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Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce

Orange amaretto cranberry sauce made with a quick simmer until the berries burst and the mixture turns glossy and thick. Chilled for clean, sliceable spoonfuls and finished with toasted almonds and fresh orange zest.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries Use fresh berries for best texture and burst.
  • 0.75 cup sugar Helps the sauce thicken as cranberries cook down.
  • 0.75 cup orange juice Adds bright citrus flavor and juice to form the base.
  • 0.25 cup water Thins the syrup at the start for even simmering.
  • 0.25 cup amaretto Stir in off the heat to keep flavor mellow and aromatic.
  • 1 tsp orange zest Use for both aroma and a fresh, fragrant finish.
  • 0.06 salt Seasoning to balance sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds, toasted Toast until lightly golden; add right before serving.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook the cranberry base
  1. Bring sugar, orange juice, water, and salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Keep the mixture at a steady boil so it can start thickening quickly.
  2. Add fresh cranberries and return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Finish and chill
  1. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in amaretto and orange zest. The sauce should look smooth and fragrant right after mixing.
  2. Cool the sauce to room temperature, then chill before serving. Keep it covered while it cools so the surface doesn’t form a skin.
Serve
  1. Spoon the chilled cranberry sauce into a serving bowl. Top with the toasted sliced almonds just before serving for crunch and a fresh citrus aroma.

Notes

Pro tip: Simmer until the berries actively burst and the sauce coats the back of a spoon; it thickens further as it cools. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days; stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended for the best texture. For a lower-sugar option, replace sugar with an equal-measure granulated sweetener formulated for cooking, and simmer until thickened as directed.