This bright and tangy cranberry sauce is boosted with fresh orange and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a perfect holiday side that adds a pop of flavor to your meals!
I love how easy it is to make, and you can whip it up in no time. It also makes my turkey taste even better—who doesn’t love a sweet and zesty touch on Thanksgiving?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for this sauce. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries can work too. Just don’t thaw them before cooking; add them straight to the pot!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor, but adjust to taste since they’re often sweeter.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice adds a bright flavor. If you’re short on oranges, bottled juice can work, but fresh is always best for that zing. Lemon juice could be a nice alternative, just use less since it’s more tart.
Cinnamon: The cinnamon stick adds rich warmth and aroma. If you don’t have sticks, you can use ground cinnamon instead. Just add it at the end to avoid bitterness.
How Do I Get My Cranberry Sauce to Thicken Properly?
The thickening process mainly relies on bursting the cranberries, which release natural pectin. To achieve this:
- Bring your mixture to a boil before adding the berries; this jumpstarts the cooking.
- Simmer gently once the cranberries are in, stirring occasionally. This helps break them down.
- Don’t rush it—let them simmer for 10-15 minutes. If it looks too runny, keep cooking, and remember it thickens more as it cools!
Using a lid can help retain moisture but leave it off to help it reduce quicker. Happy cooking!
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Orange Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. So, just a total of around 25 minutes to a delicious side dish for your holiday meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Make sure to pick out any spoiled berries or stems that shouldn’t be in the sauce. This will help ensure your sauce is sweet and fresh!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, water, and the cinnamon stick. Place over medium-high heat and stir occasionally while bringing it to a boil. This helps to dissolve the sugar and mix the flavors together!
3. Add the Cranberries:
Once the mixture is boiling, add in the rinsed cranberries. Bring the pot back to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. This will help the berries cook through without burning.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally! You’ll see the cranberries start to burst, which is essential for that nice, thick texture. It’s all about patience—trust the process!
5. Enhance the Flavor:
If you’d like a little extra cinnamon kick, stir in the ground cinnamon at this point. It adds a warm spice that complements the cranberries wonderfully.
6. Cool It Down:
Remove the cinnamon stick and let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken even more, making it the perfect spread for your holiday dishes.
7. Transfer and Garnish:
Pour the cooled sauce into a serving bowl. Feel free to get creative with garnish! Add some orange slices or place a cinnamon stick for a nice touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Either chill the sauce in the fridge or serve it at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or just about any festive meal. Enjoy the burst of flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just fine! Add them straight to the pot without thawing them first. Just keep in mind that they might require an additional minute or two of cooking time to fully burst.
What If I Run Out of Sugar?
No problem! If you’re short on sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup as substitutes. Start with about 3/4 cup of honey or 2/3 cup of maple syrup, and adjust to taste since they can be sweeter than granulated sugar.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes well for up to three months, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later!
Can I Make This in Advance?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. The flavors may intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious!