This No Cook Cranberry Sauce is super easy and refreshing! Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sugar, it packs a fruity punch.
I love how I can whip this up without touching the stove. Just mix everything in a bowl and chill! Perfect for brightening up any meal—especially Thanksgiving! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: They are the star of this sauce! Look for bright, plump cranberries. If you’re out of fresh ones, you can use frozen cranberries—thaw them first but don’t cook them.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of cranberries. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount since they are sweeter than sugar. Remember, it may change the flavor a bit.
Fresh Orange Juice: This adds a lovely citrus flavor. If you don’t have oranges, bottled juice works too, but fresh is best! Lime juice can be a nice twist as well, giving it an extra zing.
Orange Zest: The zest enhances the orange flavor. You can leave it out if you don’t have it, but I recommend using it for that vibrant aroma. Lemon zest could also be a tasty alternative!
How Do You Get the Right Sauce Consistency?
Finding the perfect texture is key to making this cranberry sauce great. Start by mashing the cranberries carefully to retain some chunky bits for texture.
- Add all your ingredients to a large mixing bowl before mashing.
- Use a fork or potato masher to crush the cranberries to your liking. Go for a mix of smooth and chunky!
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, which helps thickening as the sugar dissolves and flavors meld.
It’s okay if it seems a bit loose at first; the sauce will thicken as it chills. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to really shine! Enjoy it alongside turkey, on sandwiches, or simply as a bright snack.
How to Make No Cook Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- Optional garnishes: whole cranberries, fresh rosemary sprigs, or additional orange zest
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires minimal time! You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients. The only waiting time needed is at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend together—overnight is even better for maximum flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Look through and discard any that are soft or damaged. This step ensures that your sauce will taste fresh and vibrant.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Stir everything together to combine. The sugar will start to draw out some juices from the cranberries. Yum!
3. Mash the Cranberries:
Grab a fork or a potato masher and mash the cranberries to your desired consistency. You can make it chunky or smooth based on your preference, but leaving some bits is nice for texture.
4. Chill the Sauce:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the sauce will thicken a bit as the sugar dissolves.
5. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, give the sauce a good stir to mix everything up nicely. If you like, garnish it with a few whole cranberries, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or some extra orange zest for a pop of color.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your no-cook cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, sandwiches, or just as a tasty snack!
This easy no-cook cranberry sauce is not only colorful and delicious, but it’s also a breeze to make! Enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors that brighten up any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely before mixing. They should be nice and juicy. Don’t cook them—this recipe is all about that fresh, raw flavor!
How Sweet is This Sauce?
The sugar can be adjusted based on your taste! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and taste test before adding more. Remember, the sweetness will balance the tartness of the cranberries!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 1 week. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken up a bit.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or even a splash of vanilla extract for a unique twist. Chopped nuts or diced apples can add some nice texture as well!
