Apricot jam, pure maple syrup, a little sugar, cinnamon and cardamom turn fresh cranberries into the perfect cranberry sauce.
Does the internet really need another cranberry sauce recipe? Maybe not. But after years of making this must-have dish for the Thanksgiving table (that people usually have a love/hate relationship with) I think I’ve hit upon the perfect combination of ingredients to make fresh cranberries taste their best.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Years ago (before marriage and kids) I hit upon the combination of a bag of fresh cranberries plus a cup of sugar plus a cup of orange juice. The orange juice was more exotic back then than just adding water but the end result was sickeningly sweet. I always wanted the fresh cranberry taste to shine through but not be so tart that no one would want to eat them.
They are beautiful to look at for sure. And my “secret” ingredient is apricot jam. I had a half a jar leftover from something else I was making and decided apricot might be a better compliment to cranberries than orange. And I was right! Try it for yourself and let me know what you think.
PIN THIS RECIPE
Perfect Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 bags fresh cranberries I started with two full bags - by the time I picked out the mushy ones I had about 1 1/2 bags left
- 1/3 cup apricot jam
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
- Place all ingredients (cranberries through cardamom) in a large sauce pan.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil and cranberries start to pop.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook for another couple of minutes, still stirring gently.
- Remove from heat and cool. Refrigerate until cold before serving.
Nutrition
More Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Perfect Roast Turkey Breast
- Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe
- My Grandma’s Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Sweet Potato Pumpkin Casserole
- Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
Shashi at Savory Spin says
So I’ve tried cranberry sauce with orange marmalade and orange zest – but never with apricot jam – so heck yeah – the internet -AND I- NEED another cranberry recipe! 🙂
Tara says
Such a beautiful color to this cranberry sauce! I love your addition of apricot jam. Definitely helps it shine.
Kate | Veggie Desserts says
I love your addition of cardamom to the cranberry sauce. Such a great idea!
Janette | Culinary Ginger says
I need to try adding cardamom to my cranberry, this is a great idea
Lisa Huff says
Would never have thought of adding apricot jam, great idea!