Baked Cranberry Sauce
Baked Cranberry Sauce offers a delightful twist on classic holiday cranberry relish, featuring tart cranberries combined with sweet orange marmalade, warm cinnamon, and toasted walnuts. This flavorful side pairs perfectly with festive meals and adds a rich, textured element to any celebration. Its warm, tangy, and nutty profile appeals to both traditional and adventurous palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and drain the cranberries.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Add cranberries to the sugar mixture and mix well.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture into a 9-inch square pan and cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and stir in orange marmalade, lemon juice, and toasted walnuts until well combined.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest for an extra citrusy kick. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, substitute half the sugar with honey or maple syrup. For added texture, try incorporating dried fruits like raisins or figs. You can also use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This baked cranberry sauce makes a perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey or ham during holiday meals. It also pairs beautifully with classic American recipes like Punch Bowl Cake or can be served as a topping over ice cream or yogurt for a delightful dessert. For a refreshing drink, try it alongside a Mint Julep.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through without boiling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 381 calories, with 5g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before mixing with the sugar. They may release more liquid during baking, so you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How can I make this cranberry sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar used or add more lemon juice to balance the flavors. Experimenting with tart ingredients like chopped granny smith apples can also help achieve a more balanced taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan. Just ensure that the orange marmalade used does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. The remaining ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a great addition to any vegan recipes collection.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).