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The Modern Day Cottage

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Home » Homemade Spiced Cranberry Orange Sauce

Homemade Spiced Cranberry Orange Sauce

December 3, 2024 Breakfast, Desserts, Homemade Recipes, Winter

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Add a touch of coziness to your holiday table with this Cottagecore Homemade Spiced Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe.

A bowl of vibrant homemade cranberry orange sauce placed on a neutral fabric napkin, decorated with fresh cranberries and clementines, against a cozy lace-patterned table setting.

This homemade cranberry orange sauce is a holiday favorite, bringing a balance of sweet and tart flavors to any Thanksgiving meal or Christmas dinner. Made with fresh cranberries, fresh orange juice, and a hint of warm spices like cinnamon, this sauce is an essential part of our holiday traditions.

We love how the zest of fresh oranges enhances the natural tartness of the cranberries, adding depth of flavor to this classic cranberry sauce. It’s the perfect complement to roast turkey, warm rolls, or even as a topping for leftover turkey sandwiches.

If you’re planning your holiday table, don’t forget to try our Cozy Cottage-Style Sourdough Cornbread Dressing Recipe, another classic side that pairs beautifully with this cranberry-orange sauce recipe.

A saucepan filled with fresh cranberries, peeled orange segments, and a generous amount of brown sugar, ready for cooking, set against a cozy backdrop with a glowing copper kettle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor – Sweet, tart, and spiced, this sauce is a holiday favorite.

Easy to Make – Simple steps and fresh ingredients create a delicious result.

Versatile Side Dish – Perfect for turkey, pork, or even as a dessert topping.

Tips

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients – Use fresh cranberries and juicy oranges for the best flavor.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste – Taste the sauce while cooking and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
  • Don’t Skip the Blending – Blending creates a smooth texture that works well as a spread or topping.

Recipe FAQ’s for Cranberry Orange Sauce

What’s the best way to store leftover cranberry sauce?

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 10–14 days.

Can I freeze cranberry orange sauce?

Yes, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

A cozy holiday-themed image featuring a bowl of homemade spiced cranberry orange sauce in a festive orange dish, set on a lace tablecloth with fresh cranberries and clementines for garnish. Text overlay reads, "Homemade Spiced Cranberry Orange Sauce."

What can I use leftover cranberry sauce for?

Leftovers are perfect for turkey sandwiches, stirring into yogurt, or topping pancakes and waffles.

How do I make the sauce less tart?

Add more sugar or a drizzle of honey during cooking to sweeten it.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Tools You May Need

Medium Saucepan – Perfect for simmering the cranberries and spices.

Measuring Spoons and Cups – Ideal for measuring out your ingredients.

A flat-lay photo showcasing ingredients for homemade spiced cranberry orange sauce on a lace-patterned tablecloth. The items include a bowl of fresh cranberries, a plate of peeled and segmented oranges, a wooden bowl filled with brown sugar, a wooden pinch bowl with spices (likely cinnamon or cloves), and a glass jug containing orange juice. A soft orange napkin adds a cozy touch to the setup, and a small bunch of baby’s breath flowers is partially visible in the corner.

Ingredients

  • Fresh Cranberries – Bright and tart, these are the base of this classic holiday sauce.
  • Orange Zest and Juice – Adds citrusy sweetness and a zesty kick.
  • Brown Sugar – Balances the tartness with a hint of molasses flavor.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts is available in the recipe card below.

How to Make This Recipe

A close-up of a saucepan with vibrant red cranberries simmering in liquid, showcasing the fresh and festive ingredients of the spiced cranberry orange sauce.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse fresh cranberries under cool running water. Peel the orange and cut it into small pieces, removing seeds.

A saucepan filled with fresh cranberries, peeled orange segments, and a generous amount of brown sugar, ready for cooking, set against a cozy backdrop with a glowing copper kettle.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan

Add cranberries, orange pieces, brown sugar, orange zest, ground cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Heat the Mixture

Heat over medium heat, covering the saucepan with a lid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook Until Cranberries Pop

Once the cranberries start popping, remove the lid and reduce the heat slightly. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken, stirring occasionally.

An immersion blender blending the cranberry sauce directly in the saucepan, creating a smooth and thick consistency, with warm lighting and rustic kitchen details in the background.

Step 5: Blend the Mixture

Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a countertop blender. Blend until the sauce reaches a smooth, even consistency.

A close-up of the finished cranberry orange sauce in a serving bowl with a vintage silver spoon, garnished with fresh cranberries and a clementine, exuding a cozy, rustic aesthetic.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Cool the sauce to room temperature, then refrigerate it for several hours to thicken.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled or warm, paired with your favorite holiday dishes!

Enjoy this flavorful and cozy addition to your holiday meal!

Storage Ideas for Cranberry Orange Sauce

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
  • Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
  • Label the container with the date and freeze for up to one month.
  • To use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and stir before serving.
  • Prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.


More Holiday Recipes from the Cottage;

  • Festive Sourdough Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe
  • Cozy Cottage-Style Sourdough Cornbread Dressing Recipe
  • Homemade Sourdough Pop Tarts (discard or starter)
  • Raspberry Sourdough Popovers (discard or starter)
  • Waffles and Pancakes (discard or starter)


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A close-up of the finished cranberry orange sauce in a serving bowl with a vintage silver spoon, garnished with fresh cranberries and a clementine, exuding a cozy, rustic aesthetic.

Cottagecore Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce

By Emily Rider
5 from 1 vote
This Homemade Spiced Cranberry Orange Sauce combines the tartness of fresh cranberries, the brightness of orange zest, and the warmth of festive spices. It’s an easy, elegant side dish that will bring cozy, rustic charm to your holiday table. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this sauce is a must-try for creating a truly memorable meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Additional Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Condiments and Seasonings
Cuisine American
Servings 2 1/2 cups
Calories 47 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries rinsed
  • 1 medium orange peeled, deseeded, and cut into pieces
  • ½ cup pure apple juice
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon Ceylon recommended
  • 1 pinch ground clove
  • 1 pinch salt
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How To Make

  • Rinse the cranberries under cool running water and set them aside in a colander to drain.
  • Wash the orange, peel it, remove any seeds, and cut it into small pieces.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange pieces, apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, and salt. Stir gently to mix.
  • Cover the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the cranberries begin to pop, remove the lid and reduce the heat slightly. Stir occasionally and cook until the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the saucepan from heat and blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer it to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce into a heat-safe glass bowl or storage container. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for several hours. The sauce will thicken as it chills.
  • Serve once the sauce has set. Enjoy as a flavorful addition to your holiday meal!

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cranberries and a juicy orange for the best flavor. Avoid frozen cranberries to maintain proper texture.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Taste the sauce while cooking and add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
  • Stir Gently and Consistently: Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the saucepan.
  • Don’t Skip the Blending: Blending the sauce creates a smooth texture, making it versatile for spreading or as a topping.
  • Let the Sauce Cool Properly: The sauce thickens as it cools, so allow enough time for it to chill in the refrigerator.
  • Use a Fine Mesh Sieve (Optional): For an extra smooth sauce, strain it after blending to remove any pulp or cranberry skins.
  • Make It Ahead of Time: This recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so prepare it in advance if possible.
  • Double the Batch: If you’re hosting a larger gathering or love leftovers, make extra and freeze some for later use.
  • Serve Creatively: Pair the sauce with turkey, use it as a topping for toast, pancakes, or yogurt, or add it to baked brie.
  • Store Properly: Use an airtight container to keep the sauce fresh for up to 10-14 days in the fridge or one month in the freezer.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 47kcalCarbohydrates: 12gSodium: 11mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g
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