This Maple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet twist on the classic dish. Made with juicy cranberries and the rich flavor of maple syrup, it’s a tasty addition to any meal!
It’s super easy to make and great for holiday dinners. I love to serve it with turkey, but it also tastes awesome on pancakes! Who says sauce can’t be a topping too? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for a vibrant flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries work just as well. They won’t have the exact same taste but will still be delicious!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives the sauce a rich sweetness. If it’s not available, you can use honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Orange Juice & Zest: These add brightness and a lovely citrus note. If you’re avoiding citrus, try using apple juice or leave it out altogether; the sauce will still be tasty!
Cinnamon: This adds warmth to the sauce. If you want a different spice vibe, consider using nutmeg or ginger. Just a pinch works wonders!
Why is Rinsing Cranberries Essential?
Rinsing cranberries is important because it removes any dirt and debris. Plus, it helps you spot any that may be bad or overly soft. Here’s how to do it:
- Put cranberries in a colander and run cold water over them.
- Gently shake to ensure each berry gets rinsed.
- Pick out any squished or shriveled ones to keep your sauce fresh and flavorful.
Taking this simple step makes your sauce cleaner and tastier!
How to Make Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Maple Cranberry Sauce will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, and you can make it in advance to save time during busy meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Make sure to drain them well. This step is important to remove any dirt or bad berries, ensuring your sauce is clean and flavorful.
2. Combine Maple Syrup and Water:
In a medium saucepan, mix the water and pure maple syrup together. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. This creates a sweet base for your sauce.
3. Add Cranberries:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Stir everything together and let it come back to a gentle boil. Watch as the cranberries start to pop!
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer. Keep it bubbling gently for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll notice that most cranberries will burst, and the sauce will start to thicken.
5. Add Optional Flavors:
If you want to enhance the flavor, stir in the optional orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Cool the Sauce:
Once done cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken a bit more, giving you that perfect consistency.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your Maple Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even as a topping for pancakes or yogurt. It’s a versatile treat!
Bon Appétit! Enjoy your delicious, naturally sweetened Maple Cranberry Sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. You don’t need to thaw them before cooking; just add them directly to the saucepan and follow the recipe as usual.
How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of maple syrup to your liking. You can always add a little more later if needed, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
What Should I Serve with Maple Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce is fantastic with turkey or chicken, but you can also enjoy it on waffles, pancakes, or yogurt for breakfast. It adds a lovely tangy-sweet flavor to many dishes!