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Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful and easy-to-make condiment perfect for holiday meals or everyday enjoyment. Made with fresh cranberries, apple cider, sugar, and aromatic cinnamon sticks, it offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a warm, spicy hint. The sauce thickens as it simmers, creating a luscious texture that complements turkey, chicken, or even desserts.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the apple cider, sugar, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks into a medium saucepan. Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Simmer Sauce: Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the cranberries will burst, and the sauce will thicken to a jam-like consistency.
  3. Remove Cinnamon and Cool: After the sauce has thickened, remove the cinnamon sticks. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool slightly before serving; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries slightly with a spoon as they cook.
  • Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to taste.