Description
This Classic Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice delivers the perfect balance of tart and sweet, enhanced with bright citrus notes. Ready in just 15 minutes, this homemade sauce transforms any meal into a festive experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
Optional Additions:
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick, 2–3 whole cloves, or star anise
- ¼ cup Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or bourbon (optional)
Smart Substitutions:
- Use brown sugar or maple syrup for natural sweetness
- Replace half the orange juice with water for a lighter flavor
- Frozen cranberries can replace fresh (no thawing needed)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Add zest and spices if using. Stir gently to dissolve sugar.
- Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat until consistent bubbling forms.
- Reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens.
- Test for consistency by coating the back of a spoon — sauce should cling slightly. It will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Avoid overcooking — the sauce thickens naturally as it cools. For extra flavor, add a splash of liqueur or fresh ginger. Store refrigerated up to 7 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry sauce, orange cranberry, holiday sauce, thanksgiving condiment, fresh cranberry recipe