Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Sauce is sweet, tangy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. It is easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients and tastes far better than canned versions. The combination of tart cranberries and juicy oranges creates a balanced sauce that feels festive and refreshing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
Optional additions:
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup
- Chopped pecans
- Fresh rosemary
Directions
Rinse the cranberries and remove any damaged berries.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and water.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
As the cranberries cook, they will burst and the sauce will thicken.
Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve warm or chilled.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Add chopped apples for extra sweetness and texture.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
Add ginger for warm spice flavor.
Stir in chopped nuts for crunch.
Use lemon zest along with orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store Cranberry Orange Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serve chilled or reheat gently on the stovetop if desired.
Freeze the sauce for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh cranberries.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The sauce thickens as it cools. Add a little water or orange juice if needed.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes. It is ideal for making several days in advance.
Is Cranberry Orange Sauce very tart?
It has a balanced sweet and tart flavor, but sweetness can be adjusted.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Adjust the sugar amount to your taste preference.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
Turkey, chicken, pork, sandwiches, and desserts all pair wonderfully.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, though fresh orange juice provides brighter flavor.
Why are the cranberries popping?
Cranberries naturally burst as they cook and soften.
Can I serve the sauce warm?
Yes. It can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Can I add spices?
Yes. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger all work beautifully.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Sauce is a sweet and tangy recipe filled with fresh citrus flavor and vibrant color. Easy to prepare and perfect for holidays or everyday meals, this homemade sauce adds refreshing brightness to both savory and sweet dishes.
PrintCranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
Cranberry Orange Sauce is a bright and flavorful condiment made with tart cranberries, fresh orange juice, and sweet sugar simmered into a glossy sauce. This festive homemade sauce is perfect for holiday meals, roasted meats, desserts, and sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: vanilla extract
- Optional: maple syrup
- Optional: chopped pecans
- Optional: fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- As the cranberries cook, they will burst and the sauce will thicken.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
- Add chopped apples for extra sweetness and texture.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of granulated sugar.
- Fresh ginger adds warm spice flavor and extra brightness.
- Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
