Why did my cranberry sauce turn out too runny?

You may have simmered the sauce for too short a time at step 4, or used too much water; cook until it coats the back of a spoon and remember it will thicken as it cools.

Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely — make it up to 5 days in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and serve cold or reheated gently.

How do I fix a cranberry sauce that's too tart?

Stir in an extra tablespoon of sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup while the sauce is still warm, adjusting to taste.

My cranberry sauce turned out too thick — what can I do?

Stir in a splash of orange juice or water while reheating gently over low heat until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I leave the cinnamon stick in the sauce while serving?

It's best to remove the cinnamon stick before serving, as it can be bitter if bitten into and its flavour will be overpowering if left too long.

Home / Recipes / american / Cranberry Sauce

americanEasyveganvegetariangluten freedairy free

Cranberry Sauce

RATING

4.6/5(185)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A bright, tangy-sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries, simmered until the berries pop and the sauce thickens naturally. This classic holiday side comes together in under 20 minutes and tastes infinitely better than anything from a can.

PREP

COOK

15m

SERVES

2 TBSP

101 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 8 servings

340 gcranberries · fresh or frozen, rinsed¾ cupsugar · granulated white sugar½ cupwater1 pcsorange · zest and juice1 inchcinnamon · stick1 pinchsalt

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

101

CALORIES · 2 TBSP

Protein0g · 0%

Carbs26g · 103%

Fat0g · 0%

Fiber2g

Sugar22g

Saturated fat0g

Cholesterol0mg

Sodium19mg

Potassium66mg

Phosphorus7mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep · ~2 min
Zest and juice the orange.
Rinse the orange. Using a microplane or zester, remove the orange zest in fine strips, avoiding the bitter white pith. Then cut the orange in half and squeeze out all the juice. Set both aside.
mix · ~1 min
Combine all ingredients in the saucepan.
Place the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and salt into a medium saucepan. Stir everything together.
boil · ~5 min
Bring the mixture to a boil.
1.Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
2.Listen for the cranberries starting to pop — that's the sign the sauce is forming.
TIPDon't cover the pot. Evaporation helps the sauce thicken naturally.
simmer · ~10 min
Simmer until thick and glossy.
1.Reduce the heat to low once the berries have burst.
2.Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon (10-12 min).
3.Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
TIPThe sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Aim for a slightly looser consistency in the pan than you want on the table.
rest · ~15 min
Cool the sauce before serving.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl and let it cool at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. It will set further as it cools. Serve warm or at room temperature.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Don't cover the pot while boiling — evaporation is key for the sauce to thicken naturally.
2
The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so stop simmering when it's slightly looser than desired.
3
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after removing the cinnamon stick.
4
Make ahead up to 5 days — the flavors meld beautifully in the fridge.
5
To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
6
Use a microplane for the orange zest to avoid bitter white pith.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Low Sugar

Low-Sugar

Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup and use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey — ideal for those watching their sugar intake, though the sauce will be looser.

Spiced

Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice along with the cinnamon for a deeper, warming holiday flavour.

Bourbon Orange