Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce with Pineapple and Orange

This Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce brings together the warmth of cardamom and cinnamon and mixes it with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, pineapple juice, and orange.

The star of any Thanksgiving or holiday meal is usually the sides. Check out some of my favorites and add them to your holiday table: Pumpkin Cornbread with Sage, Pretzel Roll Stuffing, French Onion Mac and Cheese, and Colorful Fall Chopped Salad.

Why this recipe works

This easy and delicious chilled side dish takes only minutes to prepare and will hit all the right bells and whistles on your taste buds. It's the perfect holiday side that you'll want to serve year-round!

And just recently I've heard that people enjoy eating their cranberry sauce warm so if that sounds like something you'd like...go for it!! You have my blessing.

The ingredient list:

*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

• Whole Fresh Cranberries (frozen or canned may be substituted)
• Pineapple Juice
• Brown Sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• Maple Syrup
• Ground Cardamom
• Ground Cinnamon
• Orange Zest
• Fresh Orange Juice
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Salt and Pepper

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• 1½ Quart Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Citrus Zester
• Citrus Juicer
• Airtight food storage container

Kick the can to the curb:

We all know that there are a million recipes out there for cranberry sauce, and they all beat the buttons off cranberry jelly sold in the cans on the grocery store shelves.

You know the ones.

The ones that come out like a log on a plate complete with that appetite-suppressing suctioned slosh sound. Plop. Jiggle. Jiggle.

Jellied cranberry sauce vs whole berry sauce:

Now, please don't take offense if you're one of those people who enjoy canned cranberry jelly.

My eldest son is one of those folks, and I love him, still.

So, if you happen to share your Thanksgiving or holiday table with people who enjoy the jellied cranberry sauce in the can, by all means, serve it and be happy and thankful.

But, might I suggest that you ALSO serve this whole berry pineapple cardamom cranberry sauce as an option?

It's a nice change of pace, and who knows? It may become a new family tradition, and you can leave that jiggly can on the grocery store shelf.

Can whole berry sauce in a can be used in place of the fresh cranberries?

Yes. If you're in a pinch, I'm all for taking a shortcut.

However, since it only takes a few moments to cook the fresh cranberries, I advocate for using fresh cranberries whenever possible and avoid the can.

IF you're using canned whole berry cranberry sauce, place all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium/low heat until the mixture simmers for approximately 5 minutes in order to blend all the flavors.

Can frozen cranberries be used in this recipe instead of fresh?

I don't see why not.

Just make sure to thaw the cranberries thoroughly and to drain off any excess liquid that the thawed berries leave behind so the completed cranberry sauce isn't runny.

Can I make this holiday side dish in advance?

Yes!

In fact, I recommend making this cold holiday side dish at least one day (and even up to five days) before the date you plan on serving.

Cranberry sauce is best served chilled and the extra time in the refrigerator will only intensify all those awesome flavors!

How long will this Pineapple Cardamom Cranberry Sauce keep in the refrigerator?

Covered well, this colorful cold side dish will keep safely in the refrigerator for up to 6 days in an airtight container.

How to make this delicious and tangy cranberry sauce:

• Add fresh cranberries to a heavy bottom saucepan.
• Pour in pineapple juice, and orange juice, and bring to a low simmer.
• Next add cardamom, orange zest, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer (uncovered) for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
• Remove from the heat and cool completely before storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container for at least 90 minutes, or up to 6 days.

Additional recipes using cranberry sauce:

*Pork Roast with Cranberry Relish Glaze (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"This Christmas Pork Roast with Cranberry Relish Glaze is festive enough to serve your family and friends over the holidays, but you’ll never have to tell your guests just how easy it was to make. That can be our little secret!" 

• Chocolate Cranberry Bars from Homespun Seasonal Living

• Baked Brie with Cranberries from Beyond the Chicken Coop

*Cranberry Kringles (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"Nothing speaks more to a scrumptious holiday breakfast than Cranberry Kringles. Except maybe two! Kringles are perfect for breakfast and brunch celebrations and are stuffed with cranberries and white chocolate."

• Instant Pot Cranberry Orange French Toast from This Old Gal

• Turkey Cranberry and Cream Cheese Wraps from Coupon Clipping Cook

*Stuffing Stuffed Turkey Burger (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"It’s easy to have the flavor of the holidays year-round with this delicious recipe for Stuffing Stuffed Turkey Burgers. Now that’s something to be thankful for!"

• Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with Cranberry from Away from the Box

• Weight Watchers Citrus and Cranberry Ham from Midlife Healthy Living

*Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce with Pineapple and Cardamom (pictured below) This is the place!!

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's easy holiday side dish for chilled whole berry cranberry sauce as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!