This sweet and tangy cranberry vanilla sauce is a festive treat! It’s made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a touch of vanilla that brings warmth to every bite.
It’s the perfect topping for pancakes, yogurt, or even turkey! I love making it during the holidays—it’s so easy, you’ll want to make it all year long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are a must for this recipe. If you can’t find them, consider using frozen cranberries. Just thaw them and use as you would fresh. I prefer fresh for the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch!
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce beautifully. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural option, but adjust the quantity since these sweeteners are sweeter than sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract gives the sauce a lovely flavor. If you’re in a hurry, vanilla essence is a fine substitute, but I always recommend pure if you can get it—it makes a difference!
Orange Zest: While optional, orange zest adds a bright note to the sauce. If you don’t have oranges on hand, lemon zest works too, providing a nice counterbalance to the sweet cranberries.
How Do I Avoid Lumpy Cranberry Sauce?
To ensure a smooth and nice texture in your cranberry sauce, pay close attention during the cooking process. Here’s how to make it silky:
- Start with rinsing the cranberries and selecting only the fresh ones. Bad berries can affect the overall taste.
- As you simmer, make sure to stir occasionally. This helps break down the berries evenly for a smoother consistency.
- After cooking, let the mixture cool. It will thicken as it cools, creating a perfect sauce without lumps.
Taking these simple steps will help you achieve that nice, thick sauce everyone loves!
How to Make Cranberry Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for garnish and a hint of citrus)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry vanilla sauce takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes to cook it on the stove, and then a bit of time to cool it down before serving. It’s quick and so rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you rinse, check for any stems or bruised berries and pick them out. You want only the freshest cranberries for the best flavor!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir everything together so the sugar starts to dissolve into the mixture.
3. Cook the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, and watch as the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce starts to thicken!
4. Add the Vanilla:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract for that lovely flavor boost!
5. Cool and Serve:
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken even more. Once cool, transfer it to a serving bowl. If you’d like, sprinkle some orange zest on top for garnish and a lovely citrus aroma.
6. Enjoy!
This cranberry vanilla sauce is perfect for serving alongside turkey, drizzling over pancakes, or topping off desserts. It adds a special touch to any dish!
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first before cooking, and you may want to reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes since they won’t need to boil as long.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or even to 1/3 cup if you like it tangy. Remember to taste as you go so you can find the perfect balance for your liking!
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before serving as it may thicken in the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Vanilla Extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, you can use vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor, or even a splash of almond extract for a different twist. Just remember to use a smaller quantity, as almond extract is quite potent!