This bright and zesty Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce is a sweet-tart delight! It’s perfect for holiday meals or topping off your favorite dishes.
I love how easy it is to make! Just mix the fruits, cook them for a bit, and you’re ready to go. It’s like a little burst of sunshine on your plate! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries are a great substitute and work just as well in this recipe.
Crushed Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple is convenient, but you can also use fresh pineapple diced up if you’re feeling adventurous! Just make sure to include some juice for the right consistency.
Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice brings brightness and flavor, but if you’re short on time, bottled juice is fine too. Just watch for added sugars!
Granulated Sugar: You can adjust the sugar to taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use honey or maple syrup instead, but keep in mind this might change the flavor a bit.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but I love the hint of warmth it adds. If you don’t have any, you could use nutmeg for a different twist.
How Do You Get the Perfect Thickness in Your Sauce?
Getting the right consistency can be a little tricky, but here are some tips to help you out:
- Keep the sauce uncovered while it simmers; this allows steam to escape and helps it thicken.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, which helps the cranberries burst nicely.
- If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. It will thicken more as it cools, so don’t stress if it looks loose right away!
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender once it’s cooled slightly. Just pulse it a few times to reach your desired texture.
With these tips and substitutions, you’ll be sure to make a delicious Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce that everyone will love!
Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Orange slices, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of around 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy sauce to whip up, making it perfect for last-minute additions to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold running water. Make sure to pick out any stems or berries that look spoiled. We want only the best!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together the rinsed cranberries, crushed pineapple (with all the juice), orange juice, and granulated sugar. This is where the magic begins!
3. Cook the Mixture:
Bring your mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to a simmer. This step helps to soften the cranberries and blend the flavors.
4. Add Zest and Spice:
Add in the orange zest for a punch of citrus flavor, along with cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything together to make sure it’s well blended!
5. Simmer Until Thick:
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens nicely.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly—don’t worry if it seems a bit runny; it will thicken more as it cools. Transfer it to a serving bowl.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your colorful sauce with fresh orange slices on top. Now it’s ready to be served warm or chilled, and it pairs wonderfully with many dishes!
This vibrant sauce is a beautiful blend of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and fresh orange, making it a delicious addition to holiday tables or any meal throughout the year!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries will work perfectly! Just add them directly to the pot without thawing, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly as they can take longer to burst and thicken.
How Long Can I Store the Sauce?
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What If I Want to Make It Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the sugar to your taste! Start with 1/4 cup and adjust as needed. The natural tang of the cranberries and tartness from the pineapple and orange juice will still provide great flavor!
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like apples, pears, or even berries to give the sauce a different flavor profile. Just chop them small and add them in when combining ingredients at the beginning.
