Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Vanilla Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
