Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Vanilla Recipe

Introduction

This cranberry sauce recipe is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic holiday side. Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart to accompany your meals.

Ingredients

• 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries (picked through and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 1-2 oranges)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the brown sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice to a boil.
2. Step 2: Add the cranberries and cinnamon. Stir and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar one tablespoon at a time if needed.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the cranberry sauce cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother sauce, blend part or all of the cooked cranberries before adding vanilla.
• Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice.
• Use dried cranberries or frozen cranberries in a pinch, adjusting cook time as needed.

Storage

Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can be served cold or gently warmed before serving. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, cranberry sauce can be made several days or even a week ahead. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until serving.

What if I prefer my cranberry sauce less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey. Taste as you cook to reach your desired sweetness level.

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Vanilla Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

A vibrant and tangy homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, bright orange zest and juice, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. This easy stovetop recipe balances sweetness and citrus flavors perfectly, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday feasts or everyday meals.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 1.5 cups (serves 6-8) 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries (rinsed and picked through)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 1–2 oranges)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Instructions

1. Prepare the liquid base: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, water, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely and blend the flavors.
2. Add cranberries and cinnamon: Add the rinsed cranberries and ground cinnamon to the boiling mixture. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Let the cranberries cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the berries burst and release their juices.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness: After cooking, taste the sauce and add additional brown sugar in 1 tablespoon increments if desired for sweeter cranberry sauce. Stir well to incorporate the sugar.
4. Finish with vanilla: Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract to add a subtle, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
5. Cool and store: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust sugar amount based on your taste preference or the tartness of your cranberries.
• Orange zest and juice add bright citrus notes that complement the tart cranberries.
• Vanilla bean paste adds depth but can be substituted with vanilla extract if necessary.
• Store cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon