This tangy cranberry vanilla sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. It’s made with fresh cranberries and a touch of vanilla for an extra yummy flavor.
You can pour it over turkey, pancakes, or even ice cream! I love making it in under 20 minutes. You’ll be enjoying it on everything before you know it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work just as well. Just remember not to thaw them before cooking, as they will cook faster when still frozen.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used to balance the tartness of the cranberries. If you prefer, you can use honey or maple syrup, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity to taste, as they are sweeter.
Water: This helps dissolve the sugar and cook the cranberries. If you want an extra boost of flavor, try using orange juice instead of some or all of the water, especially if you’re using orange zest!
Vanilla Extract: I recommend using pure vanilla extract for a rich flavor. If you don’t have any, vanillin sugar or imitation vanilla can work, but the taste may vary slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the right consistency for cranberry sauce is key, and here’s how you can do it! The goal is a thick, syrupy sauce that clings to food.
- Start by boiling the mixture. This helps the cranberries burst and release their juices.
- Cook on simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for the cranberries to pop! This is where the sauce starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat once the thickness suits your liking. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools!
Keep an eye on the sauce, as overcooking can lead to a jam instead of a sauce. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up!
Cranberry Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp orange zest or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy sauce will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You will spend around 10 minutes cooking the cranberries, then let it cool down before storing. Perfect for a last-minute addition to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, dump in the cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Give everything a good stir to mix them all together evenly.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it and wait until the mixture starts boiling. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, just enough to let it simmer.
3. Cook It Down:
Let the cranberries cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll see most of the cranberries pop open, and the sauce will thicken nicely!
4. Add Vanilla & Flavorings:
Once the cooking time is up, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in your vanilla extract. If you’re using orange zest or a cinnamon stick, toss those in too for some extra flavor!
5. Let It Cool:
Allow the sauce to cool in the saucepan for a little while. It will thicken even more as it cools down.
6. Store and Serve:
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or jar. Pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it!
Enjoy this vibrant, sweet-tart sauce over turkey, pancakes, yogurt, or desserts! It’s a delightful addition to any dish!
Can I Use Other Berries in This Sauce?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may change the sweetness, so you might need to adjust the sugar accordingly.
How Long Can I Store Cranberry Vanilla Sauce?
You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and it should last up to 6 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Sauce?
This cranberry vanilla sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, but it’s also fantastic over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a delightful dessert. You can even swirl it into yogurt for a tasty breakfast!
Can I Make This Sauce Sugar-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with sugar alternatives like Stevia or erythritol. Make sure to adjust according to the sweetness level of your substitute, as they can vary greatly!
