Transform your holiday table or any meal with this Quick and Easy Cranberry Compote Recipe! Ready in minutes, this homemade recipe combines fresh cranberries and orange juice for a dish that's sweet, tangy, and festive.
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Cranberry compote is a simple fruit sauce made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sweeteners like sugar or maple syrup, and other flavors such as orange juice or cinnamon.
Its origins trace back to classic European cooking, where compotes were traditionally served as sweetened fruit preserves. Perfect as a topping or side, this dish can be added to your meals year-round.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
- Versatile Pairings: Ideal for topping desserts, yogurt, pancakes, or serving alongside savory dishes like roasted turkey.
- Fresh Ingredients: Natural flavors from fresh cranberries and orange zest.
- Holiday Appeal: A festive addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.
If you like this Thanksgiving recipe, you may also love our Homemade Cranberry Sauce or our Caramelized Apples.
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Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries: Bright and tangy, use fresh or frozen for best results.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed for a citrusy flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness—adjust to taste or substitute with honey.
- Ground Cinnamon: A warm, holiday-inspired spice.
- Orange Zest: Enhances the citrus flavor and provides a fresh finish.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make this Cranberry Compote Recipe
STEP ONE: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and sort the cranberries, discarding any soft ones. Zest and juice the orange, ensuring you have about 1 cup of juice.
STEP TWO: Cook the Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
STEP THREE: Simmer the Compote
Lower the heat to a simmer, cooking for 10–15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Allow the cranberries to burst and the mixture to thicken.
STEP FOUR: Finish with Orange Zest
Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Let cool slightly before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- Orange Juice: Swap for pomegranate juice for a tangier flavor.
- Sugar: Use brown sugar or maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Replace with nutmeg or cardamom.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet-Friendly: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or agave.
- Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce the cinnamon for a milder flavor.
Storage
Store cooled compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor, but frozen cranberries work in a pinch.
Adjust sugar to taste depending on the natural tartness of the cranberries.
For a smoother texture, blend the compote slightly before serving.
To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use fresh cranberries in a smoothie.
- Add orange zest to baked goods.
- Add ground cinnamon in these Hearty and Healthy Steel Cut Oats
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Pair with roasted meats like turkey or alongside this Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage.
- Instead of Blueberry Turnovers with Puff Pastry, use as a filling for Cranberry turnovers or tarts.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Spiced Apple Compote
- Blueberry Syrup Recipe
- Cherry Almond Compote
- Sautéed Apples
Related
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FAQ
Cranberry compote is chunkier and often includes whole cranberries, while cranberry sauce tends to be smoother and more gelatinous. Compote can be used as a topping or side dish.
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing.
Cranberry compote naturally thickens as it simmers, thanks to the pectin in the cranberries. If you prefer a thicker texture, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water (a slurry). Make sure to stir well while simmering to avoid clumps.
Yes, cranberry compote can be made without sugar! You can substitute natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave to keep the recipe sweet without granulated sugar. For a low-calorie option, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Cranberry compote pairs well with sweet and savory dishes. Serve it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or cheesecake, or use it as a side dish for roasted turkey, pork, or baked brie. It also works as a spread for sandwiches or a mix-in for yogurt and oatmeal.
📖 Recipe
Quick and Easy Cranberry Compote Recipe: Ready in Just 10 Minutes
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Microplane for zesting
- Citrus juicer
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries about 3 cups
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly, discarding any soft or damaged ones.
- Zest the orange using a microplane. Juice the orange to yield about 1 cup of fresh juice.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to mix and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries burst, the mixture will begin to thicken.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest. Allow the compote to cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools.
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Notes
- Orange Juice: Swap for pomegranate juice for a tangier flavor.
- Sugar: Use brown sugar or maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Replace with nutmeg or cardamom.
Nutrition
Cranberry orange compote is a simple dish that’s perfect for holidays or weeknight meals. Try it as a topping, side dish, or filling!
Share your results in the comments below or explore our related recipes for more ideas.
Always wash fresh cranberries before use. Store cooked compote in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation. Reheat leftovers thoroughly before serving.
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