Baked Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy delight that brightens up any meal! With fresh cranberries, sugar, and a little cinnamon, it’s super easy to make.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes, and you’ll love watching the berries pop! I can’t resist slathering it on everything—yes, even toast! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key here for that tart flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work just as well—they’re usually available year-round!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you want a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice really brightens up the sauce, but store-bought is perfectly fine. If you’re out of orange juice, apple juice could be a tasty substitute.
Spices: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, and nutmeg gives a little extra depth. If you prefer, you can skip the nutmeg or even try adding some ginger or allspice for a twist.
How Do You Get Perfectly Thick Cranberry Sauce?
The key to a thick cranberry sauce is patience while it bakes. When you cook the saucepan in the oven, the berries pop and release their juices, creating a natural syrup. Here’s how to ensure great texture:
- Mix ingredients well before putting them in the oven. This helps distribute sugar evenly.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. This also helps break down the cranberries for a thicker consistency.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. It will thicken more as it cools, creating that perfect sauce.
Serve it up warm or at room temperature and enjoy it with Thanksgiving turkey or as a spread for your next gathering! 🦃🍊
Baked Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake. Allow a bit of extra time for the sauce to cool and thicken before serving. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy this delightful dish in about an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your berry mixture!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries with granulated sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. If you’d like, add the nutmeg as well. Stir gently until the sugar starts to dissolve and everything is mixed nicely.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the cranberry mixture into a medium-sized baking dish or casserole. Spread it out evenly so it cooks evenly.
4. Bake the Sauce:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Let it bake uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remember to stir the mixture halfway through the baking time, as this helps the cranberries burst and thicken the sauce.
5. Cool the Sauce:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce is thick, take it out of the oven. Let it cool slightly; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, add beautiful orange slices and sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and flavor. This sauce is best served warm or at room temperature.
This baked cranberry sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly blending the warmth of cinnamon with zesty citrus. Enjoy it as a side to your holiday feast or as a sweet treat any time!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use them directly from the freezer without thawing to maintain the right texture while baking.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover baked cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. It makes a great topping for breakfast items like yogurt or pancakes!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. You can start with less sugar and taste the mixture before baking; just remember that it will be slightly less sweet than if you’d used the full amount.
What Other Fruits Can I Add?
If you’d like to experiment, try adding diced apples, pears, or a handful of raisins for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the final taste!
