How To Make Cranberry Orange Sauce

This holiday season is the perfect time to try new flavors and start new traditions. Our Cranberry Orange Sauce is sweet, tart and SO incredibly easy to prepare.

I love cranberry sauce. When I was a kid, we used to open 2 cans of cranberry sauce every year: one jellied version and one whole berry version.

But then one year after I was living on my own, I tried homemade cranberry sauce and was instantly hooked! There is SO much more flavor and texture…basically, everything about it is better than the canned version.

Then I heard about adding orange to cranberry sauce. And when I tried making Cranberry Orange Sauce, I knew I’d never make it another way again!

If you’re searching for more delicious holiday recipe favorites to serve with this recipe, try our Vanilla and Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Herb Stuffing, and Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Bacon!

Ingredients Needed To Make Cranberry Orange Sauce

• Cranberries – fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Orange Juice – any brand will work
• Cinnamon Stick – sticks provide a more subtle flavor than ground cinnamon

How To Make Cranberry Orange Sauce

Making delicious cranberry orange sauce is super simple – it’s literally as easy as 1…2…3! Here’s how:

Step 1

Begin by placing all 4 ingredients into a medium saucepan. Stir well to combine.

Step 2

Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for approximately 15 – 20 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 3

Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. As the sauce cools, it will thicken naturally.

Let it sit and cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. You could also refrigerate for an hour or more before serving.

Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe Notes And Tips

• If you like your sauce a little thicker, just let it simmer a little bit longer which will help the sauce get a little thicker. And make sure to let it cool before serving because it will thicken as it cools.

• Likewise, if you want a little thinner sauce, add a touch more orange juice. You can also use a little water in place of the orange juice if you want.

• If you prefer a little extra orange flavor, add a drop or two of orange extract.

• If you double the recipe, remember to use 2 cinnamon sticks which cooking for maximum flavor.

• Ground cinnamon can be used instead of the cinnamon stick. The ratio you will use is 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to 1 cinnamon stick.

Variations Of Cranberry Orange Sauce To Try

• Add the sauce to your toast, bagels, croissants or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast treat.

• Try adding about a tablespoon of fresh ginger for a little added zing.

• Consider adding in some crushed pineapple as you are cooking the sauce for even more zip and flavor.

• How delicious would this sauce be on a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream? YUM!

FAQs

If you have questions about this dish, you may find them answered below.

How long will the Cranberry Orange Sauce keep in the fridge?

If this delicious sauce is not gobbled up immediately and you have leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for 1 – 2 weeks in an air-tight container.

How many serving can I except to get out of this Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe?

It will yield approximately 3 cups, which is enough for about 6 – 8 servings.

Of course, this may vary depending on how you ‘tweak’ your recipe to make it your own.

Can I freeze this Cranberry Orange Sauce?

Yes, of course! Before placing it in the freezer you need to cool it, place it in a freezer-safe container, and label it.

It can remain frozen for up to 6 months.

Don’t forget to label the container with the contents and the date that it’s placed in the freezer so you know the length of time it’s been frozen.

Once you remove it from the freezer, allow it to defrost and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I use Splenda instead of sugar for this recipe?

Unfortunately, I can not speak to that as I have only used sugar. However, if you have extra time and opportunity to experiment, that would be my recommendation.

I have used Splenda in other recipes and I can tell you that you will use equal parts of sugar to Splenda. So this recipe calls for 1 cup sugar so you would want to replace sugar with 1 cup of Splenda.

What is the best way to reheat the Cranberry Orange Sauce?

The best way is to reheat low and slow in a saucepan on the stovetop and a quick stir occasionally.

How far in advance can I prepare the sauce for my holiday dinner?

You can definitely prepare your Cranberry Orange Sauce ahead of time. As mentioned before, it will keep in the fridge for up to a week but I would suggest no more than a couple of days before your holiday gathering.

More Unique and Delicious Recipes To Try

• Cauliflower Stuffing Casserole
• The Best Pumpkin Cobbler
• Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
• Homemade Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
• Decadent Pumpkin French Toast