Vegan Cranberry Sauce
Vegan Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and naturally sweetened holiday staple made without any animal products. It delivers a perfect balance of brightness and warmth, offering a simple yet flavorful addition to festive meals. Quick to prepare, it brings a fresh, homemade touch to seasonal celebrations.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine grater or microplate (for zest and ginger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- Pinch of salt
- A pinch of cayenne pepper optional for heat
Instructions
- Pour the orange juice into a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Warm it until it begins to steam gently.
- Stir in the fresh or frozen cranberries. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until they begin to pop and release their natural juices.
- Once the cranberries start breaking down, pour in the maple syrup. Stir well to distribute the sweetness throughout the mixture evenly.
- Add the orange zest, ground cinnamon, freshly grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the optional cayenne pepper.
- Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as the cranberries fully soften, and the liquid reduces.
- Use a spoon to lightly mash the cranberries to your preferred texture. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of orange juice to thin it out.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool. Serve chilled or at room temperature.