Print

The Best Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce & Orange Zest

slow cooker cranberry sauce - featured image
Print Recipe

This slow cooker cranberry sauce with orange zest is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, made with simple ingredients and minimal effort. It’s a hands-off recipe that yields a thick, glossy sauce ideal for holiday gatherings or any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup (160 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the oranges thoroughly. Using a microplane, grate the zest from two oranges to get about 2 tablespoons. Cut the oranges in half and squeeze out ¼ cup of juice. Set both aside.
  2. If using fresh cranberries, pick through and discard any soft or shriveled ones. Rinse in a colander under cold water. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
  3. Add the cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt to a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Drop in the cinnamon stick. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to coat the berries.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  5. After 4 hours, check for doneness: cranberries should be soft and bursting, and the liquid should be thick and syrupy. If too thin, cook for another 30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
  6. Once done, stir in the vanilla extract (if using). Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
  7. Let the sauce cool in the slow cooker for about 20 minutes before transferring to a serving bowl. It will thicken further as it cools. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

For a less sweet sauce, reduce maple syrup to ¼ cup and add 2 tablespoons water. For a spicier version, add star anise or fresh ginger. The sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thin after cooking. Make ahead: flavors improve after a day in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, slow cooker, orange zest, maple syrup, holiday, Thanksgiving, easy, gluten-free, vegan

Find it online: https://evadinnerideas.com/the-best-easy-slow-cooker-cranberry-sauce-and-orange-zest/