Making your own cranberry sauce is one of the easiest ways to bring fresh, bright flavors to any meal. I always make a batch when I want something special, and you can too!
Forget the can! I have gathered three simple, delicious cranberry sauce recipes that are quick to make and full of vibrant taste. Each one offers a different spin on a classic.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Sweet Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
- 2. Bright Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
- 3. Tangy Orange Marmalade Cranberry Sauce
Sweet Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
This classic combination brings together tart cranberries with the natural sweetness of apples. It’s perfect for a holiday meal or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Apples: Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick: Use a whole stick while cooking for a deep, warm spice that isn’t overwhelming.
What You Need
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1 cinnamon stick
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Put the cranberries, sugar, water, diced apple, and the cinnamon stick into a medium saucepan. Make sure everything is well mixed.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir it often, letting the cranberries pop and the sauce thicken, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Once thick, take the pan off the heat, remove the cinnamon stick, and let the sauce cool completely. It will get even thicker as it cools.
📝 Final Note
Store any extra sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It tastes even better the next day!
Bright Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
This recipe adds a wonderful tropical flavor to your traditional cranberry sauce. The juicy pineapple balances the cranberries for a truly refreshing side dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Crushed Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple, drained, makes this recipe easy and adds a nice texture.
- Pineapple Juice: Use some of the juice from the can instead of water for an extra boost of fruity flavor.
What You Need
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2.5 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Simmer Berries
In a medium pot, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and pineapple juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add Pineapple
Once the cranberries start to pop and soften, stir in the drained crushed pineapple. Mix it well so the flavors combine.
Step 3: Thicken and Cool
Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Remove from heat and let it cool.
📝 Final Note
This sauce is lovely served warm or cold. It’s a great complement to chicken or pork dishes!
Tangy Orange Marmalade Cranberry Sauce
For a bright and citrusy option, this sauce uses orange marmalade to give it a unique tang. It’s an easy way to elevate a classic side dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Good Quality Orange Marmalade: A good marmalade makes all the difference, adding both sweetness and a pleasant hint of bitter orange peel.
- Orange Zest: A little fresh orange zest stirred in at the very end brightens up the entire flavor profile of the sauce.
What You Need
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Cranberries
Place the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop.
Step 2: Stir In Marmalade
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the orange marmalade until it fully melts and mixes into the warm cranberry sauce.
Step 3: Add Zest and Cool
Finally, add the fresh orange zest to the sauce. Give it a good stir, then let the sauce cool down completely before serving.
📝 Final Note
A spoonful of this orange marmalade cranberry sauce on toast or a scone is a surprisingly tasty breakfast treat!
