Orange Cranberry Sauce

I know there's a lot of people who can take or leave cranberry sauce. I am not one of them. When the holiday season rolls around, I want (need) this Orange Cranberry Sauce at every big meal. It's a great side and if you're anything like me, you'll eat a fair amount of it by the spoonful. Let's learn how to make it!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

Orange Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

When combined, these ingredients create a cranberry sauce that is sweet, tangy, and aromatic, with a balance of flavors that complement each other.

• Fresh Cranberries (8 oz): The central ingredient of cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries provide a vibrant tartness to the sauce. When cooked, they break down and release their juices, which, when combined with sweeteners, create a harmonious sweet and sour taste.
• Maple Syrup (½ cup): As a natural sweetener, maple syrup not only sweetens the sauce but also adds a rich, nuanced sweetness with hints of caramel and a subtle depth of flavor. Its viscosity also helps to give the sauce a thicker, more syrupy consistency.
• Orange Juice and Zest (from 1 orange): Oranges add a bright citrusy flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries. The juice provides liquid for cooking and sweetness, while the zest contributes intense citrus aromatics that enhance the overall taste of the sauce.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Cinnamon is a warm spice that adds depth and a subtle earthy flavor to the sauce. It complements the fruitiness of the cranberries and the citrusy notes from the orange, adding a layer of warmth and complexity.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Salt is a flavor enhancer that helps to balance the sweetness and acidity in the sauce. A small amount can bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients without making the sauce taste salty.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla brings a comforting, aromatic quality to the sauce. It adds a subtle sweetness and a floral note that complements the other flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile. The use of vanilla bean paste or extract infuses the sauce with a hint of sophistication and depth.

Steps for Making Orange Cranberry Sauce (with pictures)

1. Cook: Add cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice and zest, cinnamon and salt to a small saucepan. Place pan on the stove and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 12 minutes stirring occasionally. Berries will “pop” and begin to break down.
2. Cool and Chill: Remove cranberry sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow the sauce to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a sealable container. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.

Tips for Making Orange Cranberry Sauce

1. Choosing Fresh Cranberries: Select cranberries that are firm, plump, and brightly colored. Further, avoid using cranberries that are soft or discolored, as they are past their prime.
2. Rinsing the Cranberries: Before using them, rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
3. Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of maple syrup.
4. Zesting and Juicing the Orange: Zest the orange before juicing it. The zest contains essential oils and adds intense orange flavor. Use a fine grater or zester to obtain just the colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
5. Cooking Time: Simmer the cranberry sauce over low to medium heat. Allow the cranberries to cook until they burst and the sauce thickens. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
6. Spices and Seasonings: Add the ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla bean paste at the appropriate stage of cooking (as directed in recipe). To explain, this allows the flavors to meld and infuse into the sauce effectively.
7. Consistency: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. If it seems too thin during cooking, remember that it will set further once it's off the heat and cooled.
8. Cooling and Storing: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
9. Flavor Development: The flavors in cranberry sauce tend to deepen and meld with time. If possible, make it a day ahead of serving, allowing the flavors to develop further.
10. Versatile Use: Remember that orange cranberry sauce isn't just for turkey! It's a versatile condiment that can accompany various dishes, from roasted meats to sandwiches, or even as a topping for desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh for cranberry sauce?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh cranberries in cranberry sauce. Ensure they are fully thawed before cooking, and note that frozen cranberries might release a bit more liquid during cooking.

How do I know when the cranberry sauce is done cooking?

The cranberries will burst and become tender, and the sauce will also thicken. Further, it usually takes around 10-15 minutes of simmering on low to medium heat. You'll notice the mixture becoming more viscous, signaling it's ready.

Can I substitute other sweeteners for maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute other sweeteners such as honey, brown sugar, white sugar, or even agave nectar. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.

How far in advance can I make orange cranberry sauce?

Orange cranberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Making it a day or two before serving often allows the flavors to develop more fully.

FAQ's Continued

Is it necessary to add spices like cinnamon and vanilla to cranberry sauce?

The addition of spices like cinnamon and vanilla is optional but highly recommended. They add depth and complexity to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.

Can I make cranberry sauce without orange zest?

Yes, if you don't have an orange for zesting, you can omit the zest. The sauce will still have orange flavor from the juice, though it might lack the intense citrus aroma that the zest provides.

What if my cranberry sauce is too thin or too thick?

If it's too thin, continue simmering until it reaches the desired consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a little water or orange juice to adjust the consistency.

How do I prevent the cranberry sauce from splattering while cooking?

Stir the sauce frequently and partially cover the pot while simmering to minimize splattering.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Sauce

Orange cranberry sauce is a versatile condiment that can complement various dishes. Here are some popular and creative ways to serve it:

1. Thanksgiving and Holiday Meals: Serve it as a traditional side dish with vegan roasts, stuffed squash, or other plant-based main dishes.
2. Spread and Condiment: Use it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or as a condiment for plant-based burgers.
3. Cheese Alternatives: Pair it with vegan cheese or cheese alternatives for a delightful appetizer or part of a vegan cheese board.
4. Dessert Accompaniment: Serve it with vegan desserts like dairy-free cheesecake, coconut milk-based ice cream, or vegan yogurt.
5. Breakfast Options: Use it as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or toast.
6. Glaze for Tofu or Tempeh: Use it as a glaze for baked tofu or tempeh dishes.

When serving orange cranberry sauce, consider the flavor profile of the dish you're pairing it with, as its sweet-tart taste can complement a wide range of flavors, from savory to sweet, adding a burst of brightness to your meals.

How to Store Orange Cranberry Sauce

Storing orange cranberry sauce properly ensures it stays fresh and maintains its quality. Here's how to store it:

Short-Term Storage (Refrigeration):

1. Cooling Down: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
2. Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled sauce into a clean, airtight container. Ensure the container is thoroughly dry to prevent any moisture that might lead to early spoilage.
3. Refrigeration: Place the sealed container of cranberry sauce in the refrigerator.
4. Shelf Life: Orange cranberry sauce can typically be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. However, always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or appearance, before consuming if it's been stored for an extended period.

Long-Term Storage (Freezing):

If you want to store cranberry sauce for an extended period:

1. Cooling and Freezing: Let the cranberry sauce cool completely to room temperature.
2. Freezer-Safe Container: Use a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bags. Consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier thawing.
3. Leave Space: Leave some space at the top of the container or bag as the sauce may expand as it freezes.
4. Freezer Storage: Place the sealed container or bags in the freezer, ensuring they are placed flat to save space.
5. Freezer Shelf Life: Orange cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to a month without significant loss of quality.

If you make this recipe, please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

Print

More Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes