Description
This easy cranberry sauce recipe is a perfect, tangy-sweet accompaniment for your holiday meals or any time you want a fruity burst. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries cooked gently with sugar and water until thickened, it’s a simple, homemade alternative to store-bought sauces with customizable sweetness.
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste)
- 3/4 cup water (preferably filtered)
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Dissolve Sweetener: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar or your choice of honey or maple syrup with the water. Place the pan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Cook Cranberries: Add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally while the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Adjust Sweetness and Cool: Taste the sauce and add additional maple syrup, honey, or sugar as desired to balance the tartness. Once satisfied, remove the pan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and slightly different flavor profile.
- Using frozen cranberries requires no thawing; you can add them directly to the saucepan.
- Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking up the cranberries too much if you prefer some texture.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- This sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature, and it’s excellent alongside turkey, chicken, or as a topping for desserts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
