How do you make homemade cranberry sauce from fresh cranberries?

To make homemade cranberry sauce, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar (a mix of brown and white sugar works well), and ½ cup of orange juice in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add 12 ounces of fresh cranberries. Simmer until the berries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.

What is the best way to thicken cranberry sauce if it is too runny?

If your cranberry sauce is too runny, return it to the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your liking. Keep in mind that cranberry sauce naturally thickens as it cools and chills in the refrigerator. Avoid adding cornstarch or flour, as this can alter the texture; instead, patience during simmering and cooling usually achieves the best consistency.

Can cranberry sauce be prepared ahead of time without losing flavor or texture?

Yes, cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. After cooking, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Allow at least 2 hours for it to chill and thicken before serving. Preparing it ahead of time can even improve the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld. Just stir well before serving to restore its smooth texture.

What are some simple variations to add different flavors to cranberry sauce?

To add variety, you can include ingredients such as grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, or a splash of port wine during cooking. Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins or apricots after cooking also adds texture and flavor complexity. Keep additional ingredients balanced to complement, not overpower, the tartness of the cranberries.

Is canned cranberry sauce a good substitute for fresh cranberry sauce?

Canned cranberry sauce offers convenience and a consistent texture, but it usually contains added preservatives and more sugar than homemade versions. Fresh cranberry sauce provides a brighter, fresher flavor and can be customized to your taste. For special occasions, many prefer fresh sauce, but canned can be a quick alternative when time is limited.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe For Fresh Tangy Flavor In Minutes

Name: Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 2 h 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-490590H41M27S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – ⅔ cup (133 g) sugar; – ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, tightly packed; – ⅓ cup (78 ml) water; – ⅔ cup (157 ml) orange juice; – 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and checked for bad or bruised ones

Description

🍒 Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe for Fresh and Tangy Flavor offers a bright, vibrant condiment that enhances any meal with natural sweetness and zing.
🍊 This easy-to-make sauce combines fresh cranberries and orange juice for a tangy balance, perfect for holiday dinners or everyday use.

Ingredients

– ⅔ cup (133 g) sugar

– ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, tightly packed

– ⅓ cup (78 ml) water

– ⅔ cup (157 ml) orange juice

– 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and checked for bad or bruised ones

Instructions

1-Gather and Prep Your Ingredients: First, get your setup ready by measuring all the ingredients accurately. Rinse the 12 oz (340 g) of fresh cranberries and check for any that look off. Have the ⅔ cup (133 g) sugar, ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, ⅓ cup (78 ml) water, and ⅔ cup (157 ml) orange juice on hand. This prep takes about 5 minutes and sets you up for success.

2-Cook the Base Mixture: Next, combine the sugars, water, and orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugars dissolve and the mixture boils, which should take just a couple of minutes. This step pairs well with other sides like sweet potato dishes to create a full meal. Once boiling, add the cranberries and let it return to a boil.

3-Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll notice most cranberries burst and the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Keep in mind that longer cooking makes it thicker, and it will set even more as it cools. Aim for that perfect consistency to match your taste.

4-Cool and Chill: After cooking, transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling time, which is part of the total prep of about 20 minutes plus chilling, helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up.

Notes

🍬 Use a combination of brown and white sugar for best flavor complexity.
🍊 Orange juice brightens the sauce, improving taste over water alone.
❄ Sauce thickens as it cools; it may appear runny when hot.
🕒 Make up to a week in advance; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
🥶 Frozen cranberries can be used as a fresh substitute.
🌶 Optional spices like nutmeg can be added, though classic flavor is recommended.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 159
Sugar: 37 grams
Sodium: 2 mg
Carbohydrates: 42 grams
Fiber: 3 grams

Keywords: homemade cranberry sauce,fresh cranberry sauce,tangy cranberry condiment,holiday cranberry sauce