This sweet and tangy maple cranberry sauce is a perfect addition to your holiday table. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and adds a burst of flavor to turkey or toast!
I love how the maple syrup gives it a unique twist! It’s great for impressing guests or simply enjoying at home. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up that you’ll want to make it all year round!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen works well too. Just be sure to use un-sweetened frozen cranberries to keep the flavor right. I’ve had great success with both!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key for a rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with brown sugar mixed with a bit of water for sweetness, but the taste will change a bit.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest really lifts the flavor. If fresh isn’t available, bottled juice will work too. Just skip the zest in that case, as it’s harder to match.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth to the sauce. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can leave it out or replace it with more cinnamon, but nutmeg really enhances the overall taste!
How Do I Ensure My Cranberries Burst Perfectly?
Getting the cranberries to burst just right is crucial for a smooth sauce. Here’s what to do:
- Cook the mixture on medium heat until boiling, then add cranberries.
- Turn down the heat to low and let them simmer gently. This slow cooking helps them burst without burning!
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Keep simmering until you see most cranberries have opened up, about 10-15 minutes.
Letting it cool will help further thicken the sauce. If it’s too thick later, just stir in a little water or juice until it’s perfect for your taste!
How to Make 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
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprig
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious maple cranberry sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this delicious sauce ready in about 20 minutes. Plus, it can chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
First things first, rinse the cranberries under cold running water. Check for any bad ones and discard them. You want only the best cranberries for this sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients in Saucepan:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, maple syrup, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Heat it on medium until it starts to gently boil.
3. Add Cranberries and Seasonings:
Add the rinsed cranberries, grated orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. You’ll notice the cranberries begin to burst, and the sauce will start to thicken!
5. Cool the Sauce:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow it to cool for a bit; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, add a sprig of fresh rosemary on top for an extra touch. This sauce can be enjoyed warm or chilled!
7. Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce is good for up to one week. Enjoy it with turkey, toast, or even on pancakes!
This beautifully glossy cranberry sauce balances the tartness of the cranberries with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the zesty brightness of orange. It’s the perfect companion for your holiday meals or whenever you’re craving a delicious fruit sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use un-sweetened frozen cranberries for the best flavor. There’s no need to thaw them; just add them directly to the saucepan.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup to taste. Start with an extra tablespoon and continue adjusting until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will taste even better as the flavors meld together.
How Should I Serve This Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce is delicious served warm or chilled. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, and pork, or you can spread it on toast or use it as a filling for desserts. Enjoy experimenting with it!
