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posted Dec 9, 2021, updated Oct 16, 2023, by Shana Thomas
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Learnhow to make homemade cranberry saucewith only a fewingredients for your holiday feast.
Thishealthy cranberry saucerecipe is so much better than the canned stuff. Why? It’s made with fresh cranberries, comes together in only 10-15 minutes, and is very versatile. I use it as a condiment to put on top of almost anything.
I LOVE cranberry sauce, have since I was a little girl, and enjoy eating it with myThanksgiving side dishes. Especially,cornbread stuffing. For me, there is no stuffing without cranberry sauce.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Learn a few advantages to making this easy cranberry sauce below!
- refined sugar-free
- naturally low in calories
- made from fresh cranberries
There are many cranberry sauce variations. Feel free to modify this recipe. You can add more warming spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or chopped nuts. So let’s get into the ingredients and recipe details.
Ingredients you’ll need
- cranberries:I used fresh cranberries, but you can use fresh or frozen. If usingfrozen cranberries, let it simmer a few minutes longer to thicken up.
- orange juice:sweetens the sauce and adds a nice floral element. The zest brings out more of the orange flavor.
- maple syrup:keeps the recipe refined sugar-free, adds flavor, and sweetens it up as well.
- vanilla extract:because vanilla makes everything taste delicious.
- cinnamon stick: adds a slight citrusy note and spicy taste.
How to make this cranberry sauce with orange juice
- Add your cranberries, orange juice + zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, and maple syrup to a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes. Keep stirring the mixture to ensure it does not burn or stick to the pot. The mixture is done once it has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped.
- Optionally, use a fork to pop the remainder of the cranberries. Let the sauce cool completely before serving.
Common Questions About Cranberry Sauce
How do you get the bitterness out of cranberry sauce?
I used maple syrup, vanilla extract, and orange juice for this recipe. However, here are some other sweetener suggestions like brown sugar, agave, monk fruit, honey, or apple juice.
Is cranberry sauce healthy for you?
Yes, cranberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients. They’re high in antioxidants, and research indicates cranberries can lower your risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). For more health benefits, check out this article byLivestrong.
How to thicken cranberry sauce?
The sauce will thicken up as it cools. If it does not, mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch or tapioca until smooth. Add it to the sauce as it simmers, and whisk continuously until it thickens.
What to do with the leftovers?
Have some cranberry sauce leftover from your holiday festivities? Instead of letting it go to waste, think of it as a condiment to be used as a thick sweet jam or relish.
Here are some recipe ideas for inspiration in the kitchen. Add to sandwiches like myroasted cauliflower eggplant sandwich, on top of mychickpea burgers,overnight oats,almond flour pancakes, toast, or crackers. More ideas? Let me know in the comments below!
How to store cranberry sauce?
Make it2days in advance, store it in anairtight container,and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze it for up to 2 months.
Why is my cranberry sauce so seedy?
Cranberries do have seeds inside them. Sometimes, when using frozen cranberries, if it does not cook long enough, the seeds may not break down. This can cause the sauce to taste seedy. If you follow the instructions below, this should hopefully not happen.
A good substitute for cranberry sauce
Here are a few sauce alternatives below for you to consider.
- fig jam: It’s sweet and nutty and would serve as a great alternative.
- berries: use blackberries, raspberries, or any berry of choice to make a thick saucy jam.
- Chunky-style tomato sauce: if you want something less sweet, then I’d use this one.
- chili garlic sauce: this one is spicy and tangy.
- chutney: comes in a variety of herbs, fruits, and spices.
What to serve with cranberry sauce
Below are some of my favorite holiday dinner serving suggestions to pair with cranberry sauce. Since cranberry sauce is tangy and sweet, you can eat it in many recipes. Let your creativity flow!
- Plant-Based Meatloaf
- Cornbread Dressing
- Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
- Vegan Macaroni
- Green Beans
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- Butternut Squash Soup
Leave a comment below and let me know how you like this homemade cranberry sauce recipe. I’d love to hear from you;-)
How to make homemade cranberry sauce (4 Ingredients)
Shana Thomas
Learnhow to make homemade cranberry saucewith a few simpleingredients that can easily be enjoyed as a jam or side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 12 minutes mins
Course Dips & Sauces, Holiday Recipe, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 60 kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries*
- 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice* (about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup plus more, if needed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins: cinnamon stick, 1/2 tsp orange zest, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, chopped nuts, blueberries, etc.
Instructions
Add your cranberries, orange juice + zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, maple syrup to a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes. Keep stirring the mixture to ensure it does not burn or stick to the pot. The mixture is done once it has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped.
Optionally, use a fork to pop the remainder of the cranberries. Let the sauce cool completely before serving.
Notes
- can use fresh or store-bought orange juice. Alternatively, you can skip the orange juice altogether.
- *use fresh or frozen cranberries. If you using frozen, let it simmer 1-2 minutes longer as they releases more liquid and may take longer to thicken up.
- maple syrup can be replaced with equal parts with any sweetener of choice.
- can substitute cinnamon stick for 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Keyword cranberry sauce recipe, do cranberries have seeds, how to make homemade cranberry sauce
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This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read myaffiliate noticefor details.
About
Hey there, I’m Shana Thomas, food photographer, home cook, and writer behind, Im-Worthy.com. Since 2019, my goal has been to inspire you to live energetic and healthy lives with my easy vegan recipes & wellness tips.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Holly
I love this recipe!!Reply
- Shana Thomas
So glad you loved the recipe;-)
Reply
- Simone
This cranberry sauce recipe was so quick and easy to make.Reply
- Shana Thomas
Thank you, Simone. Happy Holidays!
Reply
- Mona
Love this simple and quick recipe.Reply
