This tasty cranberry sauce adds a fun twist with brown sugar and maple syrup. It’s sweet and tangy, making it perfect for holiday meals!
I love how the flavors mix together, and my family fights over the last spoonful! It’s super easy to make, just boil, stir, and serve. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe. If they’re not available, frozen cranberries work just as well! Just make sure to rinse them before use.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness and rich flavor. If you prefer a less intense sweetness, try using coconut sugar or even regular white sugar.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is ideal for this sauce, contributing a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, honey or agave syrup can be used, but they will change the flavor slightly.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the cranberry sauce. You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh really gives the best flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth to the sauce. You can omit it if you’re not a fan or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg for a different flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the right consistency for your cranberry sauce is important. You want it to be thick but still spreadable. Here are some tips:
- Cook the sauce for about 10-15 minutes after adding the cranberries. The burst of the berries helps it thicken.
- If you find the sauce is too watery, continue simmering on low heat to evaporate some of the excess liquid.
- Let it cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious cranberry sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy! Enjoy it on turkey, toast, or by the spoonful!
How to Make Brown Sugar Maple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. After that, you’ll just need to let it cool down to room temperature. Overall, you can have this delicious cranberry sauce ready in about 20-25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Look through them and toss out any that are soft or damaged. It’s important to remove these to ensure your sauce turns out perfectly!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Turn the heat to medium and stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a nice sweet base for your sauce!
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice the cranberries will begin to burst, and the mixture will thicken. That’s a great sign!
4. Add Final Touches:
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the fresh lemon juice and cinnamon if you’re using it. Taste your sauce and adjust the sweetness if necessary—this can depend on how tart the cranberries are!
5. Cool and Serve:
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Remember, it will thicken up a bit more as it cools! Transfer your cranberry sauce to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a lovely touch if you’d like.
Enjoy this rich, sweet, and tangy cranberry sauce perfect for holiday meals! It’s sure to be a hit on your table!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand; just rinse and add them directly to the saucepan!
How to Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too tart, you can add more brown sugar or maple syrup to sweeten it to your liking. Start with one tablespoon at a time and mix until you reach the desired sweetness!
Can I Make This Cranberry Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better after the flavors meld for a day or two!
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving again!
