Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice and Maple Syrup Recipe
Introduction
This homemade cranberry sauce is a simple and delicious way to add a burst of tart and sweet flavor to your meals. With fresh cranberries and a hint of orange, it’s perfect for holiday dinners or as a vibrant condiment any time of year.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (1 bag)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Orange peel (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Step 2: Add the fresh cranberries (and orange peel if using) to the saucepan. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the maple syrup.
- Step 4: Let the sauce cool for 30 minutes, then transfer it to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Add a cinnamon stick while cooking for warm spice notes, removing it before serving.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
- For a smoother sauce, blend it briefly after cooking once cooled.
- Try adding fresh ginger or a splash of bourbon for an adult twist.
Storage
Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well and can be used directly from the freezer without thawing. Cooking time may be slightly longer.
Is it possible to make this sauce less sweet?
Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup or adjust to your taste. Keep in mind it may impact the texture slightly, but the tartness of cranberries balances well with less sweetness.
PrintCranberry Sauce with Orange Juice and Maple Syrup Recipe
This vibrant cranberry sauce recipe is a classic accompaniment for holiday meals or any time you want a sweet and tangy condiment. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and a touch of maple syrup, it offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with optional orange peel for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Fresh Cranberries – 1 bag
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- Optional: Orange peel for added flavor brightness
Instructions
- Combine Sugar and Orange Juice: In a medium-size saucepan, mix the sugar and orange juice together and cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Cook Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Maple Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the maple syrup to add depth and sweetness to the sauce.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then transfer it to a bowl and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- The optional orange peel adds a bright citrus flavor to the sauce, enhancing its complexity.
- Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan as it cooks.
- This sauce stores well and can be refrigerated for up to a week.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the sugar to your taste.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, fresh cranberries, sweet and tangy sauce, Thanksgiving sauce
