This Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve Recipe is a tart and sweet recipe, which includes fresh cranberries and orange juice. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- ½ cup raisins (golden or regular)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

How To Make Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve
- Cook the cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the apple: Stir in the diced apple and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in citrus and raisins: Add the orange zest, orange juice, and raisins. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Cool slightly: Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Stir in nuts: Once the mixture has cooled a bit, add the chopped walnuts or pecans and stir well.
- Let it set: Allow the conserve to cool completely before transferring to a serving bowl or storage container.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, just use them straight from the freezer without thawing.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Can I skip the nuts? Absolutely—just leave them out or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- How to make it chunkier or smoother: Mash some of the cranberries while cooking for a smoother texture or leave them whole for a chunkier result.
- Best type of apple to use? Granny Smith adds a nice tart contrast, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work too.
What To Serve With Cranberry Fruit Conserve
This vibrant conserve is a perfect side or topping for holiday meals:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Brie or goat cheese crostini
- Buttery biscuits or cornbread
- Oatmeal or yogurt bowls
- Holiday charcuterie boards

How To Store Cranberry Fruit Conserve
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Cranberry Fruit Conserve Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this without raisins?
Yes, you can leave them out or substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
Can I use orange juice from a bottle?
Fresh orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Is this the same as cranberry sauce?
It’s similar but chunkier and more textured thanks to the fruit and nuts.
Can I use other nuts?
Yes, try almonds, pistachios, or cashews if preferred.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, it’s delicious warm or chilled.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Creamy Parmesan Polenta Recipe
- Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe
- Ina Garten Green Herb Dip Recipe
Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes20
minutes190
kcalA bright, chunky cranberry conserve with apples, orange juice, raisins, and nuts—perfect for holiday meals and cheese boards.
Ingredients
-
12 oz. fresh cranberries
-
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
-
1 cup water
-
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
-
Zest and juice of 1 orange
-
½ cup raisins
-
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Boil.
- Add apple and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in orange zest, juice, and raisins. Cook 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Add nuts and stir.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
