Cranberry Compote Jar (Printable)

Tangy-sweet cranberry compote layered in a jar ideal for breakfasts, desserts, or holiday gifting.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fruit

01 - 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1 medium orange, zested and juiced (1/4 cup juice)

→ Sweeteners

03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

→ Spices & Flavorings

05 - 1 cinnamon stick
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Liquids

07 - 1/4 cup water

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest and juice, sugar, maple syrup if using, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and water.
02 - Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and cranberries start to release juices, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick, and let cool for 10 minutes before transferring into sterilized jars. Seal and refrigerate.
05 - Allow compote to thicken further as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in just 25 minutes, so you can make it on a whim whenever cranberries call to you
  • The tangy-sweet balance is addictive—it's equally at home on your morning yogurt or finishing off a dessert plate
  • It's practically foolproof, which means even if you've never made compote before, you'll feel like a kitchen genius
  • Perfect for gift-giving during the holidays because it feels homemade and thoughtful without requiring special skills
02 -
  • Don't walk away during those final minutes of simmering. The difference between perfectly thick and slightly too thin happens in about 60 seconds, and I learned this the hard way
  • The compote will thicken significantly once it cools, so don't panic if it looks a little loose when you first take it off the heat. This is actually the sign you've done it right
  • Sterilizing your jars matters more than you might think. I use the dishwasher's hot cycle or boil them for 10 minutes. It's what keeps your compote fresh and safe for those precious two weeks in the fridge
03 -
  • If you accidentally let it cook a minute too long and it's thicker than you'd like, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of water and warm it gently—it comes back to life instantly
  • Orange zest is non-negotiable. Don't just juice the orange and skip the zest. The zest carries the brightness that makes this compote sing. Use a microplane zester for the finest texture

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