This Cranberry Raspberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy delight! The bright red cranberries combined with juicy raspberries create a lovely color and flavor that’s perfect for any meal.
I love serving it on turkey or even on breakfast toast! It adds a special touch to dishes and is super easy to make. Just simmer the fruits and enjoy the yummy aroma in your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for a bright tart flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work perfectly too and can be used without thawing.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add a lovely tartness. If they’re not available, frozen raspberries are a great option and can be subbed in directly.
Sugar: While granulated sugar is standard, you can reduce the amount if you prefer it less sweet. You can also use honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this might change the flavor slightly.
Orange Zest and Juice: These ingredients brighten the sauce up! If you don’t have oranges, lemon zest and juice can work as a good substitute, giving a different but delicious twist.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the right thickness for your sauce is key. You want it to be gooey and spreadable without being too runny. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat to bring it to a boil. This helps break down the berries.
- Once boiling, switch to medium-low heat and simmer gently. Stirring occasionally prevents it from sticking to the bottom.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes until all cranberries have burst. You’ll notice it thickening as it cools.
- If you want a smoother texture, mash some berries or blend it lightly with an immersion blender.
How to Make Cranberry Raspberry Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry raspberry sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious sauce ready in about 20 minutes! Perfect for side dishes or as a topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the cranberries, raspberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. This mixture will start to become sweet and fragrant right away!
2. Bring to a Boil:
Put the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to help the sugar dissolve. You want to boil it until the fruits start to pop and burst open.
3. Simmer for Thickness:
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir gently from time to time to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You’re creating a lovely thick sauce as the cranberries burst!
4. Adjust Consistency:
When the sauce has thickened, take it off the heat. If you like a smoother sauce, use a spoon to mash some of the berries up against the side of the pan, or give it a quick blend with an immersion blender. If you enjoy it chunky, just leave it as it is!
5. Cool Down:
Allow the sauce to cool in the pan. It will continue to thicken as it cools, making it perfectly spreadable for your dishes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the sauce into a serving bowl. If you’d like, garnish it with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. This sauce is delicious served chilled or at room temperature. It goes wonderfully with turkey, chicken, and even desserts like cheesecake or pancakes. Enjoy your sweet creation!
Can I Use Frozen Fruits for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Both frozen cranberries and raspberries work well in this sauce. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand—just add them directly to the saucepan!
How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry raspberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with half a cup of sugar and taste as you go. You can always add more if necessary!
What Can I Serve This Sauce With?
This sauce is versatile! It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also delicious on pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, or even stirred into yogurt for a tasty breakfast!
