This Maple Cranberry Sauce is a perfect mix of sweet and tart! Made with fresh cranberries and a touch of maple syrup, it adds a zing to any dish.
I love spreading it on turkey sandwiches the next day. Who knew leftovers could taste so good? It’s super easy to whip up, too. Just simmer and stir!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for this sauce’s tart flavor. You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just toss them in without thawing, and they’ll still burst beautifully!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a substitute, honey or agave syrup could work, but the flavor will change slightly. I recommend sticking to maple for the best taste!
Orange Juice and Zest: These are optional but add a bright note! If you’re out of oranges, try a splash of apple juice for a different flavor. Just remember: the zest is where a lot of the essential oils are, giving extra aroma and taste.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the natural sweetness. If you’re watching your salt intake, you can skip it, but I think it really balances the flavors well!
How Do I Get My Cranberries to Burst Perfectly?
The secret to perfectly bursting cranberries is patience while they simmer. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a medium saucepan on medium heat. This prevents the sauce from burning while the cranberries cook.
- As you add the cranberries, they might take about 10-12 minutes to burst. Keep stirring occasionally so they don’t stick to the bottom.
- Look for the skins of the cranberries to pop open; that’s when they’re ready!
- Once they start bursting, lower the heat to keep a gentle simmer instead of a rolling boil. This helps thicken your sauce.
Let the sauce cool down completely after cooking. It will continue to thicken and develop its flavor. Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce!
Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional for brightness)
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Maple Cranberry Sauce will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a little time to cool down. It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table or any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you do this, take a moment to pick out any that are damaged or bruised. You want the best cranberries for your sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water and pure maple syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring this mixture to a gentle boil. The aroma of the maple syrup will make your kitchen smell wonderful!
3. Add More Flavor:
Once the mixture is boiling, it’s time to add the rinsed cranberries, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine everything well.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer. Keep stirring occasionally. This will take about 10 to 12 minutes, and you’ll notice the cranberries start to burst, creating that beautiful sauce texture!
5. Cool the Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny; it will thicken up as it cools!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, garnish it with a fresh rosemary sprig for a touch of class and extra flavor.
7. Enjoy!
This Maple Cranberry Sauce is perfect served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even as a delicious spread for sandwiches. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy your homemade sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just toss them in straight from the freezer without thawing. They’ll still burst and create a delicious sauce—perfect for last-minute preparations!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This Maple Cranberry Sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a stir before serving to refresh it.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor will be a little different, but it will still be tasty!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy it later, simply serve it cold or reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.