Loading…

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this sauce, but frozen will work just fine too. They’re convenient and often just as flavorful. Just be sure not to thaw them before cooking!

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens up the tartness of cranberries. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you might try maple syrup or honey, but adjust the quantity since they’re sweeter.

Water: Use water to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup base. If you want a richer flavor, you could substitute some of the water with orange juice, which ties nicely with the zest!

Vanilla Bean or Extract: A vanilla bean adds a lovely flavor but can be pricey. Pure vanilla extract works well too. Just remember, if using extract, add it at the end to preserve its flavor.

Orange Zest and Juice: This is optional, but it brings a fresh flavor to your sauce. If you’re out of oranges, lemon zest is a nice alternative for a different yet bright flavor profile.

How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?

Getting the right thickness for your cranberry vanilla sauce is key! As you simmer the sauce, the cranberries will burst and release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.

• Start with medium heat to dissolve the sugar completely. This builds a good syrup base.
• Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding the cranberries. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
• Cook for about 10 minutes, and you’ll notice the sauce gradually thickening. The popping sound of the cranberries is a good sign!
• If you find your sauce is too thin after it cools, you can simmer it a little longer to reduce it further.

Don’t skip letting the sauce cool; it thickens nicely as it cools down. Enjoy your tasty sauce with any meal or treat!

How to Make Cranberry Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sauce:

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 1 tbsp orange juice (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious cranberry vanilla sauce will take about 15 minutes to prepare. After cooking, allow it to cool for a bit, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for holiday meals or a sweet treat anytime!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Syrup:

Start by combining the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir well until the sugar fully dissolves—this is the syrup base for your sauce!

2. Infuse with Vanilla:

Take the vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Add both the seeds and the split pod to the saucepan. If you’re using vanilla extract, just wait to add it later!

3. Add the Cranberries:

Now, add your cranberries to the saucepan filled with the bubbling sugar syrup. Bring it all to a gentle boil, making sure to watch closely as it heats up.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. You will hear the cranberries popping, and you’ll notice the sauce getting thicker as it cooks—it’s a beautiful sound!

5. Finish with Vanilla:

After simmering, remove the vanilla bean pod from the sauce. If you opted for the vanilla extract, stir it in now to keep that delightful flavor strong.

6. Add Zest and Juice:

If you’re using the orange zest and juice, now’s the time to mix them in! This will give your sauce a lovely, fresh citrus twist.

7. Cool Down:

Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools down, so don’t worry if it seems a bit saucy right after cooking!

8. Serve and Store:

Your delicious cranberry vanilla sauce is ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s a wonderful complement to turkey, pancakes, or desserts. Any leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delightful taste of this cranberry vanilla sauce! 🍐

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the saucepan, and they will cook through during simmering.

How Can I Store Leftover Sauce?

Store any leftover cranberry vanilla sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be served cold or reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste! Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar to make it less sweet or substitute with a sweeter alternative, like maple syrup. Do adjust the liquid slightly if using a different sweetener.

How Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?

You can certainly make this sauce ahead of time! Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken upon chilling.