This cranberry sauce combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with sweet orange marmalade, making it a fruity delight. It’s the perfect condiment for your holiday meal!
I love how easy this recipe is! Just mix and simmer. Plus, the orange adds a fun twist that always surprises my guests. Who knew something so simple could taste so good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh, tart cranberries are essential for the right flavor. If fresh ones are hard to find, frozen cranberries make a great substitute. Just don’t thaw them before cooking; add them straight to the pot!
Orange Marmalade: This gives the cranberry sauce its unique sweet and citrusy twist. If you don’t have marmalade, consider using orange juice and zest along with a bit of extra sugar for sweetness.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can use less sugar or try honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Adjust based on your taste preference!
Cinnamon: While optional, it adds a warm depth to the sauce. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg for a different spice appeal.
How Can I Ensure My Cranberries Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking cranberries is straightforward, but it helps to pay attention to the simmering process. You want to burst them open to release their natural sweetness and color.
- Start by rinsing cranberries. Discard any soft ones to avoid bitterness.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat once it starts bubbling. This helps the cranberries cook evenly.
- Simmer until they burst, usually about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adding the marmalade and zest at the end gives a bright flavor without cooking them too much.
Let the sauce cool before storing or serving; it will thicken more as it cools!
Cranberry Sauce With Orange Marmalade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. After that, you’ll need to let the sauce cool, which takes about 30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish for a delicious homemade cranberry sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you do this, keep a lookout for any that are soft or bruised—these should be discarded to keep your sauce tasting fresh and delicious.
2. Boil the Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cleaned cranberries, sugar, and water. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. You want the sugar to dissolve and the cranberries to start releasing their natural juices.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
Once your mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, you’ll hear the cranberries pop open and notice the mixture thickening. It’s all about that beautiful burst of tart flavor!
4. Add the Zesty Ingredients:
After 10 minutes, stir in the orange marmalade and freshly grated orange zest. If you want to add cinnamon or salt, now’s the time! Keep simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes until the marmalade is fully melted and the sauce has a glossy appearance.
5. Cool Down the Sauce:
Once done cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken up nicely, giving you that perfect texture!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you’re not serving it right away, you can refrigerate it until you’re ready. This sauce can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’ll make a zesty and sweet addition to your meals!
Enjoy your tangy, sweet cranberry sauce with the bright citrus notes from the orange marmalade—a perfect complement to your holiday meals!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries! There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them directly into the pot with the other ingredients. They will cook down perfectly during the simmering process.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Lower in Sugar?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar amount to 1/2 cup or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust to your taste, as different sweeteners can vary in sweetness.
Can I Prepare the Cranberry Sauce in Advance?
Yes! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just prepare it, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Its flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just defrost it in the fridge before serving!
