Description
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe offers two versatile cooking methods: slow cooker and stovetop. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and sugar, this sauce is easy to prepare and perfect for holiday meals or as a tangy accompaniment to various dishes. Optional aromatic add-ins like cinnamon stick, star anise, or vanilla extract allow for customizable flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (do not defrost)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients for Slow Cooker Method
- 2 tablespoons water
Additional Ingredients for Stovetop Method
- ½ cup water
Optional Add-ins
- Cinnamon stick
- Star anise
- Cardamom pods
- Fresh rosemary sprig
- Black peppercorns
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold running water using a colander to remove any debris or impurities before cooking.
- Slow Cooker Method: Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and any desired optional add-ins into a 3-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Cook the sauce on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 7 to 8 hours. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Remove any whole add-ins before serving or storing.
- Stovetop Method: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine orange juice, sugar, ½ cup water, and any optional add-ins. Stir until the sugar dissolves fully. Add the cranberries and orange zest, then simmer over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Allow to cool to room temperature—the sauce will thicken further as it cools. Remove whole add-ins before serving or storing.
Notes
- The sauce may appear thin immediately after cooking, but it will thicken substantially as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- This recipe can be easily doubled and still cooked in the same 3-quart slow cooker.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries without defrosting for the best texture and flavor.
- Optional add-ins like cinnamon, star anise, or vanilla extract add complex aroma and taste.
- Refrigerate the sauce after cooking and consume within 1-2 weeks for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
