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Spiced Cranberry Sauce Flavorful and Simple Recipe

by on October 21, 2025

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Looking for a simple and delicious way to elevate your holiday meals? My Spiced Cranberry Sauce recipe packs bold flavors in just a few easy steps. With fresh cranberries, fragrant spices, and a hint of orange, you’ll impress your guests without hassle. I’ll guide you through each step, share tips on perfecting the sauce, and even offer fun variations. Let’s make this festive favorite together!

- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional) - Pinch of salt Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh or frozen cranberries work well. The orange juice gives a bright taste. You can use store-bought juice if you like. Both sugars add sweetness and depth. The spices make this sauce warm and cozy. Use a fresh orange for zest to boost the flavor. If you want a crunch, add walnuts. They are optional but tasty. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. With these items, you are ready to make a delicious spiced cranberry sauce! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugars, and salt in a saucepan. - Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers. - Reduce heat and let it simmer while stirring. Start by taking your fresh or frozen cranberries and putting them in a medium saucepan. Pour in a cup of orange juice. This juice adds a nice zesty flavor. Next, add a half cup of granulated sugar and a quarter cup of brown sugar. Don’t forget the pinch of salt; it balances the sweet taste. Stir everything well, so the sugars mix with the juice. Now, place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the mixture warms. Soon, you will see it start to bubble gently. This means it’s time to lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. As it cooks, stir occasionally. You will notice the cranberries begin to burst and break down. This bursting releases all their juicy goodness. - Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest. Once the cranberries are soft, it's time to add spices. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This spice gives warmth. Then, add half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a little extra flavor. Next, stir in a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. These spices will make your sauce smell amazing! Finally, don’t forget the zest of one large orange. This zest adds brightness and enhances the orange flavor. Stir it all together until the spices are mixed well. - Add walnuts (if using) and cook until thickened. - Cool and transfer to a serving container. If you want to add a bit of crunch, now is the time to fold in the walnuts. Use about a quarter cup of coarsely chopped walnuts. Let the sauce cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. When it looks good, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool at room temperature. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools. Once cool, transfer your beautiful spiced cranberry sauce to a decorative serving dish or an airtight container. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Enjoy the burst of flavors! To avoid burning or sticking, keep the heat low once it simmers. Stir often, especially as the sauce thickens. The ideal cooking time is 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend well without overcooking. Balancing sweetness and spice levels is key. Taste the sauce as it cooks. If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with turkey, ham, or even on a cheese board. It adds a nice burst of flavor to your holiday plate. For presentation, serve the sauce in a pretty bowl. Garnish with a twist of orange peel or some chopped walnuts. This makes it look festive and inviting. Cranberries are low in calories but high in nutrients. They are rich in vitamins C and K. The spices also bring health perks. Cinnamon can help control blood sugar. Nutmeg may aid digestion. Together, these ingredients make your sauce tasty and good for you. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid. Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference. If you prefer a tart sauce, reduce the sugar slightly. Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Storage Tips: This cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a perfect dish for holiday meal prep. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor of your spiced cranberry sauce by using lemon or grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. Lemon gives a tart twist, while grapefruit adds a unique sweetness. Just keep the same amount. This swap keeps the sauce fresh and zesty. For a more complex taste, try adding ginger or cardamom. Both spices bring a warm and spicy note to the sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness with honey or maple syrup. This change makes the sauce more natural and adds depth. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if needed. If you want to make the sauce nut-free, you can leave out the walnuts. For a crunchy texture, try using seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They add a nice crunch without the nut allergy risk. To store leftover spiced cranberry sauce, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze your sauce, start by letting it cool completely. Then, choose a strong container, like a freezer-safe jar or plastic container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container well and label it with the date. When you want to use it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. When you're ready to serve, check the sauce's texture. If it seems thick, stir in a little orange juice to loosen it. You can gently heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Warm it slowly to keep the flavors bright. Serve it as a side dish or a topping. Enjoying this sauce is easy, even after storage! Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last for three to four months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. Yes, you can use dried cranberries. However, they are sweeter than fresh ones. To adapt the recipe, soak dried cranberries in warm water for about 30 minutes. Then, follow the same steps but reduce the sugar by half. This change helps balance the sweetness with the spices. Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. It shines on turkey or ham during holiday meals. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a cheese platter. The sauce adds a nice tang and sweetness to savory foods. This blog post covered how to make a delicious spiced cranberry sauce. We walked through the ingredients, prep steps, and tips for the perfect sauce. Remember to balance sweetness and spices for great flavor. You can freeze leftovers and heat them later for easy serving. Try new flavors and enjoy the health benefits of cranberries. This sauce will elevate your meals, adding a festive touch. Make it your own and share it with family and friends!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bold Flavor Combination: The zesty orange juice and warm spices create a delightful balance that elevates traditional cranberry sauce to new heights.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
  3. Versatile Use: Not only is it a great side dish for holiday meals, but it also makes a fantastic topping for desserts or breakfast items like pancakes and yogurt.
  4. Healthy and Nutritious: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making this sauce a tasty and health-conscious choice for your table.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

– Zest of 1 large orange

– 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

– Pinch of salt

Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh or frozen cranberries work well. The orange juice gives a bright taste. You can use store-bought juice if you like. Both sugars add sweetness and depth. The spices make this sauce warm and cozy. Use a fresh orange for zest to boost the flavor. If you want a crunch, add walnuts. They are optional but tasty. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. With these items, you are ready to make a delicious spiced cranberry sauce!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugars, and salt in a saucepan.

– Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers.

– Reduce heat and let it simmer while stirring.

Start by taking your fresh or frozen cranberries and putting them in a medium saucepan. Pour in a cup of orange juice. This juice adds a nice zesty flavor. Next, add a half cup of granulated sugar and a quarter cup of brown sugar. Don’t forget the pinch of salt; it balances the sweet taste. Stir everything well, so the sugars mix with the juice.

Now, place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the mixture warms. Soon, you will see it start to bubble gently. This means it’s time to lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. As it cooks, stir occasionally. You will notice the cranberries begin to burst and break down. This bursting releases all their juicy goodness.

Adding Spices

– Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest.

Once the cranberries are soft, it’s time to add spices. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This spice gives warmth. Then, add half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a little extra flavor. Next, stir in a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. These spices will make your sauce smell amazing! Finally, don’t forget the zest of one large orange. This zest adds brightness and enhances the orange flavor. Stir it all together until the spices are mixed well.

Final Cooking Steps

– Add walnuts (if using) and cook until thickened.

– Cool and transfer to a serving container.

If you want to add a bit of crunch, now is the time to fold in the walnuts. Use about a quarter cup of coarsely chopped walnuts. Let the sauce cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. When it looks good, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool at room temperature. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools. Once cool, transfer your beautiful spiced cranberry sauce to a decorative serving dish or an airtight container. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Enjoy the burst of flavors!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Sauce

To avoid burning or sticking, keep the heat low once it simmers. Stir often, especially as the sauce thickens. The ideal cooking time is 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend well without overcooking.

Balancing sweetness and spice levels is key. Taste the sauce as it cooks. If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with turkey, ham, or even on a cheese board. It adds a nice burst of flavor to your holiday plate.

For presentation, serve the sauce in a pretty bowl. Garnish with a twist of orange peel or some chopped walnuts. This makes it look festive and inviting.

Health Benefits

Cranberries are low in calories but high in nutrients. They are rich in vitamins C and K. The spices also bring health perks. Cinnamon can help control blood sugar. Nutmeg may aid digestion. Together, these ingredients make your sauce tasty and good for you.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid.
  2. Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference. If you prefer a tart sauce, reduce the sugar slightly.
  3. Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
  4. Storage Tips: This cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a perfect dish for holiday meal prep.

Variations

Alternative Citrus Flavors

You can change up the flavor of your spiced cranberry sauce by using lemon or grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. Lemon gives a tart twist, while grapefruit adds a unique sweetness. Just keep the same amount. This swap keeps the sauce fresh and zesty.

Different Flavor Profiles

For a more complex taste, try adding ginger or cardamom. Both spices bring a warm and spicy note to the sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness with honey or maple syrup. This change makes the sauce more natural and adds depth. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if needed.

Nut-Free Options

If you want to make the sauce nut-free, you can leave out the walnuts. For a crunchy texture, try using seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They add a nice crunch without the nut allergy risk.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover spiced cranberry sauce, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze your sauce, start by letting it cool completely. Then, choose a strong container, like a freezer-safe jar or plastic container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container well and label it with the date. When you want to use it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight.

Serving from Storage

When you’re ready to serve, check the sauce’s texture. If it seems thick, stir in a little orange juice to loosen it. You can gently heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Warm it slowly to keep the flavors bright. Serve it as a side dish or a topping. Enjoying this sauce is easy, even after storage!

FAQs

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?

Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last for three to four months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.

Can I use dried cranberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries. However, they are sweeter than fresh ones. To adapt the recipe, soak dried cranberries in warm water for about 30 minutes. Then, follow the same steps but reduce the sugar by half. This change helps balance the sweetness with the spices.

What dishes pair well with spiced cranberry sauce?

Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. It shines on turkey or ham during holiday meals. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a cheese platter. The sauce adds a nice tang and sweetness to savory foods.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious spiced cranberry sauce. We walked through the ingredients, prep steps, and tips for the perfect sauce. Remember to balance sweetness and spices for great flavor. You can freeze leftovers and heat them later for easy serving. Try new flavors and enjoy the health benefits of cranberries. This sauce will elevate your meals, adding a festive touch. Make it your own and share it with family and friend

- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional) - Pinch of salt Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh or frozen cranberries work well. The orange juice gives a bright taste. You can use store-bought juice if you like. Both sugars add sweetness and depth. The spices make this sauce warm and cozy. Use a fresh orange for zest to boost the flavor. If you want a crunch, add walnuts. They are optional but tasty. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. With these items, you are ready to make a delicious spiced cranberry sauce! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugars, and salt in a saucepan. - Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers. - Reduce heat and let it simmer while stirring. Start by taking your fresh or frozen cranberries and putting them in a medium saucepan. Pour in a cup of orange juice. This juice adds a nice zesty flavor. Next, add a half cup of granulated sugar and a quarter cup of brown sugar. Don’t forget the pinch of salt; it balances the sweet taste. Stir everything well, so the sugars mix with the juice. Now, place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the mixture warms. Soon, you will see it start to bubble gently. This means it’s time to lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. As it cooks, stir occasionally. You will notice the cranberries begin to burst and break down. This bursting releases all their juicy goodness. - Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest. Once the cranberries are soft, it's time to add spices. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This spice gives warmth. Then, add half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a little extra flavor. Next, stir in a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. These spices will make your sauce smell amazing! Finally, don’t forget the zest of one large orange. This zest adds brightness and enhances the orange flavor. Stir it all together until the spices are mixed well. - Add walnuts (if using) and cook until thickened. - Cool and transfer to a serving container. If you want to add a bit of crunch, now is the time to fold in the walnuts. Use about a quarter cup of coarsely chopped walnuts. Let the sauce cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. When it looks good, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool at room temperature. The sauce will thicken even more as it cools. Once cool, transfer your beautiful spiced cranberry sauce to a decorative serving dish or an airtight container. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Enjoy the burst of flavors! To avoid burning or sticking, keep the heat low once it simmers. Stir often, especially as the sauce thickens. The ideal cooking time is 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend well without overcooking. Balancing sweetness and spice levels is key. Taste the sauce as it cooks. If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with turkey, ham, or even on a cheese board. It adds a nice burst of flavor to your holiday plate. For presentation, serve the sauce in a pretty bowl. Garnish with a twist of orange peel or some chopped walnuts. This makes it look festive and inviting. Cranberries are low in calories but high in nutrients. They are rich in vitamins C and K. The spices also bring health perks. Cinnamon can help control blood sugar. Nutmeg may aid digestion. Together, these ingredients make your sauce tasty and good for you. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid. Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference. If you prefer a tart sauce, reduce the sugar slightly. Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Storage Tips: This cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a perfect dish for holiday meal prep. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor of your spiced cranberry sauce by using lemon or grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. Lemon gives a tart twist, while grapefruit adds a unique sweetness. Just keep the same amount. This swap keeps the sauce fresh and zesty. For a more complex taste, try adding ginger or cardamom. Both spices bring a warm and spicy note to the sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness with honey or maple syrup. This change makes the sauce more natural and adds depth. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if needed. If you want to make the sauce nut-free, you can leave out the walnuts. For a crunchy texture, try using seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They add a nice crunch without the nut allergy risk. To store leftover spiced cranberry sauce, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze your sauce, start by letting it cool completely. Then, choose a strong container, like a freezer-safe jar or plastic container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container well and label it with the date. When you want to use it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. When you're ready to serve, check the sauce's texture. If it seems thick, stir in a little orange juice to loosen it. You can gently heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Warm it slowly to keep the flavors bright. Serve it as a side dish or a topping. Enjoying this sauce is easy, even after storage! Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last for three to four months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. Yes, you can use dried cranberries. However, they are sweeter than fresh ones. To adapt the recipe, soak dried cranberries in warm water for about 30 minutes. Then, follow the same steps but reduce the sugar by half. This change helps balance the sweetness with the spices. Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. It shines on turkey or ham during holiday meals. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a cheese platter. The sauce adds a nice tang and sweetness to savory foods. This blog post covered how to make a delicious spiced cranberry sauce. We walked through the ingredients, prep steps, and tips for the perfect sauce. Remember to balance sweetness and spices for great flavor. You can freeze leftovers and heat them later for easy serving. Try new flavors and enjoy the health benefits of cranberries. This sauce will elevate your meals, adding a festive touch. Make it your own and share it with family and friends!

Zesty Spiced Cranberry Sauce

A vibrant and flavorful cranberry sauce with a hint of orange and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 large orange zest
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir to fully incorporate the sugars with the juice.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to gently simmer.
  • Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; you will notice the cranberries beginning to burst and break down.
  • Add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and orange zest to the saucepan. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the flavors meld together beautifully.
  • If you're including walnuts for extra texture and flavor, fold them into the mixture during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
  • When the sauce has thickened and most cranberries have popped, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool at room temperature; it will thicken further as it cools.
  • Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a decorative serving dish or an airtight container. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

Notes

Serve in a beautiful bowl garnished with orange peel or chopped walnuts for a festive touch.
Keyword cranberry sauce, holiday, sauce, spiced

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