Description
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Brown Sugar is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic holiday condiment. Combining tart fresh cranberries with sweet brown sugar and bright orange zest and juice, this sauce balances citrusy brightness with caramel warmth. Simple to make with minimal ingredients, it adds a fresh, comforting, and gourmet flair to your festive meals, perfect for serving alongside turkey, ham, or as a versatile accompaniment to sandwiches, desserts, and breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of ground cloves or freshly grated ginger (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1 splash bourbon, brandy, or orange liqueur (optional for alcohol infusion)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for chunky textures)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional for herbal hint)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and sort the fresh cranberries, discarding any bruised or soft ones. Zest the orange first, then juice it, removing any seeds. Measure out the brown sugar and water to have everything ready.
- Combine and Heat: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, fresh orange juice, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes fragrant with orange.
- Add Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir well, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook Until Thickened: Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The cranberries will begin to pop, and the sauce will thicken, releasing a wonderful citrus and berry aroma.
- Optional Spices and Final Stir: Stir in cinnamon or any additional spices during the last few minutes of cooking to infuse warm flavor twists if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool at room temperature; it will thicken further as it cools. Transfer to a serving dish or jar and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the orange zest; it adds essential aromatic oils that enhance the sauce.
- Simmer gently at moderate heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust sweetness by adding brown sugar gradually and tasting as you go.
- Make the sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg