If you’ve never made homemade cranberry sauce, this is the year to give it a try. This recipe is so easy, taking only about 15 minutes to make so you can skip the canned version. I like my cranberry sauce tart rather than sweet. I think it brings a balance to all the sweet and rich dishes on the Thanksgiving table. In this recipe, I don’t use much added sugar and rely on the fruity addition of unsweetened canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, and golden raisins to add natural sweetness. If you have any leftover, tuck some into your day after Thanksgiving turkey sandwich or swirl it into plain yogurt or cottage cheese for a sweet and tart zing. It would even be great on top of your oatmeal!
Fruity and Zesty Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 (12) ounce bags fresh cranberries, rinsed (discard any squishy berries)
- 1 (20) ounce can crushed pineapple, in its own juice, undrained
- 2 (15) ounce canned mandarin oranges, drained
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup golden raisins
- 1/3-1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Directions
In a large saucepan, add cranberries, pineapple (with juice), drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, raisins, and cinnamon stick. Cook on medium heat until cranberries “pop” and mixture becomes thickened, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1/3 cup sugar and remove from heat. Stir in walnuts, if using. If the sauce is too tart, add more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time until desired sweetness. Cool to room temperature, remove cinnamon stick and store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
judymatusky.com
Just made it! Can’t wait to serve on Thanksgiving. I did add the full amt of sugar – I’m not a fan of real tart:-) Very easy to make will jar and freeze the extra. I did mash my cranberries up a little more too. Thanks!
Hi Maureen,
So glad you made it! Thank you for sharing your comment! I cooked a 2nd batch today and for this one, I also added the full amount (1/2 cup) of sugar too. My family tends to like it sweeter than I do so I make one tart and one sweeter. I hope your family enjoys it and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Looks fabulous!
Thank you!