How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Orange Sauce
American · Easy · 20 min · 10 servings
This vibrant, jewel-toned cranberry orange sauce is a fresh and zesty alternative to the canned variety that transforms any holiday meal. It comes together in under 20 minutes and can be made days ahead, making holiday cooking stress much more manageable.
Why this recipe works
This Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 90 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large orange zested and juiced
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cloves
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine and Heat
Combine the water, granulated sugar, and fresh orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Cranberries
Add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the sweetened liquid along with the ground cinnamon and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Simmer Until Berries Pop
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will naturally thicken as the natural pectin in the berries is released.
Step 4: Finish and Chill
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh orange zest. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container and refrigerate until completely set before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- granulated sugar → maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative
- fresh cranberries → dried cranberries rehydrated in hot water
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking the sauce over too high heat which causes it to scorch and develop a bitter flavor
- Not allowing the sauce to chill completely which means it will be too thin and runny when served
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 90 calories, 0g protein, 23g carbs, 0g fat, 2g fiber.
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