Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
Imagine whipping up a sauce that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, and that’s exactly what this cranberry raspberry sauce brings to your kitchen. It’s ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days when you want something special without the hassle. You’ll love how this sauce combines fresh or frozen cranberries and raspberries with just a bit of sugar and water to create a simple, flavorful relish that fits right into your everyday meals.
Beyond its ease, this sauce packs a punch of health benefits from cranberries and raspberries, which are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and phytonutrients. These ingredients support your immune system and help with digestion, all while keeping added sugars in check if you tweak the recipe a little. For anyone watching their diet, it’s a great way to enjoy a tasty condiment that’s naturally rich in nutrients.
This cranberry raspberry sauce is incredibly versatile, working as a topping for meats, a spread on breakfast items, or even an addition to desserts. It adapts seamlessly to different diets, like vegetarian or vegan, by using simple swaps, so everyone at the table can enjoy it. The blend of tart cranberries and sweet raspberries creates a distinctive flavor that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Cranberry Raspberry Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- 5. Mastering Cranberry Raspberry Sauce: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Cranberry Raspberry Sauce: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- 8. Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- 1 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients form the base of a simple yet delicious cranberry raspberry sauce that comes together with ease. Each item plays a key role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and flavor, making it straightforward for home cooks to get it right. Be sure to measure them accurately for the best results every time.
How to Prepare the Perfect Cranberry Raspberry Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide
First, gather all your ingredients and combine them in a saucepan as listed above. This sets the stage for a smooth cooking process that keeps things simple and fun. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Next, mash the berries to your desired consistency using a masher or fork, which lets you control the texture from chunky to smooth. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes after mashing to blend the flavors fully. Then, allow the mixture to cool completely before serving it chilled for the best taste.
For storage, keep it in an airtight container for up to 5 days, which makes meal prep a breeze. The total preparation time includes a cook time of 15 minutes and an additional cooling time of 1 hour, bringing the whole process to about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate this sauce into other dishes, check out our Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole for a hearty pairing.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 63 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15.6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14.2g |
| Protein | 0.1g |
This nutritional info shows just how light and healthy this sauce can be, making it a smart choice for various meals.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
If you’re adapting this cranberry raspberry sauce for different proteins or mains, try pairing it with options like roast chicken or baked tofu for a fresh twist. For low-carb diets, skip the added sugar and lean on the natural sweetness from raspberries to keep things tasty. It’s all about making the sauce work for your needs without losing that bright flavor.
You can swap in seasonal veggies or tweak seasonings to fit your meal, such as adding a bit of soy sauce for savoriness. This flexibility means the sauce can go from a simple relish to something more complex, like a glaze for baked chicken breast. Keep it gluten-free and vegan by sticking to the basic ingredients.
Mastering Cranberry Raspberry Sauce: Advanced Tips and Variations
Raspberries add a sweet and tart flavor that transforms traditional cranberry sauce into something special, making it a hit with turkey, chicken, and even mashed potatoes. Here are some tips to elevate your sauce: you can serve it over vanilla bean ice cream for a fun dessert, or can it in small jelly jars for easy gifting. For a spicy kick, experiment with adding chipotles in adobo sauce, though it’s not tested with sugar alternatives.
If you’re avoiding sugar, alternative sweeteners might work, but always taste as you go. Pro techniques include simmering low and slow to keep the berries intact, or adding extras like rosemary for a savory note. For more ideas on berry sauces, check out berry sauce recipes online.
How to Store Cranberry Raspberry Sauce: Best Practices
Store your cranberry raspberry sauce in the fridge for short-term use, cooling it first in an airtight container. It lasts 7 10 days, which is great for planning ahead. For longer storage, freeze it in portions that thaw easily, keeping it fresh for up to 6 months.
When reheating, do it gently to maintain that glossy finish, and add a splash of liquid if it thickens. This makes meal prep simple and keeps the sauce ready for any occasion. The sauce can also be canned for gifting, as mentioned earlier.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
How do I make homemade cranberry raspberry sauce?
To make homemade cranberry raspberry sauce, combine one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with one cup of fresh or frozen raspberries, half a cup of sugar, and a quarter cup of water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the berries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Once thickened, let it cool before serving. This simple recipe results in a vibrant, tangy sauce perfect for holiday meals or desserts.
What dishes pair best with cranberry raspberry sauce?
Cranberry raspberry sauce pairs well with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, pork, and ham, adding a sweet-tart contrast to savory flavors. It’s also delicious on vegetarian dishes such as mashed sweet potatoes or grain bowls. Additionally, this sauce works as a topping for desserts like cheesecake, pancakes, or yogurt. Serving it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or mixed into salad dressings can provide a fresh, fruity twist.
Can I make cranberry raspberry sauce ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, cranberry raspberry sauce can be made up to one week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving. Making the sauce ahead saves time during busy meal preparations and allows the flavors to meld.
Is cranberry raspberry sauce healthier than traditional cranberry sauce?
Cranberry raspberry sauce can be a healthier alternative to traditional cranberry sauce because raspberries add extra fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while naturally sweetening the sauce. This can reduce the amount of added sugar needed. Using fresh or frozen fruit without preservatives also avoids artificial additives. Nevertheless, it’s best to control sugar quantity to keep the sauce nutritious and flavorful.
How can I adjust the sweetness or tartness of cranberry raspberry sauce?
To adjust the sweetness of cranberry raspberry sauce, modify the amount of sugar or honey added during cooking. For a sweeter sauce, add more sugar gradually and taste as you go. To increase tartness, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or reduce the sugar slightly. Balancing the two depends on your preference and the natural ripeness of the fruit used. Cooking the sauce longer can also concentrate the flavors, making it less sweet but richer in taste.
Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
🍓 Raspberry Cranberry Sauce Recipe for a Fresh and Tangy Twist delivers a vibrant blend of tart cranberries and sweet raspberries for a bright and flavorful sauce.
🍽️ This versatile recipe pairs wonderfully with poultry dishes and can even be enjoyed as a unique dessert topping, adding freshness and zing to your meals.
Ingredients
– 1 1/3 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 3 cups fresh cranberries
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1-First, gather all your ingredients and combine them in a saucepan as listed above. This sets the stage for a smooth cooking process that keeps things simple and fun. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
2-Next, mash the berries to your desired consistency using a masher or fork, which lets you control the texture from chunky to smooth. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes after mashing to blend the flavors fully. Then, allow the mixture to cool completely before serving it chilled for the best taste.
3-For storage, keep it in an airtight container for up to 5 days, which makes meal prep a breeze. The total preparation time includes a cook time of 15 minutes and an additional cooling time of 1 hour, bringing the whole process to about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate this sauce into other dishes, check out our Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole for a hearty pairing.
Notes
🍇 Raspberries add a sweet and tart dimension that enhances the traditional cranberry sauce.
🍗 This sauce complements turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, and rolls beautifully.
🍦 Try serving over vanilla bean ice cream for an unexpected dessert twist.
🥫 The sauce can be canned in small jars for gifting or storage.
🌶 Add chipotles in adobo sauce for a spicy variation.
🍯 Alternative sweeteners can be used to reduce sugar, though results may vary.
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 63
- Sugar: 14.2 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15.6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: raspberry cranberry sauce,fresh cranberry sauce,tangy fruit sauce,holiday cranberry sauce