Description
This easy Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce is made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes! Tart, sweet, and citrusy with a touch of vanilla — the perfect holiday side dish made from fresh or frozen cranberries.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340g) cranberries, rinsed (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup (150g) water
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice (about ½ large orange)
- ¾ cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly. Set aside ½ cup of them to stir in at the end for texture.
- Cook the base: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining cranberries, water, orange juice, and brown sugar. Stir occasionally and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer and thicken: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low-medium. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens — about 15 minutes.
- Add the finishing touches: Remove from heat. Stir in the reserved ½ cup cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Cool and serve: Let the sauce cool at room temperature. It will thicken as it cools. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Zest first, juice second: It’s much easier to zest an orange before cutting it.
- Make ahead: This sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Thicker sauce: Cook a few minutes longer or reduce liquid slightly.
- Thinner sauce: Stir in a bit of orange juice or water to adjust consistency.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of red wine for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes