This Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce adds a warm twist to the classic recipe. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced, making it a festive addition to your holiday table!
Every bite bursts with fruity goodness, and I love how the cinnamon makes it feel cozy. You can even enjoy it on toast for a yummy breakfast—because who says sauces are just for turkey?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for their tartness. You can also use frozen cranberries, which are just as tasty and often available year-round. Just toss them in straight from the freezer!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best, but feel free to substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweet option.
Cinnamon Stick: Using whole cinnamon sticks provides a lovely warmth to the sauce. If you don’t have any, ground cinnamon can work; just use about ½ teaspoon instead and stir it in.
Star Anise: While optional, it adds a unique flavor. If you don’t have it, consider adding a pinch of allspice or nutmeg for a similar warmth.
Orange Zest and Juice: These ingredients brighten up the sauce with fresh citrus notes. You can substitute lemon juice if you’re out of oranges, but the flavor will be more tart.
How Can I Make Sure the Sauce Thickens Properly?
Getting that perfect thickness for your cranberry sauce is important. After boiling, simmer the mixture gently. Here are some tips:
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Let the sauce simmer until most of the cranberries have burst. Patience is key—this might take around 10-15 minutes!
- If it seems too runny once cooled, a bit of cornstarch mixed with water (a slurry) can help thicken it. Stir it in and cook for a few more minutes.
Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 star anise (optional, for subtle spice and garnish)
- 1 small sprig of fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional for added citrus flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a little time to cool. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for enhancing your holiday meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Make sure to remove any bruised or broken berries, as they might affect the sauce’s texture.
2. Dissolve the Sugar:
In a medium saucepan, mix the water and sugar together. Set the heat to medium, and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. This should only take a few minutes!
3. Add Cranberries and Spices:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries, the cinnamon stick, and the star anise (if you’re using it) to the saucepan. Stir everything together so the cranberries are well-coated with the syrup.
4. Simmer the Mixture:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to let it simmer. Keep the pot uncovered and occasionally stir as the cranberries begin to burst, creating a lovely sauce! This should take around 10-15 minutes.
5. Add Citrus Flavor:
If you like, add the orange zest and orange juice during the last few minutes of cooking to give your sauce a bright, fresh flavor.
6. Final Touches:
Take the pan off the heat once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise carefully.
7. Cool the Sauce:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken more, giving you that perfect consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your beautiful cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. You can garnish it with additional cinnamon sticks and a sprig of rosemary if you’d like. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes!
This warm, spiced cranberry sauce is a delightful complement to turkey and can also be enjoyed as a sweet spread. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Just toss them in straight from the freezer without needing to thaw.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the sugar by half. You can always adjust the sweetness later by adding more sugar if needed!
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, this sauce can be made up to a week ahead! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months! Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.