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Cranberry Sauce Recipe: Easy Homemade with Citrus Zest for Holidays

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This cozy homemade cranberry sauce features fresh or frozen cranberries simmered with sugar, orange and lemon zest, and citrus juice for a vibrant, tangy-sweet holiday side. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Zest from 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 large orange)
  • Zest from 1 small lemon (about 1 teaspoon, optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 small cinnamon stick
  • Optional: 1 star anise
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or orange liqueur

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange and lemon well. Zest both directly over a medium saucepan using a microplane or fine grater.
  2. Cut the orange and lemon in half. Squeeze out 1/2 cup orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Add both to the saucepan.
  3. Add cranberries, sugar, and water to the saucepan with the citrus zests and juices.
  4. If desired, add a cinnamon stick or star anise for a spiced version.
  5. Set the pan over medium heat and stir gently as the mixture heats. Cook for 3-4 minutes until cranberries begin to burst.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns jammy. Add a splash more water or juice if needed.
  7. Remove from heat. Discard cinnamon stick or star anise if used. Stir in a pinch of salt and, if desired, vanilla extract or orange liqueur.
  8. Taste and adjust sugar, salt, or citrus juice if needed. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a bowl or jar. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  9. Optional: Stir in chopped nuts or extra zest just before serving for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh citrus zest for the brightest flavor. Taste as you go and adjust sugar for desired sweetness. Sauce thickens as it cools, so stop simmering when it’s a bit looser than you want. Make ahead for deeper flavor—chilling overnight is ideal. For a smoother sauce, mash or blend after cooking. Easily adaptable for lower sugar, spiced, or nutty versions. Store in the fridge up to 10 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade, citrus zest, Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday, easy, vegan, gluten-free, make ahead, orange, lemon, fruit sauce

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/cranberry-sauce-recipe-easy-homemade-with-citrus-zest-for-holidays/