This Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat! With the rich flavors of maple and brown sugar, it adds a special touch to any meal.
Trust me, you’ll want to drizzle this over everything! I always make extra just to have on toast later—it’s that good! 😍
Cooking this sauce is super easy! Just simmer the ingredients together and let the magic happen. It’s a festive favorite that everyone loves!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: The star of this recipe! Look for bright, plump berries. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work too—just use them straight from the freezer without thawing.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a deep, rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind the flavor will change a bit.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is great for a subtle caramel flavor. You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper taste. If you’re avoiding sugar, try coconut sugar as a natural alternative.
Cinnamon Stick: This adds nice warmth. If you don’t have one, you can use 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon instead. It won’t have the same infusion but will still taste lovely.
Nutmeg and Orange Zest: These are optional but highly recommended! They add layers of flavor. If orange zest isn’t available, any citrus zest can brighten the sauce.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting your cranberry sauce to the right thickness is key! When cooking, the cranberries will naturally break down, but here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Simmer the sauce on low heat after it boils. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to marry without burning.
- Keep stirring occasionally to help mash some of the cranberries. You can control how chunky or smooth you want your sauce to be by mashing more or less.
- Remove from heat once it thickens but is still a bit runny. It will thicken further as it cools, which is normal!
Trust me, patience is key with this delightful sauce. Enjoy making it! 🍂
How to Make Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, plus some cool down time. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes before it’s ready to chill and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Look through them to remove any stems or bad berries—this ensures only the best go into your sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Set it over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. This will create a sweet syrup base for your sauce!
3. Add the Cranberries:
Add the fresh cranberries and the cinnamon stick to the saucepan. If you’d like, toss in the optional ground nutmeg and orange zest for extra flavor. Bring everything to a boil, letting the cranberries start to pop open.
4. Simmer and Thicken:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat so the sauce is simmering. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will start thickening. If you like a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the cranberries with the back of a spoon while stirring.
5. Final Touches:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract if you want that delicious hint of vanilla. Don’t forget to take out the cinnamon stick!
6. Cool it Down:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken even more as it cools, which is just what you want!
7. Refrigerate and Serve:
Once it’s cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a lovely serving bowl or a jar. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. This sauce is great with turkey, ham, or even on toast!
Enjoy your homemade Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce—it’s sure to be a hit at any meal! 🥳
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just use them straight from the freezer; no need to thaw first. They will break down in the cooking process just like fresh ones!
How Long Can I Store This Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This cranberry sauce tastes even better when made in advance. Make it up to a few days before your event; just refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve!
What Can I Serve with Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with turkey and ham but is also delicious with pork or on top of cream cheese for a tasty appetizer. Don’t forget to try it on toast or pancakes for a sweet treat!
