Easy Cranberry Compote: Simple Sweet-Tart Berry Bliss (Print Version)
Make Easy Cranberry Compote! This sweet-tart berry sauce is ready in minutes, perfect for breakfast or dessert. My go-to for a burst of flavor.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Compote Base
01 -
12 oz (340g) fresh cranberries
02 -
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
→ Sweetener & Citrus
03 -
1/2 cup (120ml) water
04 -
1 teaspoon orange zest (from about 1/2 an orange)
→ Warm Spice
05 -
1 cinnamon stick
→ Just a Pinch
06 -
Pinch of salt
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those cranberries washed and picked over. I always find a few rogue stems or squishy ones in the bag, you know? Toss the good ones into a medium saucepan. It's a satisfying sight, all those bright red berries, ready for their transformation. This is where the magic of Easy Cranberry Compote truly begins, setting the stage for that vibrant flavor.
02 -
Add the sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon stick to the saucepan with the cranberries. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. You’ll start to see little bubbles forming, and the kitchen will begin to smell absolutely heavenly—that mix of citrus and warming spice is just the best. Keep an eye on it, don't walk away like I almost did that one time!
03 -
Once it's simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This is the fun part: you'll hear and see the cranberries start to "pop" open! It's super satisfying, honestly. This popping releases all their juicy goodness, thickening the compote naturally. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
04 -
Continue to cook until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking. I like mine still a bit chunky, but you can let it go longer for a smoother consistency. Give it a taste (careful, it's hot!). This is your moment to adjust the sweetness; sometimes I add a tiny bit more sugar if the berries are extra tart. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect Easy Cranberry Compote flavor balance.
05 -
Once it's reached your desired consistency, take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully remove the cinnamon stick – you don't want to bite into that later, trust me! Let the compote cool down a bit. It will thicken even more as it cools, which is exactly what you want. I usually just let it sit on the counter while I clean up my inevitable kitchen chaos.
06 -
And just like that, you have a beautiful, vibrant Easy Cranberry Compote! Serve it warm or chilled, depending on what you're pairing it with. It looks so pretty in a little bowl, all glossy and red. The aroma, even after cooling, is just divine. Seriously, who knew a simple berry sauce could bring so much joy?
# Notes:
01 -
Always keep an eye on the compote while it simmers; berries can scorch surprisingly fast, especially if the heat is too high.
02 -
Stores beautifully in the fridge for a week, making mornings easy.
03 -
Orange juice works if you're out of water, adds a nice zing.
04 -
Serve warm over vanilla ice cream, trust me on this.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Medium saucepan
02 -
stirring spoon
03 -
grater (for zest)
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 80 kcal
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 0g