Homemade Cranberry Sauce Topping

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Topping is the perfect sweet and tangy treat. This quick and easy recipe uses fresh cranberries, and is one of my favorite easy ways to make a quick topping that pairs so well with all kinds of dishes.

What makes Cranberry Sauce Topping thick?

When berries, apples, and other fruit cook they release pectin, which is a natural thickener. The longer your berries cook, the thicker the sauce will get. If your sauce starts to get too thick, you can thin it out with a splash or two of water.

What takes the bitterness out of Cranberry Sauce?

Some of my favorite ways to help cut the bitterness of cranberries is to add plenty of sweetener. Sugar and honey are a great way to balance out the bitter flavor of cranberries.

I also love to add a slash of citrus to balance out the bitter berries. My favorite to use is lemon juice, but orange also pairs so well with cranberries. Vanilla flavoring is another great addition to cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Sauce Topping Ingredients

I am telling you, this is one of the easiest toppings, and it tastes so amazing. All you need to make it is fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice, and vanilla flavoring.

How to eat Cranberry Topping?

Homemade Cranberry Sauce makes for the perfect topping or addition to so many dishes. I personally love to add this sauce over the top of my favorite vanilla ice-cream. Some other great ways to eat Cranberry Topping is:

Over the top of pancakes or waffles for breakfast or brunch.
Added to your favorite pastry crusts to make the best sweet treats.
Stirred into yogurt or a smoothie for a yummy snack.

I am sure this Homemade Cranberry Sauce Topping Recipe will soon be one of your family’s favorites. As always, if you make this recipe snap a picture and tag me on Instagram. Keep following along with The Four Acre Farm for more Easy Homemade Recipes, Gardening Tips, and Budget Friendly DIY.

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Cranberry Sauce Topping

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Topping

1 pound Cranberries
1 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Water
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp Vanilla Flavoring

In a large skillet add water and cranberries, cook on medium heat until berries start to pop and reduce. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use the back of a fork to mash berries if you want them a little more mashed.
Reduce heat to medium-low, and add sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Stir continuously until all ingredients are well incorporated. Reduce until the sauce is your desired thickness. Cook around 10 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin sauce, if needed.
Serve as a side dish, over vanilla ice-cream, or even on top of pancakes. The possibilities are endless!

Dessert, Side Dish, Snack

cranberry, cranberry sauce, sauce, topping