Ruby Cranberry Vanilla Sauce
Elevate your holiday table with this luscious Ruby Cranberry Vanilla Sauce—a vibrant blend of fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and a touch of pure vanilla sweetness. This quick and easy recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the warm, aromatic notes of vanilla and optional cinnamon for a cozy, festive twist. Ready in just 20 minutes, this homemade cranberry sauce bursts with bright flavors and satisfying texture, perfect for pairing with roasted turkey or ham. Its versatility also makes it a delightful topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream. Make this show-stopping side dish ahead of time to let the flavors deepen and serve chilled for best results. Whether you're planning a holiday feast or simply spicing up midweek meals, this cranberry vanilla sauce adds a ruby-red sparkle to any occasion!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.25 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are soft or bruised.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, fresh orange juice, and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved completely.
Once the mixture begins to simmer, add the cranberries, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. If desired, stir in the ground cinnamon for added warmth and flavor.
Cook the cranberries over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop after about 5-7 minutes.
After most of the cranberries have burst, reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (it will thicken as it cools).
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a serving dish or airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for the flavors to meld.
Serve with roasted turkey, ham, or use as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
134 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 41 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.4 g | ||
| Protein | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 9 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 65 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
