Classic Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This classic whole berry cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. It cooks in about 15 minutes and thickens as it cools. Make it a few days before your holiday meal for an easy, make ahead Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Fresh or Frozen Cranberries About 3 cups
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice freshly squeezed preferred
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 Cinnamon Stick or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract optional, for added depth
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any stems or soft berries.12 oz Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.1 cup Granulated Sugar, 1/2 cup Orange Juice, 1/2 cup Water
- Add the cranberries, cinnamon (if using), and orange zest to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.1 Cinnamon Stick, Zest of 1 orange
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst as they cook, creating a thick and textured sauce.
- If using, stir in the vanilla extract during the last minute of cooking.1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Garnish with small orange slices and orange zest.
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Notes
- Give the sauce an occasional stir so the sugar melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- If the mixture gets thicker than you like, splash in a little extra water or orange juice to loosen it.
- For a smoother cranberry sauce, mash the berries gently or press the cooked mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
- Sauce can be made ahead 2 - 3 days before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 58IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
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