Homemade Cranberry Sauce for Canning
Elevate your holiday meals with this homemade canned whole cranberry sauce. This recipe transforms fresh cranberries into a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for topping turkey, spreading on bread, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. The vibrant color and rich flavor will make it a staple on your table throughout the year. Plus, it's easy to prepare and can be stored for months, making it a great way to preserve the fall harvest. Share it with friends and family as a delightful homemade gift!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
6 3/4 cups (Granulated)
Water
6 cups (Filtered)
Fresh Cranberries
12 cups (Rinsed and sorted)
Instructions
1
In a large 8-quart kettle, combine the sugar and filtered water.
2
Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat and maintain the boil for 5 minutes.
4
Carefully add the fresh cranberries to the boiling mixture.
5
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the skins of the cranberries start to pop, which should take about 5 minutes.
6
Remove the kettle from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
7
While it's still warm, pack the cranberry mixture into hot sterilized jars, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace at the top of each jar.
8
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal, and then adjust the lids.
9
Process the jars in a water bath by submerging them in boiling water for 5 minutes.
10
Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or drying rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for this cranberry sauce?
The main ingredients are 12 cups of fresh cranberries, 6 3/4 cups of granulated sugar, and 6 cups of filtered water.
How many cups of cranberries are needed?
You will need 12 cups of fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted.
What type of sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 3/4 cups of granulated sugar.
Is filtered water necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using 6 cups of filtered water for the best results.
What size pot should I use for cooking the sauce?
A large 8-quart kettle is recommended to accommodate the volume of the ingredients.
How long should I boil the sugar and water mixture?
Maintain a rolling boil for the sugar and water mixture for 5 minutes before adding the berries.
How do I know when the cranberries are finished cooking?
The cranberries are ready when their skins start to pop, which typically takes about 5 minutes of cooking.
What is the total cooking time for the cranberries?
The cranberries should be cooked for approximately 5 minutes until they start popping.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave exactly 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar before sealing.
Do the jars need to be sterilized?
Yes, the cranberry mixture should be packed into hot, sterilized jars.
How long do I process the jars in a water bath?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
Should the mixture be hot or cold when packing jars?
The mixture should be packed into the jars while it is still warm.
What is the flavor profile of this sauce?
This sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a vibrant color.
What can I serve with this cranberry sauce?
It is perfect for topping turkey, spreading on bread, or eating by the spoonful.
Is this recipe suitable for long-term storage?
Yes, since it is a canning recipe, it can be stored for months once properly processed.
Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely, its long shelf life and vibrant color make it a delightful homemade gift.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings depending on serving size.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the sugar and filtered water in a large 8-quart kettle.
Should I stir the sugar and water?
Yes, stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved before bringing it to a boil.
How should I prep the cranberries?
The fresh cranberries should be rinsed and sorted before use.
How do I ensure a proper seal on the canning jars?
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth before adjusting the lids to ensure a proper seal.
What should I do after the water bath process?
Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or drying rack.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as an easy to prepare recipe suitable for home canning.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
The recipe specifies fresh cranberries, but frozen can often be substituted if thawed and drained.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include canning, cranberry sauce, preserve, holiday recipe, thanksgiving, and homemade.
Is this a whole berry or smooth sauce?
This is a whole cranberry sauce recipe.
Does the recipe require pectin?
No, this recipe relies on the natural pectin in the cranberries and sugar to set.
What heat setting should be used for boiling?
The mixture should be brought to a boil over medium-high heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 3 main ingredients: sugar, water, and fresh cranberries.