This Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet twist on a holiday classic! With tart cranberries combined with brown sugar and a hint of maple syrup, it’s a tasty side dish.
Imagine pouring this delicious sauce over turkey or enjoying it with cream cheese on crackers. Trust me, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to add it to every meal! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor. If you can find them, frozen cranberries work too. Just don’t thaw them before cooking, as they may become mushy.
Brown Sugar: This gives the sauce a rich, caramel-like sweetness. If you need a substitute, coconut sugar or honey can work, but adjustments in quantity may be needed since they are sweeter.
Maple Syrup: For that lovely flavor, pure maple syrup is a must. If you’re out, agave syrup or a mix of brown sugar and water can work in a pinch.
Cinnamon Stick: Whole spices lend a delightful aroma. If you don’t have a stick, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon can be used instead.
Optional Additions: Nutmeg or cloves add extra warmth. Orange zest brightens the sauce, but you can skip this if you prefer a simpler flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberry Sauce is Perfectly Thickened?
Thickening your sauce is all about timing and temperature. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect consistency:
- Cook the cranberries until they burst and release their juices—this usually takes 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
- Add the maple syrup towards the end of cooking to ensure it doesn’t evaporate too much, which can affect the flavor.
- Don’t worry if the sauce seems runny at first; it thickens as it cools. If it’s still too thin after cooling, simmer it slightly more to evaporate excess water.
Feel free to taste and adjust sweetness—just remember, it will taste sweeter after cooling.
Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or a few whole cloves for extra warm spice
- Optional: Zest of one orange for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. After that, allow it to cool completely, which will take about 30 minutes. So, in total, expect about 45 minutes to have this seasonal delight ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries in cold water. Take a moment to look through them and remove any that are soft or blemished. It’s important to use fresh, good-quality cranberries for the best flavor!
2. Create the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, the packed brown sugar, and the cinnamon stick. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve completely.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Cook while stirring frequently, watching them closely. The cranberries will start to burst—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Enjoy the lovely aroma as they cook!
4. Add the Sweetness:
After the cranberries have burst, pour in the pure maple syrup. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Feel free to taste it and see if you want it sweeter.
5. Final Touches:
When you’re happy with the thickness, take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon stick. If you want to add that extra spice, stir in the optional nutmeg or cloves along with the orange zest if you’re using it.
6. Cool and Store:
Let the cranberry sauce cool completely in the saucepan. Remember, it will get thicker as it cools! Once cooled, transfer it to a serving dish or an airtight container. You can refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
7. Serve It Up:
Enjoy this tangy and sweet Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even cream cheese on crackers! Perfect for any holiday gathering or just a cozy dinner at home.
This sauce blends the tartness of cranberries with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and maple, along with the warmth of cinnamon, making it a delightful addition to your meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them straight to the pot without thawing to prevent them from getting mushy. The cooking time may increase slightly to account for the frozen berries.
How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce is great for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to a week in advance and refrigerate it. It often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld!
Is There a Substitute for Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that they’ll add a slightly different flavor, so feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences!
