Cranberry Sauce with Pecans is a delightful twist on the classic holiday favorite, blending tart cranberries with the rich, nutty crunch of toasted pecans.
Its vibrant flavor and appealing texture make it a versatile addition to festive meals, from roasted turkey to cheese boards.
Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, this sauce balances sweetness, tang, and nuttiness, creating a memorable accompaniment that elevates any dish.
How To Make Cranberry Sauce With Pecans?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 12 servings
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester (if using orange zest)
- Immersion blender for ultra-smooth finish (Optional)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup mixed dry fruits (raisins, apricots, or dates work well)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Cook the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and soften, about 8–10 minutes. Add zest, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
2. Add Fruits and Pecans
Mix in dry fruits and half of the toasted pecans. Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Blend to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. For added texture, pulse instead of fully blending.
4. Stir and Finish
Fold in the remaining pecans for crunch. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate until set. Serve as a spread for bread, croissants, cheese boards, or even as a topping for yogurt or desserts.
Nutrition Facts Of Cranberry Sauce With Pecans
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrate: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
Which Goes Best With Cranberry Sauce With Pecans?
❖ Roasted Turkey or Chicken: A classic pairing for holiday meals, the tart-sweet sauce with crunchy pecans beautifully complements savory roasted poultry.
❖ As a Glaze: Spread it over baked ham or grilled pork chops for a glossy, flavorful glaze that balances richness with tanginess.
❖ As a Sandwich: Layer it on leftover turkey or ham sandwiches for a burst of flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with cream cheese on toasted bread.
❖ With Breakfast Dishes: Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. The combination of cranberries, pecans, and citrus brightens up morning meals.
Tips & Variations
✔ Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar and balance with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
✔ Enhance with Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves add depth and a cozy holiday flavor.
✔ Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of rosemary, thyme, or mint can give the sauce an earthy and refreshing twist.
✔ Texture Options: For a chunkier sauce, cook the cranberries less so they burst partially. For a smoother version, blend lightly with an immersion blender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. No need to thaw frozen ones.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, but it’s optional.
Can I make cranberry sauce with pecans ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made 3–5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Should I serve it hot or cold?
It can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled, depending on preference.
Conclusion
Cranberry Sauce with Pecans adds a perfect blend of tartness and nuttiness to any meal, making it both festive and versatile.
Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, it transforms everyday dishes into memorable culinary experiences, leaving a lasting impression on family and guests alike.
Cranberry Sauce With Pecans
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester (if using orange zest)
- Immersion blender for ultra-smooth finish (Optional)
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ½ cup mixed dry fruits raisins, apricots, or dates work well
- ½ cup chopped pecans toasted for best flavor
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and soften, about 8–10 minutes. Add zest, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
- Mix in dry fruits and half of the toasted pecans. Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. For added texture, pulse instead of fully blending.
- Fold in the remaining pecans for crunch. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Refrigerate until set. Serve as a spread for bread, croissants, cheese boards, or even as a topping for yogurt or desserts.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.