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Quick Small-Batch Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

small-batch cranberry sauce with orange zest - featured image
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A quick, tangy-sweet cranberry sauce with orange zest that comes together in under 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or holidays, this small-batch recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers bright, jammy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice (from the same orange)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Zest and juice your orange first. Wash the orange under warm water and dry it well. Use a microplane to grate off the outer orange zest, stopping before you hit the white pith. You want about 1 tablespoon of zest. Then cut the orange in half and squeeze out 2 tablespoons of juice. Set both aside.
  2. Combine sugar, water, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the cranberries and orange juice. Give everything a good stir.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once bubbling steadily, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the cranberries pop naturally—do not mash them. After about 6 minutes, the sauce will start to thicken. After 8 minutes, most berries should have popped, but a few whole ones should remain.
  6. Test for doneness: Dip a spoon into the sauce and let it cool for a few seconds. Run your finger across the back of the spoon. If the sauce leaves a clean line that doesn’t immediately fill back in, it’s done.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the optional vanilla and salt, if using.
  8. Let the sauce cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  9. Transfer to a jar or serving bowl. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
  10. Refrigerate if not serving immediately. The sauce will keep for up to two weeks.

Notes

Don’t walk away from the pan—sugar can scorch quickly. Resist mashing the berries for a better texture. Use a small saucepan to control evaporation. Adjust sweetness to taste. Make ahead for best flavor. Use a splatter guard to contain popping cranberries.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, small-batch, orange zest, quick, easy, homemade, Thanksgiving, weeknight

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/quick-small-batch-cranberry-sauce-with-orange-zest/