This Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat! Homemade with fresh cranberries, it balances the flavors perfectly with brown sugar and maple syrup for a warm twist.
Trust me, it’s the star of the holiday table! I love to use it on turkey, but spread it on toast for breakfast too. It’s like bringing a little autumn joy into every bite! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this sauce, offering a ripe tartness. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work well too. Just toss them in without thawing!
Brown Sugar: This adds a deep sweetness. If you prefer something lighter, you can use coconut sugar or honey, but remember that honey will add its own flavor.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives this recipe its unique flavor. If you’re looking for a non-maple alternative, agave syrup could work, but the flavor will differ a bit.
Orange Zest: This ingredient brightens up the sauce. You can skip it or replace it with lemon zest for a different citrus note!
How Do You Ensure the Sauce Thickens Perfectly?
Thickening your cranberry sauce can be a little tricky, but with the right approach, it’s easy! The cranberries release natural pectin, which helps achieve that perfect texture.
- Keep the heat at a low simmer after boiling to let the cranberries pop and contribute to the sauce consistency.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If the sauce is too thick, stirring in a splash of water can help adjust the texture.
- Remember to let it cool before serving! It will thicken more as it sits.
Enjoy making your cranberry sauce and sharing it with friends and family!
Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional for brightness)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprig for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This delightful sauce takes about 10 minutes of active cooking time and an additional 10-15 minutes to simmer. Plus, it needs some time to cool before serving. Overall, you can have this ready in about 30 minutes!
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Cranberries
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water to clean them. Take a moment to look through them and remove any stems or berries that don’t look good. You want the best cranberries in your sauce!
2. Make the Sauce Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, packed brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Turn the heat to medium and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a sweet syrupy base!
3. Combine Ingredients
Add those beautiful cranberries to the saucepan. If you’re using orange zest and cinnamon, sprinkle those in too! Stir gently to mix everything together. The colors will be beautiful!
4. Cook the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles up, lower the heat to a simmer. You’ll see the cranberries start to pop and the sauce thickens in about 10-15 minutes. Remember to stir now and then to keep it from sticking!
5. Adjust the Flavor
Once you like the thickness (it will get thicker as it cools!), take it off the heat. Give it a taste! If you think it needs more sweetness, add a little more brown sugar or maple syrup and stir well.
6. Cool and Garnish
Transfer your cranberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. For a pretty finishing touch, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top before serving. It will look gorgeous and fragrant!
7. Serve & Enjoy
Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for turkey or as a sweet spread on bread. Share it with your friends and family, and watch it disappear!
Enjoy this rich, sweet, and tangy cranberry sauce that brings a lovely maple twist to your holiday table!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just toss them in the pot without thawing, and they’ll release their juices as they cook.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness! If it’s not sweet enough for your taste, add a little more packed brown sugar or maple syrup, and stir well to combine as the sauce simmers.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just make it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully the longer it sits!
