Zesty Vegan Cranberry Orange Sauce

 This is the vibrant, jewel-toned sauce your holiday table has been missing. Fresh cranberries simmer with bright orange juice and zest, creating a perfectly balanced condiment that's both tart and sweet, with a beautiful, glossy texture. Forget the can—this homemade version comes together in just 20 minutes and brings a burst of real fruit flavor to every bite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (about 3½ cups) fresh or frozen cranberries

• Zest and juice of 1 large orange (about ½ cup juice)

• ⅔ cup organic cane sugar, pure maple syrup, or agave nectar

• ⅓ cup water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Simmer the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, and your choice of sweetener. Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to simmer and the sweetener is fully dissolved.

2. Cook the Cranberries:
Add the cranberries and orange zest to the saucepan. Return to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes. The cranberries will burst, pop, and the mixture will thicken. For a smoother sauce, mash gently with the back of a spoon near the end of cooking. For a chunkier texture, leave them intact.

3. Finish & Cool:
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional spices, if using. Taste and adjust sweetness, if desired, by adding a touch more sweetener.

Transfer the sauce to a bowl or jar. It will continue to thicken significantly as it cools to room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Fresh vs. Frozen: Either works perfectly. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw; just add 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Sweetness Adjustment: Start with ⅔ cup sweetener. After the berries burst, taste and add more if needed, keeping in mind the sauce will taste less sweet once cooled.

• Texture Preference: For a completely smooth sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender or in a standard blender once cooled.

• Make Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day and can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

• The essential companion for holiday roasts, from Tofurky to baked ham.

• Swirl into oatmeal or vegan yogurt for a festive breakfast.

• Use as a sparkling glaze for roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.

• Spoon over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake for a stunning dessert.

Bright, flavorful, and effortlessly vegan, this sauce is more than a side—it’s the vibrant, homemade touch that makes a holiday meal truly special.