Vibrant Tangy-Sweet Cranberry Sauce (Print View)
Bright, tangy-sweet cranberry sauce made with fresh berries and citrus, ideal as a festive side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
→ Sweetener
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup orange juice
04 - 1/4 cup water
→ Flavorings
05 - 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
06 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
07 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any soft or damaged berries.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest if using, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
03 - Add cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
05 - Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature; the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container and refrigerate until serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This sauce feels like a joyful burst of fresh cranberries with every spoonful, sharing that vibrant flavor is like passing on a happy secret.
- It became a favorite because it’s quick to make yet transforms any meal into a celebration with its bright and balanced sweetness.
02 -
- The real trick is stirring gently but regularly as it simmers to prevent sticking and help the sauce develop a beautiful sheen.
- Adding zest and cinnamon is a game changer, deepening the flavor and making the sauce feel homemade and extra special.
03 -
- Use a wooden spoon when stirring to prevent breaking down the berries too much unless you prefer a smoother texture.
- The burst berries release natural pectin which thickens the sauce, so there's no need for added thickeners.