This easy recipe for Raspberry Orange Cranberries combines fresh berries with citrus for a festive side perfect for Thanksgiving meals.
Raspberry Orange Cranberries bring a fresh, fruity twist to your classic holiday spread. The combination of tart cranberries, bright raspberries, and citrus makes this recipe a flavorful crowd-pleaser. With a quick simmer on the stovetop, this recipe couldn’t be simpler—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving dinner or just want a sweet-tart side dish to pair with other meals, this is sure to become a family favorite.
How To Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce With A Fruity Twist
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh cranberries
- Granulated sugar
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- In a 2-quart (or larger) saucepan, add all the ingredients—cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and raspberries.
- Place the pan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Allow everything to simmer until the berries soften and start to break down, about 5-10 minutes.
- Once the mixture becomes thick and saucy, remove it from the heat. Note that the homemade cranberry sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to a quart-size jar or storage container and let it cool completely.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve—it’ll only get better with time as the flavors blend!
I love that this recipe can be made a day or two ahead of time which can lightly the load on holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store these cranberries?
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 7-10 days, making them great for prepping ahead of a holiday gathering. If you’d like to make them even earlier, freeze them for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Can I use a different kind of citrus like lemons, limes, or grapefruit?
Absolutely! Although I prefer the classic wintery flavor of orange, feel free to experiment with lemon zest and juice which will add a sharper tang, lime may offer a tropical twist, and grapefruit will offer a hint of bitterness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the berries.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes! Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different since sugar adds body to the sauce. Adjust the sweetness to your taste as the sauce simmers.
Perfect for Thanksgiving and Beyond
These Raspberry Orange Cranberries will shine on your Thanksgiving table, especially alongside my smoked turkey recipe. The tart and citrusy notes cut through the richness of savory dishes, making it the perfect companion to your holiday feast. Whether spooned over turkey, added to a cheese board, or used in sandwiches with leftovers, this recipe is bound to become a new holiday tradition!
Raspberry Orange Cranberries Printable Recipe:
Raspberry Orange Cranberries
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1-2 tablespoons orange zest
- 6 oz raspberries fresh or frozen
Method
- In a 2-quart (or larger) saucepan, add all the ingredients—cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and raspberries.
- Place the pan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Allow everything to simmer until the berries soften and start to break down, about 5-10 minutes.
- Once the mixture becomes thick and saucy, remove it from the heat.
- Transfer to a quart-size jar or storage container and let it cool completely.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve—it’ll only get better with time as the flavors blend!