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This Cranberry Orange Sauce is a delicious combination of sweet and tart! It’s made with freshly squeezed orange juice, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and bursting with fresh cranberries. A classic that definitely deserves a spot on your holiday table!
If you love cranberries like I do, try our cranberry sauce chicken meatballs and our cranberry orange bread!
My kids actually look forward to the holiday season because of cranberry sauce! My Cranberry orange flavored sauce is the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving meal! It’s one of my favorite side dishes to make during the holidays and I feel like our holiday meal is not complete without it. What really sets this recipe apart and makes the flavors pop is the hint of orange flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to put together in less than 20 minutes on the stovetop.
You will love how the sweet and tart flavors complement the savory flavors of your Thanksgiving turkey roast and homemade Thanksgiving stuffing!
Ingredients needed
This recipe is made with just five simple ingredients but is packed with sweet and tart flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Orange zest: Brightens the flavor!
- Orange juice: For the best taste, freshly squeeze your own orange juice from two large oranges. The orange juice from a carton won’t taste as fresh and bright.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and pairs really well with the fruits.
- Cranberries: You can easily use frozen or fresh cranberries in the sauce. Fresh cranberries are readily available at stores now, so if you can get some fresh ones, why not?
Recipe Variations
This orange cranberry sauce is pretty perfect as-is. However, if you’d like to change up the flavors, here are some options:
- Add more flavorings: Depending on your taste preference, you can add a few pinches of ground nutmeg and/or cloves. You can also add in about 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Nuts: For extra texture, stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts after cooling.
How to make cranberry sauce
Step 1: Place the maple syrup, orange juice, zest and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring well to combine.
Step 2: Once bubbling, stir in the cranberries and reduce to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Allow the sauce to completely cool, as it will continue to thicken some more. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Rena’s Tips
Recipe tips
- Choosing cranberries: When you are picking out your cranberries at the store, choose full and unbroken cranberries. They should be bright pink or red!
- Fresh cranberries: If you are using fresh cranberries, gently rinse them and remove any stems or debris on them. Add them into the saucepan whole.
- Frozen cranberries: If you’re using frozen cranberries, you can add them in frozen, no need to defrost them first.
- Zesting the orange: Be sure to zest the orange before juicing it. It will be much easier!
- Serving: Cranberry sauce can be served cold, room temperature or warm.
- Make-ahead: This orange cranberry sauce recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Frequently asked questions
The maple syrup will ensure that your cranberry sauce is not too bitter. If you find it bitter once it’s cooked and you’ve tasted it, add a bit more maple syrup, about one tablespoon at a time.
If your cranberry sauce is too tart, add in a pinch of salt. You won’t taste the salt, but it will help equalize the sweet-tart flavor.
Yes, once it has cooled completely, add it to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. Lay it flat if it is in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Storage recommendations
Let your sauce cool completely. Then, add it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
When you are ready to warm it up, reheat it over medium heat in a small pot or saucepan. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
More Thanksgiving sides
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Healthy Butternut Squash Casserole
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
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Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, from 2 large oranges
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 12 ounces cranberries, fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Place the maple syrup, orange juice, zest and cinnamon in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring well to combine.
- Once bubbling, stir in the cranberries and reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
- Allow the sauce to completely cool, as it will continue to thicken furthermore. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Notes
- Storing leftovers: Let your cranberry orange sauce cool completely. Then, add it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing: Once it has cooled completely, add it to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. Lay it flat if it is in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: When you are ready to warm it up, reheat it over medium heat in a small pot or saucepan. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is great recipe
Thank you
Super delicious.