This sweet and tangy cranberry sauce is a holiday favorite! Packed with the warm flavors of brown sugar and maple syrup, it perfectly complements turkey and stuffing.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl! I love making it ahead of time; it just gets better as it sits in the fridge. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a vibrant tartness that’s essential for this sauce. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries work well too! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess water for the best consistency.
Brown Sugar: Using packed brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try coconut sugar or even maple syrup to replace it, although the flavor profile will change slightly.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives the sauce its delightful sweetness and depth. If you’re in a pinch, honey or agave syrup can substitute, but choose a light flavor to avoid overpowering the cranberries.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and complexity. If you don’t have them, feel free to omit or use pumpkin pie spice for a different twist. I personally love a dash of ginger for extra zing!
Orange Zest: Adds a bright citrus note. If you don’t have fresh oranges, lemon zest can substitute, but it will give a more tart flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Cranberries Don’t Burst Too Much?
A common challenge is overcooking the cranberries, which can lead to a mushy sauce. To avoid this, watch your cooking time closely.
- Start by simmering the water, brown sugar, and maple syrup until fully dissolved. This helps build the flavor base.
- Add the cranberries and gently stir as they cook. Keep the heat at medium, so the popping is gradual and controlled.
- After around 10 minutes, when the cranberries start to pop, reduce the heat slightly. Stir occasionally and remove from heat once they reach your desired thickness.
This way, you’ll have a nice balance of cranberry texture with plenty of pops and a smooth sauce!
How to Make Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active preparation time and around 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend about 20-25 minutes making this delicious cranberry sauce! It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries in cool water. As you rinse, look for any stems or spoiled berries and remove them. This ensures you only use the best berries for your sauce!
2. Make the Syrup Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, packed brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Stir the mixture gently, then place it over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a simmer, and continue to stir until the sugar has fully dissolved. This step creates a delicious sweetness for your sauce.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Stir the cranberries into the syrup mixture and bring it back to a simmer. Let the cranberries cook while stirring occasionally. You’ll notice some cranberries will begin to pop and break open as they cook, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
4. Add Spices and Flavorings:
If you’d like, this is the time to stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. These optional ingredients add warm, cozy flavors that enhance the sauce, so feel free to customize it to your taste!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once the sauce thickens slightly and most of the cranberries have burst, remove it from the heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Finish It Off:
Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving bowl. For an extra touch, garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig if you like! You can serve this sauce chilled or at room temperature, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals.
7. Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors for days to come!
This Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce is the perfect mix of tart and sweet, and it’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess water to ensure the right consistency in your sauce.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup. Alternatively, if you find it too sweet, you can add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of tang!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Leftover cranberry sauce is delicious on breakfast items like toast or pancakes. You can also use it as a topping for yogurt or mix it into salads for an added burst of flavor!
