This Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tart delight! It’s made with fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a hint of orange for that extra zing.
It’s super easy to make and perfect for holiday dinners. I love it on turkey, but honestly, it’s fantastic with any meal. Plus, the smell while it cooks is just heavenly! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for the best flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work great too! Just don’t thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the traditional choice, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Honey or maple syrup are also good alternatives, but remember to adjust the quantity to taste.
Cinnamon Stick: For a robust cinnamon flavor, a stick is perfect. If you don’t have any, ground cinnamon can substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon and add it while the cranberries are simmering.
Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh orange zest brightens the sauce. If you’re out of oranges, lemon zest can work too. It adds a lovely tang, but you’ll want to balance it with a bit more sugar.
How Do I Get the Right Sauce Consistency?
Getting the perfect consistency for your cranberry sauce is key! You want it thick, not runny. Here are some tips:
- Start by simmering the mixture; let cranberries burst naturally. This will release their juices, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- If you like a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the berries with a fork or blend it after cooking!
Allow it to cool fully, as it will thicken more once it’s at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade sauce with confidence!
How to Make Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- Optional garnishes: fresh rosemary sprig, extra cinnamon stick, fresh cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll need about 5 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and approximately 15-20 minutes to cook the sauce. Don’t forget to let it cool before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
First, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Look through them carefully and remove any that are soft or damaged. This will ensure your sauce has the best flavor and texture.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, and orange zest. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
3. Add the Cranberries:
Once the mixture is boiling and the sugar is fully dissolved, add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. You’ll notice the cranberries start to pop as they cook, which is a good sign!
4. Cook Until Thickened:
Continue to cook the cranberry sauce for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cranberries are soft and the sauce thickens. Feel free to stir occasionally to help it along. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the berries as they cook.
5. Finish the Sauce:
After the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and stir in the orange juice to add brightness to the flavor. This step really enhances the taste!
6. Cool Down:
Let the cranberry sauce cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will start to thicken even more. Patience is key!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, you can garnish it with a cinnamon stick, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a few extra cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your cinnamon cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature, alongside your favorite holiday dishes. It’s the perfect festive addition to any meal!
Enjoy the sweet, spicy aroma and savor every bite of this classic cinnamon cranberry sauce! 🎉
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh! Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. They may take a minute longer to cook, but the results will be just as tasty!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start by using 3/4 cup of sugar instead of a full cup. You can always adjust it to taste after cooking by adding a bit more sugar or a splash of orange juice for extra flavor!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cranberry sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using!