Description
This Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce is a delightful blend of tart cranberries, sweet maple syrup, and zesty orange, infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla. It’s an effortless, hands-off recipe perfect for holidays or any special meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 g) cranberries, washed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, and zest. Stir to combine. This step ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout the sauce.
- Add the Cinnamon: Submerge the cinnamon stick in the cranberry mixture. This allows the cinnamon to infuse its warm, spicy flavor into the sauce as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high setting for 3 to 4 hours or low setting for 7 to 8 hours. The sauce is ready when the cranberries have popped, and it thickens to a loose jam consistency. Stir and cook longer if needed. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the cranberries to break down naturally.
- Season: Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the vanilla. Taste and add more sweetener if desired. The sauce will thicken more as it cools. This final seasoning step allows you to adjust the flavor to your preference.
- To Serve: Serve warm, or transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate if not using immediately. The sauce can be enjoyed warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Recipe Yield: About 1 1/2 cups
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Sweetener alternatives: Honey, granulated sugar, or brown sugar can be used.
- Using Ground Cinnamon: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon with the vanilla instead of the cinnamon stick.
- Storing: Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; defrost before use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
