Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 ounces whole cranberries (frozen or fresh)
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar of choice (brown sugar or coconut sugar recommended)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- orange zest (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, vanilla extract, and the cinnamon stick, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
- Cook Cranberries: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on high heat for 4 hours or on low heat for 6 hours, allowing the cranberries to soften and flavors to blend.
- Mash and Thicken: Once cooking is complete, gently mash the cranberries to your preferred consistency using a wooden spoon or spatula. Let the sauce cool to thicken further.
- Serve: Garnish with orange zest if desired, then serve and enjoy your homemade slow cooker cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and enhances the sauce’s freshness.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount or type of sugar used.
- The sauce will thicken more as it cools; refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
