Cranberry Sauce is one of those timeless holiday sides that instantly brightens the plate. With its balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors, this homemade version beats anything from a can. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to prepare — perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive dinner where you want a pop of color and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Sauce
If you’ve only had canned cranberry sauce, prepare to be amazed. This easy cranberry sauce is bursting with real fruit flavor and warm spice. Fresh cranberries simmer in orange juice and sugar until they pop and thicken into a glossy, jewel-toned sauce. The result is fresh, festive, and the ideal complement to roasted meats, stuffing, or mashed potatoes.
Here’s why it’s a holiday must-have:
- Made with just 6 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes
- Make-ahead friendly — stays fresh for a week in the fridge
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- The perfect mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy
- Versatile: pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes
Ingredients for Cranberry Sauce
For the Sauce:
- 12 ounces (340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed
- ½ cup orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 strip orange peel
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps
- Cranberries: Fresh is best, but frozen works just as well. No need to thaw before cooking.
- Orange Juice: Adds brightness and balances the tart berries. Substitute with apple juice or pomegranate juice for a twist.
- Sugar: You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a less refined option.
- Cinnamon Stick: Gives warmth; if you prefer, add a pinch of ground cinnamon instead.
- Orange Peel: A simple strip of peel infuses a subtle citrus aroma. Don’t skip it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add orange juice, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar slightly over medium heat.
Step 2 – Add Cranberries
Once the mixture begins to warm, stir in the cranberries. You’ll hear them start to pop as they cook — that’s how you know the magic is happening.
Step 3 – Simmer Until Thickened
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel.
Step 4 – Cool & Serve
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook: The sauce thickens as it cools, so remove from heat when it’s still a bit loose.
- Taste test: If it’s too tart, add a tablespoon more sugar; if too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Use a heavy-bottom pan to avoid scorching the sugar.
- Make ahead: Prepare a few days before the holiday — it tastes even better after resting.
- Add texture: For a chunky sauce, mash some cranberries with a fork but leave others whole.
- Serve chilled or warm: Both options are delicious depending on your meal setup.
Flavor Variations
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add ground cloves, nutmeg, or star anise for extra warmth.
- Maple Cranberry Sauce: Swap sugar for maple syrup for a deeper, caramel flavor.
- Apple Cranberry Sauce: Mix in 1 diced apple for a fruitier version.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for a zesty kick.
- Berry Blend: Combine cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed-berry twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve alongside roasted turkey or chicken.
- Brunch Upgrade: Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Dessert Topping: Add to cheesecakes, ice cream, or tarts.
- Sandwich Spread: Mix into mayo for a tangy turkey sandwich dressing.
- Cheese Board Favorite: Pair with brie, goat cheese, or cheddar.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 7–10 days.
- Freeze: Cranberry sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave if you prefer it served hot.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
Easy Cranberry Sauce — Classic Holiday Side Dish
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A bright, fresh, and easy homemade cranberry sauce made with orange juice and a hint of cinnamon — perfect for any holiday meal.
Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
¾ cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 strip orange peel
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange peel, and salt.
2. Add cranberries and cook over medium heat until they begin to pop.
3. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon and peel.
5. Cool completely before serving or refrigerating.
Notes
Can be made up to a week ahead. Substitute maple syrup for sugar for a richer flavor. Use apple juice instead of orange for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
FAQ About Cranberry Sauce
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?
Homemade cranberry sauce lasts up to 10 days in the refrigerator. Store it in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other food odors.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just use them straight from the freezer — no need to thaw — and increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes.
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, it tastes even better after resting for a day or two. The flavors meld beautifully, making it the ideal make-ahead holiday dish.
How do I fix sauce that’s too thin or too thick?
If it’s too thin, simmer a few more minutes. Too thick? Stir in a tablespoon of water or orange juice until it loosens up.
Can I make cranberry sauce without sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit, but cranberries are very tart — a little sweetness is needed for balance.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cranberry Sauce is the perfect blend of tradition and simplicity. It brings color, brightness, and festive flavor to your table without any fuss. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned version again. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal that needs a touch of sweetness and tang, this sauce is a holiday treasure worth making year after year.
