Easy Cranberry Pear Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This easy cranberry pear sauce is a delightful twist on the classic holiday condiment. Bright orange juice and sweet pears complement tart cranberries for a fresh, fruity flavor that’s perfect anytime you want a vibrant sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- 1 (12-ounce) bag of fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 pear, cored and chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon of orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the orange juice to a boil. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
- Step 2: Pour in the cranberries and pear, if using. Stir until the cranberries begin to burst, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add the orange zest, if using, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator for at least one hour to chill and allow the sauce to thicken further.
Tips & Variations
- For a spiced twist, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground ginger during cooking and remove before serving.
- Use apple instead of pear for a different fruit flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it briefly after cooking and cooling.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
Storage
Store the cranberry pear sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or serve cold as a topping or side. The sauce thickens as it chills—add a splash of orange juice to loosen if needed before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
Is this sauce suitable for making ahead?
Absolutely. The sauce tastes even better after resting overnight, allowing flavors to meld and thicken nicely in the fridge.
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Easy Cranberry Pear Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
Description
This Easy Cranberry Pear Sauce is a delightful and simple homemade condiment perfect for holiday meals or everyday enjoyment. Combining fresh cranberries with the natural sweetness of pears and orange juice, this sauce offers a balanced tart and sweet flavor with a subtle citrus aroma. It requires minimal ingredients and quick cooking on the stovetop, making it an ideal recipe for those looking to add a fresh twist to traditional cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Sweeteners
- ¾ cup brown sugar
Fruits
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 pear, cored and chopped (optional)
Flavoring
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Orange Juice and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, bring the freshly squeezed orange juice to a boil over high heat. Stir in the brown sugar until completely dissolved to create a sweet citrus base.
- Add Cranberries and Pear: Pour in the cranberries and chopped pear if using. Stir occasionally until the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their juices. Then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer with Zest: Add the orange zest if desired. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the fruits to soften and the sauce to thicken.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour to further thicken and develop flavors before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh pears adds natural sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh and do not need to be thawed before cooking.
- The orange zest adds a bright citrus note but is optional.
- For a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the cranberries after simmering.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry sauce, pear cranberry sauce, holiday cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, easy cranberry recipe
