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Orange Cranberry Sauce

Featured in Desserts.

Tried making this last holiday and instantly stopped buying canned sauce. Bright cranberries, citrusy orange, and a hint of cinnamon make it smell so festive while it cooks. Everyone loved it at dinner, even the picky family members. Plus, it's a breeze to prep ahead, so I always double the batch. Great as a spread for toast and perfect with cheese boards. It’s easy, just toss everything in a pot and you’re done. Sweet and zingy, pairs perfectly with holiday meals.
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Updated on Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:12:51 GMT
A dish of cranberry-orange sauce topped with zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices. Pin it
A dish of cranberry-orange sauce topped with zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices. | tasteofmoms.com

Simple Orange Cranberry Sauce from Scratch

This orange cranberry sauce adds bright holiday taste to your dinner table. Fresh tart cranberries mixed with sweet orange and cozy spices make something way better than canned versions. I'm so happy it only takes about 20 minutes to whip up, which really cuts down on your holiday cooking stress.

What Makes This Orange Cranberry Sauce Special

You'll ditch the store-bought stuff after trying this homemade recipe. The tart cranberries work so well with the sugar and that zingy orange peel. Make it a day early to cross something off your busy holiday to-do list, and you'll notice the flavors actually get richer overnight.

Ingredients List

  • Cranberries: Grab them fresh or frozen - they'll both turn out great.
  • Pure cane sugar: Cuts through the cranberry sourness.
  • Orange juice: Squeeze it yourself for the best flavor.
  • Water: Just the right amount for ideal texture.
  • Orange zest: Brings that wonderful citrus kick.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a hint of coziness.

Cooking Steps

Mix Your Base
Get the sugar, orange juice and water heating up nicely.
Pour In Cranberries
Listen for them to start popping as they turn into something amazing.
Add Finishing Flavors
Mix in your zest and cinnamon until everything blends together.
Cool It Down
Let it sit until it cools, then refrigerate until it thickens up.

Custom Tweaks

Throw in some raspberries or a drop of vanilla for a different twist. Add extra water if you want it runnier or cook it longer to make it thicker. It's fantastic with turkey but also try it on top of cheesecake or morning pastries.

Storage Tips

Your orange cranberry sauce will stay good in the fridge for seven days and actually tastes better as it sits. If you need to prep way ahead, pop it in the freezer for up to two months and just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

A glass of red cranberry sauce topped with an orange slice and zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange halves. Pin it
A glass of red cranberry sauce topped with an orange slice and zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange halves. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to use frozen cranberries?

Yes, no problem! You don’t even need to defrost them.

→ How long will this last in the fridge?

It’ll stay fresh for up to 14 days in the refrigerator.

→ Why wait for cranberries to pop?

It helps release their pectin, which thickens the sauce naturally.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely, it’s great to make 2-3 days before you need it.

→ Is it possible to cut back on the sugar?

You can, but keep in mind cranberries are super tart and need some sweetness to balance out.

Orange Cranberry Sauce

A flavorful spin with tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and cozy cinnamon. Your go-to festive side dish everyone will talk about.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
02 1 tablespoon of grated orange peel.
03 4 cups of cranberries (about 12 ounces).
04 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
05 1/2 cup of water.
06 1 cup of granulated or pure cane sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix orange juice, water, and sugar in a pot, and bring it to a boil.

Step 02

Stir in the cranberries and let them boil for around 2 minutes.

Step 03

Turn down the heat to low and let it cook gently for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Sprinkle in the orange peel and cinnamon powder.

Step 05

Cook gently on low heat for 2 more minutes.

Step 06

Let everything sit and cool down to room temperature.

Step 07

Transfer it to the fridge and chill for 1 hour or longer.

Notes

  1. You can swap fresh berries with frozen ones.
  2. Throw in some fresh raspberries for an extra touch.
  3. It keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  4. Prepare it 3 days before serving if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot.
  • A whisk or spoon.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 510
  • Total Fat: 1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 132 g
  • Protein: 1 g