This holiday season, I want to share some amazing cranberry sauce recipes with you. Forget the plain can; making your own fresh cranberry sauce is super easy and tastes so much better. I promise you’ll love it!
I’ve put together four different ways to make cranberry sauce, each with its own special taste. You can find a perfect cranberry sauce here for any meal, from a classic warm cinnamon to something with a little kick. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Classic Sweet Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
- 2. Spicy Fresh Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce
- 3. Bright Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce
- 4. Sweet Creamy Cranberry Vanilla Sauce
Classic Sweet Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
This sauce brings warm, comforting cinnamon to your table. It’s a simple, cozy take on a holiday classic that everyone will love to eat.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cinnamon Sticks: Add these while cooking for a deeper, natural cinnamon taste that blends well.
- Orange Zest: A little fresh orange zest brightens the whole sauce and adds a nice scent.
What You Need
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Simmer Cranberries
Combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring sometimes, until the cranberries begin to pop open, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 2: Thicken and Cool
Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the cinnamon sticks and stir in the orange zest. Take it off the heat and let it cool completely before serving.
📝 Final Note
You can store this cinnamon cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Spicy Fresh Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce
If you like a little heat, this sauce is for you. Fresh jalapenos give a gentle warmth that pairs wonderfully with tart cranberries.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Jalapeno: Remove the seeds and white membrane for less heat, or leave some for more kick.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro at the end adds a bright, fresh flavor that really complements the spice.
What You Need
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 small jalapeno, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Cranberries with Heat
Combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and diced jalapeno in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the sauce starts to thicken, about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Finish with Lime and Herb
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Let the sauce cool completely so the flavors can blend well before serving.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry jalapeno sauce is great with turkey sandwiches the day after your holiday meal!
Bright Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce
This sauce uses pomegranate juice for an extra layer of fruity taste. It’s a vibrant and slightly tangy sauce that stands out on your table.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Pomegranate Juice: Use pure pomegranate juice for the best, most authentic fruit flavor.
- Fresh Pomegranate Seeds: Stir in a few seeds at the end for extra crunch and a beautiful look.
What You Need
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh pomegranate seeds (for garnish, optional)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook with Pomegranate
Combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, pomegranate juice, and water in a medium pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the cranberries pop and soften, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 2: Thicken and Garnish
Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Remove from heat. If you like, stir in fresh pomegranate seeds just before serving for extra texture.
📝 Final Note
This cranberry pomegranate sauce is fantastic served chilled, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Sweet Creamy Cranberry Vanilla Sauce
Vanilla adds a lovely, sweet scent and taste to this cranberry sauce. It’s smooth, fragrant, and a little bit fancy for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Vanilla Bean Paste: This gives a strong, pure vanilla flavor with visible flecks. You can also use a vanilla bean or extract.
- Sugar Balance: Adjust the amount of sugar based on how tart you like your sauce and how sweet your cranberries are.
What You Need
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 cups
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring every now and then, until the cranberries pop and soften, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and a small pinch of salt. Let it cool completely. The sauce will thicken more as it cools down.
📝 Final Note
This vanilla cranberry sauce is wonderful served over ice cream or cheesecake for a special dessert.