Pineapple Cranberry Sauce (Sweet, Tangy, and Festive)
Pineapple cranberry sauce is a bright, vibrant twist on a classic favorite that instantly elevates any holiday table. Sweet, tangy, and bursting with color, this sauce balances the tart pop of cranberries with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a condiment that’s bold, refreshing, and incredibly versatile.
Unlike canned versions, this homemade pineapple cranberry sauce has real texture, natural flavor, and just the right balance of sweetness and acidity. It’s thick and glossy, spoonable but not stiff, and packed with whole cranberries and juicy pineapple in every bite. Whether you’re serving it with roast turkey, ham, chicken, or even using it as a spread or glaze, this sauce adds something special to every meal.
Why Pineapple Cranberry Sauce Is So Popular
Traditional cranberry sauce is beloved for its sharp tang, but adding pineapple softens that acidity and introduces a mellow sweetness that makes the sauce more approachable for everyone at the table. The pineapple doesn’t overpower the cranberries — instead, it rounds them out, creating a more complex flavor profile.
This homemade cranberry sauce with pineapple also has visual appeal. The contrast of ruby-red cranberries and golden pineapple pieces makes it look festive and elegant with minimal effort. It’s a simple recipe that feels special, which is exactly what you want for holidays and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Granulated sugar
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Ground cinnamon
- Water
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or damaged.
- Add cranberries, crushed pineapple with juice, sugar, orange juice, water, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan.
- Stir well and bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cranberries will burst and sauce will begin to thicken naturally.
- Stir in orange zest during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat once sauce reaches desired thickness.
- Let cool slightly; sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container.
Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in orange zest near the end of cooking.
- Cool and serve or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Texture and Consistency
One of the best features of pineapple cranberry relish is its adaptable texture. If you like a chunky sauce with whole cranberries, cook it just until most berries burst. If you prefer a smoother sauce, simmer a bit longer and gently mash the berries with a spoon.
As the sauce cools, the natural pectin in the cranberries thickens it without any added thickeners, giving you a glossy, spoon-coating consistency that’s perfect for serving or spreading.
Flavor Balance: Sweet Meets Tart
This sauce is carefully balanced so it’s never overly sweet or aggressively tart. Cranberries provide brightness and acidity, pineapple adds sweetness and fruitiness, and orange zest ties everything together with a fresh citrus aroma. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth without making the sauce taste spiced or heavy.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
Use fresh cranberries
Fresh cranberries provide the best texture and natural thickening.
Don’t overcook
Overcooking can make the sauce too thick or bitter.
Taste and adjust sweetness
Cranberries vary in tartness. Adjust sugar slightly if needed.
Let it cool fully
Flavor improves as the sauce rests and cools.
Easy Variations
- Extra Citrus: Add a splash of lemon juice
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves
- Chunky Relish: Stir in extra pineapple after cooking
- Smooth Sauce: Blend lightly after cooking
What to Serve Pineapple Cranberry Sauce With
This sauce isn’t just for one meal. It pairs beautifully with many dishes:
- Roast turkey
- Baked or glazed ham
- Roast chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Cheese boards
Make-Ahead and Storage
This holiday cranberry sauce is perfect for making ahead.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 7 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Serve cold or bring to room temperature
A Festive Twist on a Classic
Cranberry sauce has long been a staple of celebratory meals, especially in fall and winter. Adding pineapple brings a modern, slightly tropical touch to a deeply traditional dish, making it feel fresh without losing its comforting familiarity.
Final Thoughts
This pineapple cranberry sauce is bright, beautiful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition — requested year after year because it tastes better than anything from a can and looks stunning on the table. Sweet, tangy, and festive, it’s the perfect finishing touch for countless meals.
