Simple homemade holiday classic (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup), plus more to taste
02 -
3/4 cup water, preferably filtered
03 -
12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
→ Optional Add-ins
04 -
2 wide strips of lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
05 -
2 wide strips of orange zest, plus 1/4 cup orange juice
06 -
1/2 cup dried cherries
07 -
1/2 cinnamon stick
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large saucepan, combine your chosen sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, or honey) with water. If using granulated sugar, stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. If using maple syrup or honey, you can simply combine everything in the saucepan at once.
02 -
Add the cranberries to the saucepan (along with any optional add-ins you're using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes.
03 -
Continue simmering until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce begins to thicken. The natural pectin in cranberries will help it set up even more as it cools.
04 -
Taste the sauce and add more of your chosen sweetener if needed for your preference. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely to room temperature before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
# Notes:
01 -
Maple syrup creates a more complex flavor profile than plain sugar and is our favorite natural sweetener for cranberry sauce.
02 -
The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries.
03 -
This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
04 -
For a fun textural contrast, reserve 1/2 cup of whole cranberries and add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.