This bright and tangy cranberry sauce gets a warm twist from cinnamon. It’s easy to whip up and adds a pop of flavor to your meals!
You’ll love how the sweet and spicy notes blend together. I like to spoon it over turkey or even yogurt. It’s the perfect sidekick for so many dishes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen ones work just as well. They’re often more convenient and can be kept longer. If you can’t find cranberries, consider making a sauce with raspberries or blueberries for a different taste!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives that perfect sweetness. If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, try honey or agave syrup. Just adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar!
Cinnamon: A cinnamon stick adds a lovely flavor and can be removed easily. If you don’t have sticks, ground cinnamon will work too. I usually add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm hint of spice.
Orange Zest & Juice: Adding orange zest and juice brightens up the sauce. If you’re out of oranges, a splash of lemon juice or even apple juice can add a nice flavor twist as well!
How Can I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce is Nice and Thick?
The key to getting that perfect sauce consistency is in the cooking time. The cranberries need to burst and release their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Cook cranberries on medium heat, stirring occasionally. This allows them to pop and release juices. Aim for 10-15 minutes of simmering.
- For a thicker sauce, let it cool completely before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools!
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender or mash it with a fork after cooking.
How to Make Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 cinnamon stick (plus extra for garnish if desired)
- 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest (optional, for added brightness)
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cinnamon cranberry sauce will take you about 20 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and about 10 to 15 minutes for simmering on the stove. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect addition to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing your cranberries under cold water. Take a moment to remove any soft or damaged ones so that you end up with the freshest sauce possible.
2. Prepare the Sugar and Water Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, mix the water and sugar together. Place it over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a sweet base for your sauce.
3. Add Cranberries and Cinnamon:
Next, toss in the cranberries and the cinnamon stick into the sugar-water mixture. Bring everything to a boil, and then lower the heat to let it simmer gently.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Allow the mixture to cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally as you watch the cranberries pop open, releasing their delicious juices and thickening the sauce. It’s such a vibrant sight!
5. Add Orange Zest and Juice:
If you’re using orange zest and juice, stir them into the sauce now. Let it simmer for another minute to allow those flavors to blend in beautifully.
6. Cool the Sauce:
Once the sauce looks thick and rich, remove the pot from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and let the sauce cool down to room temperature. It will thicken even more as it cools!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your lovely sauce to a serving dish. If you’d like, you can garnish it with extra cinnamon sticks for that cozy touch.
8. Enjoy:
Now the sauce is ready! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for turkey dinners, pastries, or even yogurt. Enjoy the homemade goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to measure them out frozen and there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
You can store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s great for adding to sandwiches or enjoying with breakfast!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup. Alternatively, you can add a bit more if you enjoy a sweeter profile—just taste as you go!
Is It Possible to Make This Sauce in Advance?
Definitely! You can make this sauce up to a week in advance. Just keep it refrigerated, and it will be ready to serve whenever you need it!
