This Maple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy delight! Made with fresh cranberries and a touch of maple syrup, it adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Making this sauce is super easy! I love to whip it up and serve it with turkey or pancakes. Plus, it’s great as a leftover on toast the next day. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe due to their natural tartness. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries work well too. Just remember not to thaw them before cooking!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with cranberries. If you need a substitute, try honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind that they will change the flavor slightly.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for that extra zing! If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but I always appreciate the brightness of freshly squeezed juice.
Cinnamon: This ingredient adds warmth and depth. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute with nutmeg for a different twist.
Rosemary Garnish: While optional, fresh rosemary brings a nice color and aroma. If you don’t have it, parsley or even a sprinkle of orange zest can brighten up the presentation.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
The key to a great cranberry sauce is achieving the right thickness. When simmering, watch for the cranberries to burst, which releases pectin and helps thicken the sauce.
- Boil the maple syrup and water first, then add cranberries—this helps them cook evenly.
- Simmer uncovered to let moisture escape. Stir occasionally, being careful not to mash the berries too much.
- If it’s too thin, cook a few more minutes until thickened; if it’s too thick, add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency.
Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Cranberry Sauce will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then just 15 minutes cooking on the stove. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you wash them, look for any that are bruised or damaged and set those aside—only the good ones should go into the sauce!
2. Mix and Boil:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and pure maple syrup. Place it over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This sweet base will really flavor your cranberries!
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Once the mixture is boiling, carefully add the rinsed cranberries. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer. Stir occasionally as you watch for the cranberries to start bursting! This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening nicely.
4. Add Flavor:
When the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, stir in the fresh lemon juice and optional ground cinnamon. Let it cook for another minute or two to really blend those flavors together!
5. Cool and Garnish:
Now, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled, transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with the rosemary sprig if you wish—this adds a nice touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
This Maple Cranberry Sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, but don’t forget it’s also scrumptious on pancakes or toast! It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy the taste of fall!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries will work just fine. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing first, and they’ll cook down beautifully!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more maple syrup to taste. Just remember to add it gradually to find your perfect balance!
How Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover Maple Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week, and the flavors will meld together even more as it sits!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this sauce a couple of days ahead of your event! Just prepare it, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.