Let’s talk about cranberry sauce! Often overlooked on the Thanksgiving table, cranberry sauce provides a bright, sweet-tart counterpoint and a splash of ruby color to an otherwise neutral meal.
This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce is more attractive and flavorful than most store-bought versions, thanks to the use of honey or maple syrup instead of processed sweeteners.
Best of all, this homemade cranberry sauce is quick and simple. It’s ready in about 10 minutes, making it a perfect quick addition for Friendsgiving or any holiday meal.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- Zest from 1 medium orange (or 1/4 cup orange juice)
And a pot to cook it in — that’s all it takes.
Watch How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Naturally Sweetened vs. Conventional Cranberry Sauce
There’s something nostalgically familiar about the gelatinous cylinder of canned cranberry sauce, but many commercial versions use high fructose corn syrup and other processed sweeteners. Homemade cranberry sauce lets you control the ingredients and flavor.
Most traditional recipes call for a full cup of white sugar. This version uses 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup to naturally sweeten the sauce while keeping the bright cranberry flavor intact.
Uses for Leftover Cranberry Sauce
- Swirl into yogurt with granola for a fruity breakfast.
- Stir into oatmeal for a bright, flavorful porridge.
- Spread on toast topped with almond butter or goat cheese for a savory-sweet snack.
- Use it like jam—on biscuits, pancakes, or sandwiches.
Please let me know how your cranberry sauce turns out. If you have creative ways to use leftovers, share them and they may be added to the list.
Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce
- Author: Kathryne Taylor
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Diet: Gluten Free
4.9 from 163 reviews
This simple cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, honey or maple syrup, and orange zest. It’s easy, quick, and full of bright flavor. Yields about 2 cups.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (1 bag) fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- Zest of 1 medium orange (about 1 teaspoon), preferably organic
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and/or 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and drain well. Discard any soft or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan combine the cranberries, honey (or maple syrup), and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most berries have burst and the sauce has thickened, about 5–10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. If using, add cinnamon or orange juice now. Taste and adjust sweetness with more honey or maple syrup or balance with a splash more orange juice if it’s too tart.
- Allow the sauce to cool; it will thicken as it cools. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
Adapted from a cranberry crostini recipe.
To make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Make ahead: Prepare up to two days in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before serving if preferred.
Orange zest tip: Use a Microplane or the fine side of a box grater to remove zest. If you prefer to skip zest, stir in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice instead.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should not replace professional advice.
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American