Tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet honey—this cranberry sauce recipe is a symphony of flavors that will elevate any holiday table. The vibrant hues of cranberries paired with the citrusy aroma of orange zest create a tantalizing experience for your taste buds.
The addition of honey adds a natural sweetness, balancing out the tartness of the cranberries. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey or simply spreading it on toast, this cranberry sauce is sure to impress with its bright, fresh flavors and delightful complexity.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe with Orange and Honey
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 Stirring Spoon
- 1 Zester
- 1 Knife
- 1 Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 12- ounce bag of fresh cranberries – can also use frozen
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup – use maple syrup to keep vegan.
- Juice of one large orange
- Zest of same orange
- 1 cup water
- 2 medium cinnamon sticks
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, juice, water, cinnamon sticks, and a small amount of salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes. The cranberries will start to soften, decompose, and thicken. The sauce will get thicker the longer you cook it.
- Just watch out that the liquid doesn’t burn completely. As the finish approaches, stir more often. If desired, use a fork or the back of a spoon to mash the cranberries.
- After cooling, serve. Before serving, allow the cranberry sauce to cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Makeable three to four days in advance.
Notes
How Long Does Orange Cranberry Sauce Last?
When to Discard the Cranberry Sauce. At room temperature, cranberry sauce can be stored for up to two hours. Store homemade cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for a period of 10 to 14 days. Once opened, canned cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Why Is My Cranberry Sauce Not Setting?
To help the mixture thicken and more of the liquid cook off, try decreasing the sauce even more. Add a thickener, such as gelatin, pectin, or cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed into juice or water), if that doesn’t work. Allow sauce to cool entirely before refrigerating to set completely.