Description
A vibrant and tangy homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh or frozen cranberries, fresh orange juice, and a touch of sweetness. This versatile recipe can be prepared effortlessly using a slow cooker or on the stovetop, resulting in a rich, thick sauce perfect for holiday meals or as a flavorful condiment year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (do not defrost)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 5-6 black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold running water using a colander, then drain well to remove any impurities or debris.
- Slow Cooker Method: In a 3-quart slow cooker, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and any optional add-ins you prefer. Stir gently to mix all ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove any whole add-ins like cinnamon sticks or rosemary sprigs before serving or storing.
- Stovetop Method: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine orange juice, sugar, ½ cup water, and any optional spices or herbs. Heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Add cranberries and orange zest to the pot, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce reaches desired thickness. Cool to room temperature; the sauce will thicken further as it chills. Remove any whole add-ins before storing or serving.
Notes
- The sauce may appear thin when freshly cooked but will thicken considerably as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- This recipe can easily be doubled in the same 3-quart slow cooker for larger batches.
- Optional add-ins such as cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, rosemary, peppercorns, or vanilla extract impart unique flavors and can be customized to preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
