This maple cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy delight that adds a pop of flavor to any meal. It’s perfect for holidays or just something special during dinner!
If you love a bit of sweetness with your tart cranberries, this sauce is for you! I like to make extra—it’s great on toast or pancakes too, and who doesn’t love tasty leftovers? 🥞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are essential for the tartness of this sauce. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work perfectly! Just make sure they’re unsweetened, as some brands add extra sugar.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is what gives this sauce its lovely sweetness and flavor. If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, you can substitute agave nectar or honey if you’re not vegan. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor a bit!
Orange Zest and Juice: Adding orange zest and juice gives a refreshing burst of citrus. If you’re out of oranges, a splash of lemon juice can work as an alternative. For a different hint of flavor, you might add a little vanilla extract instead!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is optional but adds warmth to the sauce. If you’re looking for a unique twist, consider using nutmeg or allspice in its place!
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberries Burst Just Right?
When cooking cranberries for sauce, the goal is to let them burst and release their juices, creating a thick and flavorful mixture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat to bring the water and maple syrup mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps the cranberries cook evenly without burning.
- Add the cranberries and stir to coat them in the syrup. Keep an eye on them as they cook!
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear some cranberries pop, and that’s what you want. Remove from heat when the sauce has thickened.
- Let it cool in the pot; it will thicken more as it cools.
Patience is key—rushing the process can lead to overcooked or burnt sauce. Enjoy making the perfect maple cranberry sauce! 🍁
Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This maple cranberry sauce takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Just let it cool a bit before serving, and you’ve got yourself a delightful sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce Base:
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combining 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Place it over medium heat and gently stir to mix the two ingredients together. You’ll want it to come to a simmer, which means tiny bubbles will form.
2. Add the Cranberries:
Once your syrup mixture is simmering, it’s time to add the cranberries! Pour in the 12 oz of cranberries and give them a good stir so they are coated in the maple syrup. The fun part is watching them as they cook!
3. Enhance the Flavor:
If you’re using them, sprinkle in the orange zest, squeeze the fresh orange juice, and add a bit of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. These ingredients add a wonderful warmth and brightness to your sauce.
4. Cook and Thicken:
Let the mixture continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You should see and hear some cranberries popping as they burst open. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. As they break down, the mixture will thicken into a lovely sauce!
5. Cool Down:
When the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens, carefully remove the pan from the heat. Leave it to cool for a few minutes—remember it will get thicker as it cools.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your finished cranberry sauce to a decorative serving bowl. For an added touch, you can garnish it with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a bit of extra orange zest for color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your maple cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes. It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, and even as a fresh topping for bread! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Enjoy the sweet, tangy goodness of your homemade maple cranberry sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just toss them in without thawing—they’ll break down just fine as they cook.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer your cranberry sauce less sweet, simply reduce the amount of maple syrup to 1/3 cup. You can taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust to your liking by adding more syrup if necessary.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! This maple cranberry sauce is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, and it stores well in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving!
