This Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce is a zesty and sweet twist on your holiday favorite! With bright orange juice and a touch of cozy cinnamon, it’s sure to brighten up any meal.
Making this sauce is super easy. Just simmer and stir! I love pouring it over turkey or enjoying it on toast, and it makes everything feel festive. Plus, the kitchen smells amazing! 🍊✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen works too! If you’re in a pinch, you can find dried cranberries, but they’ll give you a different texture—more chewy than saucy. Just try to find the unsweetened ones.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright flavor. You can use store-bought juice, but avoid the ones with added sugars if possible. For a twist, consider using lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
Sugar: I love using granulated sugar, but you can also substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Just remember to adjust the amount based on sweetness preference.
Cinnamon Stick: This adds a lovely warmth to the sauce. Ground cinnamon can be used instead, about 1/2 teaspoon, but the stick gives a longer-lasting flavor as it simmers.
Orange Zest: Fresh zest boosts the orange flavor, but you can skip this if you need to. It’s not essential but highly recommended for that extra brightness!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the right consistency for your cranberry sauce is key! Start by boiling the mixture to burst the cranberries. As they pop, they’ll release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.
- Simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- If your sauce is too thick, just add a splash of water or more orange juice to loosen it up.
- Always remember, it will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first!
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with a delicious and beautifully textured cranberry sauce that everyone will love!
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- Optional: pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. After that, let it cool, and you’re ready to serve! It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for any gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, granulated sugar, and the cinnamon stick. This mixture is going to simmer into a delightful sauce!
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture occasionally as you bring it to a gentle boil. You’ll start to hear the cranberries popping—it’s a great sign!
3. Simmer and Thicken:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir it now and then; this helps prevent the cranberries from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Keep an eye on it until the cranberries burst open and the sauce thickens to your liking.
4. Finish it Up:
Remove the pan from heat and take out the cinnamon stick. Stir in the orange zest for that extra burst of flavor. This is also a good moment to taste and adjust the sweetness if needed!
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken a bit as it cools. Once it’s ready, transfer to a serving bowl. For a nice touch, you can garnish it with a twist of orange peel and another cinnamon stick if you like it pretty!
6. Enjoy!
Serve your Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious on turkey, toast, or just by itself! Enjoy every tangy, sweet bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure they are not clumped together. You can use them directly from the freezer without thawing them first.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this sauce up to two days ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld together after a day!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
What Dishes Does This Serve Well With?
This Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce pairs beautifully with turkey or chicken, but it’s also fantastic on breakfast items like pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. You can even use it as a spread on toast for a delightful twist!
