Intro
Hi, I’m Dulcia. This homemade orange cranberry sauce is one of my favorite quick holiday staples. It is bright, tangy and sweet, and it comes together in about 20 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Origins
Cranberry sauces have long been part of North American holiday meals, often paired with roasted turkey and rich sides. For more background on cranberries and their history, see the cranberry entry on Wikipedia. The USDA also has helpful information on cranberry nutrition and food safety: https://www.usda.gov/.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon whiskey, bourbon, brandy or scotch (optional)
- zest from 1 orange
I recommend freshly squeezing the orange for the best flavor. You can use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer, no need to thaw.
Instructions
- Boil the sauce: Add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract and bourbon in a small pot and place over medium high heat.
- Simmer the sauce: Once mixture begins to boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce becomes nice and thick, coating the back of a spoon. You may notice a popping sound; this is the cranberries bursting so don’t worry.
- Thicken: After 10 minutes remove the lid and allow cranberries to simmer a few minutes to thicken the sauce up. If you are using frozen cranberries, this may take a bit longer.
- Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, then garnish with orange zest. Serves 6 (about 1/4 cup each). Feel free to double the recipe.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings (about 1/4 cup each) 1x
Description
Quick cranberry sauce flavored with orange, maple syrup and a splash of whiskey (optional).
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon whiskey, bourbon, brandy or scotch (optional)
- Zest from 1 orange
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract and whiskey in a small pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens and cranberries burst (you may hear popping sounds).
- Remove the lid and simmer a few more minutes to further thicken the sauce; frozen cranberries may take longer.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve and garnish with orange zest.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
Tips
- Taste as you go, and adjust sweetness with a bit more maple syrup or a squeeze of orange if it tastes too tart.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the cooled sauce briefly in a blender or food processor.
- The optional splash of whiskey or brandy adds warmth and complexity, but it is fine to omit for a family friendly version.
Variations
- Spiced: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon while simmering, remove before serving.
- Ginger-Orange: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for a zingy note.
- Honey Version: Swap maple syrup for honey for a different floral sweetness.
Want more ideas for holiday spreads and desserts? I often pair this sauce with cheesecakes and quick breads on special occasions. See more on my site: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/ and try it alongside a creamy cheesecake filling idea: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/philadelphia-cheesecake-filling/.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, make it up to 4 days ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze the sauce?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir before serving.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Stored in a sealed container, it will keep 4 to 7 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce is simple, bright and versatile. I always keep a batch on hand during the holidays, it elevates roasted meats, sandwiches and even desserts. Enjoy making it your own, and happy cooking from Dulcia.