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Crockpot Cranberry Orange Sauce: Easy 5-Minute Prep

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This Crockpot Cranberry Orange Sauce is a hands-off, 5-minute prep recipe that delivers a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce perfect for the holiday table. The slow cooker does all the work, melding tart cranberries with bright orange zest and juice for a deeply flavored, crowd-pleasing condiment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large navel orange (zest and juice)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Orange (5 minutes): Thoroughly wash the orange. Using a microplane, zest the entire orange, being careful to avoid the white pith. Set zest aside. Cut the orange in half and juice it until you have about 1/4 cup (60ml) of fresh juice.
  2. Combine in the Crockpot (2 minutes): Place the cranberries into the slow cooker. Add the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and water. If using, add the cinnamon stick and vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cook on Low (3-4 hours): Put the lid on the crockpot and set to LOW. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened and become jammy.
  4. Check and Adjust (2 minutes): After 3 hours, stir the sauce. If it’s still thin, cook for another 30-60 minutes with the lid slightly ajar. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
  5. Cool and Serve: Turn off the slow cooker. Remove the cinnamon stick if used. Let the sauce cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  6. Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree to desired consistency. Skip for a rustic texture.

Notes

Don’t overcook; stick to 3-4 hours for best texture. Resist stirring too often. Zest the orange before juicing. Use a smaller crockpot (3-4 quarts) for best results. The sauce tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, crockpot, slow cooker, orange, Thanksgiving, holiday, easy, 5-minute prep

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/crockpot-cranberry-orange-sauce-easy-5-minute-prep/