This Brown Sugar Honey Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy delight. Made with fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and honey, it’s perfect for adding flavor to your holiday meals!
I love how easy it is to make—just simmer all the ingredients together, and you’ve got a tasty sauce. It’s the perfect sidekick for turkey, but I might just eat it by the spoonful! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this sauce, but frozen cranberries work well too! They’re often picked and frozen at their peak. If cranberries aren’t available, you could experiment with other tart fruits like pomegranate or cherries.
Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, rich sweetness. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar, but I think the brown sugar gives it a better flavor. Coconut sugar is another good option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative!
Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor. If you need a vegan option, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar. Just adjust the quantity slightly, as they can be a bit sweeter than honey.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are optional but provide warmth and depth. If you don’t have them, you could use pumpkin spice or even a dash of ginger for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Cranberry Sauce?
The key to a great cranberry sauce is the simmering process! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by bringing your ingredients to a boil; this helps release the natural pectin in the cranberries.
- Once boiling, reduce to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to help break down the cranberries.
- Cook until most cranberries burst, about 10-15 minutes, depending on your heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny!
Letting it cool at room temperature allows the sauce to thicken nicely without overpowering flavors. Trust me, this makes all the difference!
How to Make Brown Sugar Honey Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. Including cooling time, you’ll want to allow about 30-45 minutes before serving. It’s a quick and easy way to add a delicious homemade touch to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Look through them carefully and toss out any that look spoiled or shriveled. This is a simple step that ensures you have fresh, tasty cranberries!
2. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and honey. Turn the heat to medium and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. This forms a nice base for your sauce.
3. Add the Cranberries and Spices:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan along with the optional cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices will give your sauce a warm flavor!
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. You’ll see that many of the cranberries burst open, and the sauce will start to thicken. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Cool the Sauce:
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the cranberry sauce cool down to room temperature. Don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first—it will thicken as it cools!
6. Transfer and Garnish:
Once cooled, carefully transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. If you want to add a little flair, garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary on top!
7. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even as a topping for desserts! If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing—they’ll cook down nicely and create a delicious sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar is a great option! Both provide sweetness and a flavor profile that complements cranberries well. Just use the same amount as you would honey.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes! This cranberry sauce can be made a few days in advance. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before serving!
