This cranberry vanilla sauce is a tasty blend of tart cranberries and sweet vanilla. It’s perfect for drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, or even your holiday turkey!
Making this sauce is a snap! Just simmer the cranberries with sugar and vanilla until it thickens. It’s a great way to add a pop of flavor to your meals. I often use leftover sauce on toast—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for this sauce’s tartness and texture. You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available; just skip the rinsing step as they’re usually pre-washed.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup. Just adjust quantities as they can be sweeter.
Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is fantastic, but if you can get your hands on a vanilla bean, use it! The flavor is deliciously rich. If you don’t have either, a splash of almond extract could be a fun twist.
Orange Zest: This adds a citrusy zest that brightens the sauce. You can substitute with lemon zest if you prefer a different tangy note.
How Do You Make Best Use of Cranberries in This Recipe?
To truly shine, cranberries need to be treated delicately. Start by rinsing them thoroughly to get rid of any impurities. Discard soft or bruised berries since they can alter the sauce’s texture.
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir to dissolve sugar, which allows the cranberries to cook evenly.
- Cook until cranberries begin to burst, stirring occasionally. This is where the beautiful color and texture come together.
- Simmer gently to reach your desired thickness. Remember, patience brings out the best flavors!
Each step maximizes the deliciousness of your sauce. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful addition to your meals!
How to Make Cranberry Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- Zest of 1 orange (for garnish and subtle flavor enhancement)
- Optional: pinch of salt to balance flavors
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. You’ll be done in about 20 minutes, and then you just let it cool! Perfect for a quick and delicious addition to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Look through them and toss away any that are soft or damaged. This ensures your sauce will be perfect!
2. Make the Sugar Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This will be the sweet base for the sauce.
3. Add the Cranberries:
Now it’s time to add the cranberries! Pour them into the saucepan. If you’re using a vanilla bean, add the scraped seeds and pod now. If you’re using vanilla extract, wait until step 5.
4. Cook the Mixture:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Watch as the cranberries burst, releasing their beautiful color and flavor. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in the Vanilla:
If you used a vanilla bean, now’s the time to remove the pod. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in at this point. This will add a lovely aroma to your sauce!
6. Achieve the Right Consistency:
Let the sauce simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind it will thicken a bit more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little loose!
7. Cool and Store:
Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer your cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or jar. Let it cool to room temperature before serving. It’s excellent warm or cold!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh orange zest on top for an extra burst of flavor. This sauce is especially delightful with holiday dishes, but it’s also perfect drizzled over desserts and breakfast items.
9. Store Any Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to one week, so you can enjoy this delicious sauce for days!
Enjoy your homemade cranberry vanilla sauce—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well. Just remember that they don’t need rinsing since they’re usually pre-washed. You can add them directly to the saucepan.
What If I Don’t Have Vanilla Beans or Extract?
If you’re out of both, you could use a splash of almond extract as a substitute. However, be cautious, as almond extract is stronger—start with half the amount!
How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The sauce can also be frozen; just thaw in the fridge before using, and it should be great!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Taste as you go—it’s always easy to add more sugar later if needed!