Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, zesty twist to brighten up your holiday table or everyday meals, this Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with fresh cranberries and the sunny zing of orange, this sauce is a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy—guaranteed to steal the show alongside your favorite dishes.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Fresh, natural flavor explosion: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange juice makes every bite pop with vibrant freshness.
Simple ingredients, impressive results: With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a luscious sauce that sings on any plate.
Versatile and easy to make ahead: Whether for festive dinners or casual meals, this sauce fits right in and keeps well.
A healthier alternative: Using pure maple syrup to sweeten means you skip refined sugars without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe relies on a small list of simple ingredients that each play an important role. Fresh orange juice and zest offer brightness, maple syrup adds natural sweetness, and vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with a subtle warmth, while fresh cranberries give the sauce its beautiful color and tartness.

• Freshly squeezed orange juice: Provides bright, natural acidity and juicy sweetness—fresh is best, but bottled 100% orange juice works in a pinch.
• Pure maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally and adds a rich depth that balances the tart cranberries.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering it.
• Fresh cranberries: The star ingredient, delivering bold tartness and a vibrant red color that’s simply irresistible.
• Orange zest: A fresh garnish that brings an aromatic citrus punch and pretty color contrast.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Boil the Base

Start by pouring the freshly squeezed orange juice, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract into a medium saucepan. Bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, allowing the flavors to mingle and the liquid to slightly reduce for the perfect base.

Step 2: Add Cranberries and Orange Zest

Once boiling, stir in the fresh cranberries and a little orange zest. Mix everything well to coat the berries with that luscious citrusy syrup. This is where the magic starts—those cranberries will begin to pop and soften, releasing their signature tang.

Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened

Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll hear delightful popping sounds as the cranberries burst open—totally normal and oh-so-satisfying! Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool down for about 5 minutes. Then transfer it into a bowl and pop it into the refrigerator to chill. Cooling helps the flavors settle and the sauce firm up into that perfect, spreadable consistency.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh orange zest sprinkled on top is the classic and simplest garnish—it adds a bright, citrus aroma and lovely pops of color. For a festive touch, try adding a few whole fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary to really wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This cranberry orange sauce is a spectacular companion to roasted turkey or chicken, but don’t stop there! It’s equally divine spooned over pork tenderloin, paired with creamy mashed potatoes, or even dolloped on warm toast or freshly baked scones for a citrusy breakfast delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the sauce in a hollowed-out orange or a beautiful glass jar layered with dollops of whipped cream cheese. You can also swirl it into yogurt bowls or drizzle over desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream for a bright, fruity flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making your Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe, just cool it completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, perfect for enjoying in little batches or alongside multiple meals.

Freezing

This sauce freezes like a charm! Pour it into a freezer-safe container or sturdy Ziploc bag, and it will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Freezing is a wonderful way to have this vibrant sauce ready for those unexpected gatherings or busy weeknights.

Reheating

Thaw frozen cranberry orange sauce overnight in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heat. If you prefer, it’s also fantastic served chilled straight from the refrigerator!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making your own Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe is such a rewarding and delicious way to brighten mealtimes with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing this tangy-sweet delight with your loved ones as much as I do. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and impossible to forget!

Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 116 reviews

• Author: Susan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This vibrant Cranberry Orange Sauce combines the tangy freshness of cranberries with the sweet citrus notes of orange and maple syrup, creating a perfectly balanced condiment. Ideal for holiday feasts or as a zesty complement to roasted meats, this sauce is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served warm or chilled.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh cranberries, rinsed with cold water

Garnish

• Orange zest for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine Liquids: In a medium saucepan, pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors thoroughly.
2. Add Cranberries and Zest: Once boiling, stir in the rinsed fresh cranberries and orange zest. Mix all the ingredients well to ensure the cranberries are evenly coated with the liquid mixture.
3. Simmer to Thicken: Cover the saucepan with a lid, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, you’ll hear popping sounds as the cranberries burst, which is normal and signals the sauce is thickening.
4. Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool down at room temperature for about 5 minutes to slightly thicken further and cool.
5. Refrigerate and Serve: Transfer the cooled sauce into a bowl or airtight container and place it in the refrigerator to chill. When ready to serve, garnish with additional fresh orange zest for an extra pop of flavor and color.

---

Notes

• Zest Tip: Always zest the orange before juicing. Use a grater or microplane to zest only the orange outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith. If those tools aren’t available, a vegetable peeler can carefully remove thin strips of orange peel.
• Storage: Store cooled cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This sauce freezes well. Place cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Alternatively, serve it chilled after stirring well.