This vibrant cranberry raspberry sauce is a sweet and tangy treat! It’s the perfect topping for pancakes, yogurt, or even as a side for meat dishes.
Making it is super simple—just cook berries and a little sugar together. I like to double the batch because it disappears quickly! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are perfect for this sauce. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well. They maintain their tartness and flavor without losing quality.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add sweetness and depth. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen raspberries are a great substitute. They will provide the same color and taste.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar for sweetness, but you could swap it for honey or maple syrup. Just remember that these liquid sweeteners may alter the consistency a bit.
Lemon Juice: This optional ingredient helps to balance flavors. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of vinegar can also give you that bright note.
Orange Zest: Orange zest adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have an orange, you can skip it or use a bit of dried citrus zest instead.
Why Is It Important to Rinse the Berries?
Rinsing the cranberries and raspberries is an essential step that helps remove dirt and any residual chemicals. Just give them a gentle rinse and drain before using to keep your sauce fresh and clean.
How Do I Know When the Sauce Is Thick Enough?
Cooking the sauce until it’s thick might feel tricky, but here are some tips:
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t stick.
- Look for cranberries that have burst and a sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Remember, it will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first!
How to Make Cranberry Raspberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to brighten flavor)
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional, for added citrus aroma)
Time Needed:
This cranberry raspberry sauce takes about 5 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and simple addition to your meal or dessert. Perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Berries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries and raspberries gently under cold water. Once clean, drain them well. This step is crucial as it removes any dirt, ensuring your sauce is fresh and delicious!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the cleaned cranberries, raspberries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir everything together to combine. It should look colorful and sweet!
3. Cooking Time:
Now, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar completely. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will start to burst, and the sauce will thicken nicely.
4. Add Optional Flavors:
If you choose to use lemon juice and orange zest, stir them in now. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. These additions will enhance the flavor and give the sauce a bright, fresh kick!
5. Cool the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. It will thicken even more as it cools. This is an important step to achieve the perfect consistency!
6. Store and Serve:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or jar. If you’re not serving it right away, pop it in the refrigerator. This sauce is delightful served chilled or at room temperature, alongside turkey, chicken, pancakes, or even desserts!
Enjoy your sweet and tangy cranberry raspberry sauce! It will surely impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Berries?
Absolutely! You can substitute the raspberries for blueberries or blackberries if you prefer. Just be aware that different berries may alter the taste and sweetness slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Store This Sauce?
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
What Can I Serve Cranberry Raspberry Sauce With?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with turkey and chicken, but it’s also excellent over pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream for a sweet treat. Feel free to get creative!
Is It Possible to Make This Sauce Less Sweet?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup or use a sugar substitute. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste as you cook!
