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Spiced cranberry sauce adds a burst of flavor to your holiday table. This tasty twist on traditional cranberry sauce mixes in warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. You can make spiced cranberry sauce in just 15 minutes using fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and your favorite spices.
The result is a delicious blend of tart and sweet with aromatic notes that perfectly complement turkey, stuffing, and other classic holiday dishes. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld even more before serving.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make spiced cranberry sauce:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Can’t find some ingredients? Try these swaps:
- Use frozen cranberries instead of fresh
- Swap white sugar for brown sugar or honey
- Replace orange juice with apple juice
- No cinnamon stick? Use 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For a twist, add these optional extras:
- 1 tbsp orange zest for more citrus flavor
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans for crunch
- 2 tbsp spiced rum for a boozy kick
Mix it up by trying different spices like ginger or cardamom. You can also use less sugar if you prefer a tart sauce. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust to your taste!
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Instructions
Ready to make your own spiced cranberry sauce? Let’s get started!
First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and your favorite spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Pour the cranberries into a medium saucepan. Add water and sugar, then turn the heat to medium-high.
Stir the mixture well. Let it simmer until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries start to pop. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Now, it’s time to add your spices. Mix them in and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Keep stirring gently as the sauce thickens. It should look like jam after about 15-20 minutes.
Once it’s thick enough, take the pan off the heat. Let your sauce cool down before serving.
Want to save it for later? You can! Just pour the hot sauce into clean jars and seal them tight.
Your homemade spiced cranberry sauce is ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for holiday dinners or as a tasty spread on sandwiches.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Tips, Tricks & Storing
Making spiced cranberry sauce is easy and fun. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect sauce:
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. Frozen ones work too, but fresh berries give a brighter taste.
Add spices like cinnamon, allspice, and ginger to create a warm, festive flavor. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.
Orange juice and zest can add a nice citrusy kick to your sauce. Try adding a splash of orange juice or some grated zest.
For sweetness, white sugar works well. But you can also try brown sugar or maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
To store your sauce, let it cool completely. Then put it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about a week.
You can also freeze your cranberry sauce. Put it in a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use frozen sauce, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Give it a good stir before serving.
Remember, homemade cranberry sauce tastes even better after a day or two. The flavors have time to blend and deepen.