This baked cranberry sauce is a festive delight! With sweet and tangy cranberries baked to perfection, it’s the perfect complement to holiday meals.
Making this sauce is a breeze! I love how the tart berries turn juicy and flavorful with just a little sugar and love. Plus, the house smells amazing while it’s baking! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: The star of this sauce! Fresh cranberries provide that perfect tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries work well too; just don’t thaw them before baking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the go-to for sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or agave syrup, but you’ll want to adjust the amount since they are sweeter than sugar.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds bright flavor. I’ve tried bottled juice, and while it’s convenient, fresh juice definitely elevates the taste. If you’re out of orange juice, apple juice can be a good alternative, but it will taste different.
Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth and depth. If you’re not a fan of certain spices, feel free to leave them out or replace them with allspice or ginger for a different twist.
Pecans: These nuts add crunch and richness. You can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer. For a nut-free version, simply skip this topping!
How Do I Bake Cranberry Sauce for the Best Flavor?
Baking the cranberry sauce transforms the berries and brings out their flavor beautifully. Follow these steps to ensure a deliciously thick sauce:
- Preheat your oven! A hot oven helps the cranberries burst and release their juices.
- Mix ingredients well in a baking dish. This ensures that all the flavors blend together. Stir gently so cranberries don’t burst prematurely.
- Bake until cranberries are bursting—this usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Don’t forget to stir halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Let it cool! The sauce will thicken as it cools, creating a lovely texture. This is important for the best final result.
With these tips, you’ll nail this recipe every time, leaving your guests wanting more! Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce!
Baked Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked cranberry sauce takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake in the oven. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 10 minutes making it, plus a bit of cooling time afterward. It’s super easy to make ahead for your holiday meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven helps the cranberries cook evenly and burst beautifully!
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a medium-sized baking dish or any oven-safe bowl, toss together the fresh cranberries and sugar. Then add the orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir everything gently, making sure the cranberries are well coated with the mixture.
3. Bake the Sauce
Now, place the dish in the oven! Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Halfway through baking, carefully stir the sauce so it cooks evenly. You’ll notice the cranberries will start to burst, making the sauce thick and tangy!
4. Add Vanilla Extract
Once your cranberries are looking soft and delicious, take the dish out of the oven and stir in the vanilla extract. This step boosts the flavor and makes it even yummier!
5. Cool Down
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature—it will thicken more as it cools. This is the perfect time to let the flavors mingle!
6. Serve It Up
Transfer your beautiful cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch. The sauce can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for your holiday feast!
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your vibrant, tangy baked cranberry sauce! It’s sure to be a hit alongside your favorite holiday dishes. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe! Just toss them in without thawing. They will release extra moisture during baking, which can actually help create a nicely textured sauce.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Baked cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently in a saucepan or enjoy it cold with your meals!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Customize the Sweetness Level?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the sugar according to your taste. Start with half the amount and taste before adding more. You can use alternatives like honey or maple syrup, but remember to reduce the quantity since they’re sweeter than sugar.