This Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet twist on a classic! With tart cranberries, rich maple syrup, and brown sugar, it’s perfect for holidays or any meal.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just simmer the ingredients, and voilà—your home smells amazing. Serve it on turkey or enjoy it with toast. Yum! 🦃🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for this recipe. They have a perfect balance of tartness. If fresh berries aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries—just don’t thaw them first!
Brown Sugar: This adds rich sweetness and depth. If you want a lighter option, you can use light brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup offers a deliciously distinct taste. If you don’t have maple syrup, try using agave syrup or honey, but remember that this will change the overall flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh just feels more vibrant.
Ground Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds warmth and a lovely aroma. If you don’t have cinnamon, a tiny bit of nutmeg or ginger could work well too!
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for My Cranberry Sauce?
Getting the perfect thickness for your cranberry sauce is all about simmering it just right. Here’s how to achieve that perfect jam-like consistency:
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat. This slow cooking helps the berries burst and release their natural pectin.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to break down the cranberries.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the mixture with a fork or use a blender for a few seconds after it cools.
- Let it cool before serving; it will thicken further as it cools.
By following these tips, you’ll have a deliciously thick cranberry sauce that complements any dish beautifully! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
How to Make Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and then 10-15 minutes simmering the sauce. After that, let it cool, and you’re all set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Be sure to check for any soft or damaged berries and discard those. You want only the best cranberries for your sauce!
2. Make the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. It should become a lovely syrupy mixture.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan and bring it back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens!
4. Add Flavor:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon if you’re using it. Don’t forget to add a tiny pinch of salt to bring out all the flavors!
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the cranberries will start to burst, creating a beautiful, thick sauce. Cooking until the sauce thickens to a jam-like consistency is key!
6. Cool and Set:
Once the sauce looks perfect, take it off the heat and let it cool down. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. For an extra festive touch, feel free to garnish it with a sprig of rosemary or pine! Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes or even spread on toast. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can work just fine in this recipe! There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them into the saucepan straight from the freezer!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to suit your taste. Start by cutting each by a couple of tablespoons and adjust from there based on your preference!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will taste even better as the flavors meld together!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
