Description
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a simple, fresh, and naturally sweetened condiment perfect for holiday meals or any time you want a vibrant cranberry flavor. Using whole cranberries simmered with pure maple syrup and citrus juice, it delivers a pleasantly tangy and sweet complement to meats, cheeses, and breads.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fresh cranberries
- 1 cup cranberry juice (or orange, apple, or any other juice)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup!)
- 3 Tbsp. orange juice (or orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice—anything citrusy)
Instructions
- Prep the Cranberries: Wash the bag of cranberries thoroughly under cool running water to remove any debris or impurities, then pour them into a medium saucepan for cooking.
- Add Liquids and Sweetener: Pour in the cranberry juice along with pure maple syrup and the orange juice. You may substitute or add citrus zest or lemon juice if preferred. Stir all ingredients well to combine evenly.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring all cranberries start to pop and release their flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the juice thickens and the cranberries break down but still retain some texture.
- Cool and Store: Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a container. Refrigerate the cranberry sauce until ready to serve to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness rather than processed pancake syrups.
- Citrus juice or zest adds brightness and balances the tartness of cranberries.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can pulse the cooled sauce briefly in a blender.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, pork, and even as a spread on sandwiches or toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
