This Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce is a game-changer for your holiday meals! It’s the perfect blend of tart cranberries, sweet maple syrup, and zesty orange, all coming together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Say goodbye to canned cranberry sauce and hello to this homemade delight that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
Perfect Balance: The tartness of cranberries meets the sweetness of maple syrup for an irresistible flavor combo.
Make-Ahead Wonder: Free up your stove and oven space during busy holiday cooking.
Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these tart berries are the star of the show.
Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor.
Orange Juice and Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a warm, comforting spice throughout the sauce.
Vanilla Extract: A secret ingredient that rounds out all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Berry Blend: Mix in some raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry sauce.
Boozy Twist: Stir in a splash of Grand Marnier or bourbon at the end for an adult version.
Texture Play: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy surprise.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Toss cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, and zest into your slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s well mixed.

Step 2: Add Cinnamon

Nestle that cinnamon stick right into the cranberry mixture. It’s going to infuse everything with its cozy flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and let it cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to a loose jam consistency.

Step 4: Final Touches

Fish out the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla. Give it a taste and add more sweetener if needed. Remember, it’ll thicken up more as it cools.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t skip the orange zest! It adds a bright flavor that really makes the sauce pop.
If you like a smoother sauce, give it a quick blitz with an immersion blender.
For a festive touch, stir in some dried cranberries at the end for added texture.

How to Serve

This cranberry sauce is versatile! Serve it warm or chilled alongside your turkey, spread it on sandwiches, or even use it as a topping for your morning yogurt. It’s also fantastic swirled into oatmeal or spooned over vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors meld.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully! Pop it in a freezer-safe container and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating

Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! No need to thaw them first, just toss them in frozen. You might need to cook the sauce a bit longer, but it’ll turn out just as delicious.

Is this cranberry sauce too tart?
The beauty of homemade cranberry sauce is that you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with the recipe as written, then add more maple syrup at the end if you prefer it sweeter.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Sure thing! Simmer all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?
When stored properly in the fridge, this sauce will keep for up to a week. It’s perfect for making ahead of your holiday meal!

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce is a holiday essential that’s as easy as it is delicious. With its perfect balance of tart and sweet, and the convenience of slow cooking, it’s sure to become a staple in your festive recipe collection. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it year-round!