Meet your new holiday must-have: Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce. This vibrant, tangy condiment brings together tart cranberries, bright citrus, and a gentle hint of cinnamon for a sauce that far outshines the store-bought versions. It’s unbelievably simple, but feels extra festive—and trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big, Bright Flavors: The combination of fresh cranberries with real orange juice and zest gives layers of fruity, zippy flavor that’s truly unforgettable.
Ridiculously Easy: Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and you’re done in under 30 minutes—no culinary degrees necessary.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce can be made days in advance, taking all the stress out of your busy holiday kitchen.
Gorgeous on the Table: That jewel-toned pop of red with bright orange flecks is pure centerpiece material for any gathering.

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce comes together with just a handful of kitchen staples, but each one is absolutely essential. Every ingredient brings something to the party: sweetness, brightness, tartness, and even a subtle warmth. Here’s what makes this sauce shine.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cranberries and balances their natural tartness—no mouth-puckering sauce here!
Orange Zest: Just a teaspoon transforms the sauce, adding a fragrant, sunny aroma and boosting the orange flavor.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and cook down the cranberries, ensuring a perfect saucy texture.
Fresh Orange Juice: For true citrus depth, fresh squeezed is best. It delivers that signature tang and beautiful color you want in an Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce.
Fresh Cranberries: The star! Tart and juicy berries that burst as they cook, thickening the sauce naturally and turning it that vibrant ruby-red.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a whisper of spice, taking your cranberry sauce from good to glorious.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce is endlessly customizable—even the tiniest tweaks can make it your own! Don’t be afraid to riff on the original to suit your family’s taste buds, or to use what’s already in your kitchen.

Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for a deeper, holiday-inspired spice profile.
Swap the Citrus: Try lemon or lime zest and juice instead of orange for a new citrus twist.
Berry Blend: Toss in a handful of raspberries or blueberries for extra texture and a subtle mixed-berry flavor.
Less Sugar: Decrease the sugar for a more tart sauce, or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead.

How to Make Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Base

Start by combining the granulated sugar, orange zest, water, and fresh orange juice in a medium saucepan. Give it a good stir so the sugar dissolves into the liquid—this fragrance alone will kickstart your festive mood! Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil over medium heat, letting the citrus aroma fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Add the Cranberries

Next, pour in the fresh cranberries. As the sauce simmers, the berries will begin to pop and burst open. Stir frequently, cooking for about 8–12 minutes depending on your preferred thickness—the longer you let it go, the thicker and richer the sauce becomes, perfect for spooning over turkey or desserts.

Step 3: Finish and Chill

Once your beautiful sauce has thickened and the berries have broken down, turn off the heat and stir in the ground cinnamon. Transfer the Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce to a bowl, allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. As it chills, the flavors mingle and the sauce thickens even more, giving you that irresistible jammy texture.

Pro Tips for Making Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce

Zest First, Then Juice: Always zest your orange before juicing—it’s much easier, and you won’t accidentally squash your fruit in the process.
Adjust the Texture: For a chunky sauce, use the back of your spoon to gently mash some berries as they cook. For a smoother finish, go ahead and use a potato masher at the end.
Let It Chill: The flavors deepen and the sauce thickens a lot as it cools—don’t skip on that chill time before serving.
Fresh Is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s the little secret that makes this Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce taste so bright and lively.

How to Serve Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra orange zest right before serving for a dazzling burst of color and citrusy aroma. A small cinnamon stick or a few candied orange peels on top make your Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce look as festive as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Of course, this sauce is a classic with roast turkey, but don’t stop there! Try slathering it on a leftover turkey sandwich, spooning it next to ham, or serving it as a tart-sweet counterpoint to creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce into a clear glass bowl to show off the sparkling color, or make individual parfaits with layers of sauce, yogurt, and granola for a delightfully unexpected breakfast treat. You can even use small mason jars for charming, ready-to-gift portions at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any left, transfer your Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a week—plenty of time for turkey sandwiches and cheese boards galore.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze cranberry sauce! Let it cool completely, then freeze in small containers or zip-top bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy that citrusy cranberry magic again.

Reheating

If you prefer your Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce warm (especially on a cold day!), just reheat it gently on the stove or microwave. Stir well, and add a splash of orange juice if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe—no need to thaw first, just add a minute or two to the cooking time if needed. The result will be just as vibrant and delicious.
Is this Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce too sweet?

Not at all—it’s balanced to let the tartness of the cranberries and brightness of the orange shine. However, you can adjust the sugar to your taste or swap in honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
How far ahead can I make this sauce?

This is the best part! You can make Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce up to a week before your gathering, and it tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge.
Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?

Yes! This recipe scales beautifully. Just use a larger saucepan and extend the cooking time slightly so everything cooks down evenly.

Final Thoughts

Whether for your holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce will bring a burst of color, flavor, and homemade love to the table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new tradition—give it a try and watch everyone light up with that first, tangy-sunny spoonful!