
Keep an eye on it as it simmers for the best texture. If it’s too thick after cooling, adding a splash of water or orange juice can help loosen it up! Enjoy the process—it’s simple and rewarding.
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (or 3-4 whole allspice berries)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (about 1 small orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprig, extra cinnamon stick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll need around 5-10 minutes for prep work, followed by 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, it’s a great idea to let the sauce cool for some time, allowing it to thicken up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or bad berries to ensure only the best ones go into your sauce.
2. Create the Flavor Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, ground allspice, and ground cloves. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan and continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and soon you’ll hear those lovely cranberries bursting! The sauce should start to thicken as the cranberries release their juices.
4. Blend in the Orange Flavors:
Once most of the berries have burst, stir in the finely grated orange zest and fresh orange juice. Simmer everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This is where the sauce gets its vibrant flavor from!
5. Cool the Sauce:
After cooking, carefully remove the saucepan from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and any whole spices if you’ve used them. Allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny; it will thicken as it cools!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer the spiced cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, garnish it with a fresh rosemary sprig and an extra cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation. This sauce is delicious served chilled or at room temperature! Enjoy it alongside your favorite holiday meals!
This spiced cranberry sauce is bursting with tartness, warm cinnamon, and cloves, with bright citrus notes that bring everything together. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion when you want to add a flavorful touch to your dishes!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used! Just make sure to thaw them before use. There’s no need to cook them longer, as they will burst just like fresh ones during the cooking process.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and taste as you cook. You can always add more sugar later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving, and it will taste fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply place the sauce in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
