This Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for your holiday table! With fresh cranberries and a dash of warm cinnamon, it’s a delight for your taste buds.
I love how easy it is to make! Just cook the cranberries with sugar and spice, and you have a yummy side dish. It also tastes great on toast, but I mostly eat it straight from the bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work well too—just don’t thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or honey can be used. Just adjust to taste since they vary in sweetness.
Cinnamon Stick: While whole cinnamon sticks add great flavor, ground cinnamon can be used instead. Start with about ½ teaspoon and adjust as needed.
Star Anise: This is optional, but it adds a unique warmth. If you don’t have it, don’t worry; just skip it or try a pinch of ground cloves.
Orange Juice & Zest: These ingredients brighten the sauce. If you prefer, lemon juice or lime juice can be used instead, but the flavor will shift slightly.
How Can I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce Is Perfectly Thick?
The trick to achieving that perfect texture lies in cooking the cranberries just right! Here are some tips to help you:
- Cook the mixture on medium heat, letting it boil before lowering the heat. This helps release the natural pectin in the cranberries.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially as it thickens.
- Keep an eye on it! The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit too runny while it’s still hot.
Following these steps will help you serve a deliciously thick cranberry sauce every time! Enjoy it with your holiday meals or even on sandwiches for a tasty twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise (optional, for garnish and subtle flavor)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional, for brightness)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, to enhance flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. After that, let it cool for a while. Overall, plan for about 25-30 minutes to make and serve this delicious sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water in a colander. As you do this, check for any damaged or soft berries and discard them.
2. Cook the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and the cinnamon stick. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Add Cranberries:
Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is boiling, carefully add the rinsed cranberries. Allow the mix to return to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Cook the cranberries for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally. During this time, most of the cranberries will burst, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce slightly.
5. Optional Flavor Boost:
If you’re using orange juice and zest, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely brightness to your sauce!
6. Finish Up:
After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and, if you used it, the star anise as well.
7. Transfer and Garnish:
Pour the cranberry sauce into a serving jar or bowl. If you like, you can garnish it with a cinnamon stick or a few whole star anise for a beautiful presentation.
8. Cooling Time:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce is ready to enjoy! Serve it alongside roasted meats, especially turkey, or use it as a flavorful topping for your other favorite dishes.
This vibrant sauce offers a lovely balance of tart cranberries softened by sweet sugar and warmed with the inviting aroma of cinnamon, making it a perfect festive addition!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great in this recipe! Just add them directly to the pot without thawing, and cook as directed. They may release more liquid, so just keep an eye on the sauce’s consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge before using.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cinnamon cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. The flavors will even deepen as it sits!
What Can I Substitute for Sugar?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that honey and maple syrup are sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount slightly.
