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4 ingredients and 15 minutes are all you need to make this naturally sweetened cranberry sauce. It is so much better than canned or store-bought sauce and there are endless ways to enjoy this iconic Thanksgiving side dish.
Homemade Healthy Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving can be bustling and full of activity, especially with all the cooking. I used to opt for canned cranberry sauce for the sake of convenience. But let me tell you, this homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly simple to whip up, tastes miles better, and the best part? You can prepare it in advance, cutting down on the cooking frenzy on the big day!
This cranberry sauce boasts an amazing medley of flavors that’s not too tart, not too sweet, just perfect for adding a burst of yum to your meal!
It goes amazingly well with roasted turkey breast and fits right in with all the familiar Thanksgiving side dishes, such as cheesy mashed potatoes, creamy mashed cauliflower, healthy cornbread, and green bean casserole without mushroom soup.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Cranberries – Fresh cranberries are best for Thanksgiving since they are in season and offer optimal flavor, but you can also use frozen.
- Oranges – Really brightens up the flavor and pairs really well with the tartness of cranberries.
- Applesauce – along with oranges, counters the tartness of the cranberries and adds natural sweetness. You can use store-bought or homemade unsweetened applesauce.
- Honey – It’s a delicious alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. You can also use maple syrup if you wish.
- Cinnamon (optional) – can also experiment with adding other warm spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: If squeezing oranges by hand, I’ve found that cutting the orange into 8 slices yield more juice than large pieces.
Step 2: Add all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries start to burst. Keep in mind the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools so stop cooking just before it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Mash if you prefer a smoother consistency. Taste and add more honey, if you desire more sweetness.
Tips for Success
- Preparing oranges – zest the orange prior to juicing it. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid reaching the white pith, which can make your sauce bitter. To juice an orange by hand, first roll the orange on a countertop using your palm. You can use a juicer or squeeze by hand. If doing the latter, I’ve found that cutting the orange into 8 slices yield more juice than large pieces.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more honey for a sweeter profile. For a tangier and brighter taste, incorporate additional orange juice.
Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce
I highly recommend preparing this cranberry sauce in advance! Its flavors truly shine after 2-3 days. To store, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
What to do with leftover cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce can be served cold, warm, or at room temperature. And there are so many ways to transform leftovers. Here are some suggestions!
- Spread it on toast, bagels, or baby muffins.
- Mix it into yogurt or oatmeal.
- Blend it into smoothies.
- Spoon over pancakes or waffles
- Mix it with cream cheese to create a flavorful dip for crackers or fruit slices.
- Incorporate it into salad dressings for a unique sweet-tart twist.
- Coat meatballs – like these turkey meatballs or baby meatballs.
Storage
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze, if planning to use the sauce in smaller portions, divide it into smaller containers or ice cube trays. This way, you can thaw only the amount you need without having to defrost the entire batch.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can! There’s no need to thaw – simply add the frozen cranberries to the pot along with the other ingredients and extend the cooking time until you achieve the desired consistency. Additionally, I suggest buying fresh cranberries during the season and freezing them, allowing you to enjoy their freshness year-round. When frozen, they can last up to 12 months in the freezer.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Healthy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- 1/4-1/2 cup honey, see note
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries start to burst. Keep in mind the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools so stop cooking just before it reaches your desired consistency.
- You can mash if you prefer a smoother consistency. Taste and add more honey, if you desire more sweetness.
I made this version because I wanted my 18month old to be able to eat cranberries as well for Thanksgiving and not get sugar overload. He is allergic to many things and the holiday brings a lot of separate cooking items just for him so this was a “for everyone item”. We made this for the family and I didn’t miss the fake canned stuff or the white sugar version at all. This was the perfect blend of sweet and tart. I loved it and baby did too. Thank you for amazing recipes I use at least one to three a week. A guaranteed success and win, my kiddo loves anything and everything made by your recipes.
Hi Yvette! Thank you so much for sharing this with me it truly means more than you know. I’m so glad your little one was able to enjoy something that felt safe, special, and part of the family table. Cooking around allergies can feel like a lot, especially on the holidays, and it makes my heart so full knowing this recipe helped make things a little easier for you.
And hearing that my recipes are part of your weekly rhythm… that is the biggest honor. I’m cheering you on and so grateful you’re here.
OH MY GOOOOSH! This literally tastes like the way Christmas smells! So obviously yes, it smells delicious while cooking but the taste is muah *chefs kiss*. I skipped the orange zest because I didn’t have it available; I also added honey a little at a time to ensure it was the right sweetness … it came out great!
I’ve never made (or eaten) cranberry sauce before but I thought my little man might like it and I will NEVER NOT make this again! Yum!! 10 out of 10 recommend!
This made me smile so big thank you for sharing your joy with me, LeeAnna! How special that your little one got to enjoy it with you. Knowing this recipe has earned a permanent spot in your holiday kitchen is the sweetest compliment. I’m so glad it was such a hit!
Thanksgiving staple! Won’t go back to canned cranberry ever again!
Will certainly try yr recipe. What can I use to replace the honey. I have an 8 mos old Thanks
You can use maple syrup instead. Even though it’s unrefined it’s still considered added sugar, though, so I suggest setting aside a portion for your baby (add more applesauce if it’s too tart) and then add the honey or maple syrup for the rest of the family