This easy recipe for Fresh Cranberry Sauce combines simple ingredients, including fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. It’s made entirely on the stovetop and comes together quickly. The result is a bright, tangy, and sweet sauce, making it the perfect addition to your holiday meal.
When I’m entertaining, I love to bring out all of the nostalgic homemade favorites like eggnog bundt cake, homemade gravy, and this easy pumpkin dump cake that tastes just like pumpkin pie without the fuss.
And no holiday table is complete without this cranberry sauce. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sugar, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart – and a beautiful pop of color on your plate. A simple, classic touch that ties the whole meal together.
What You’ll Love About this Recipe
Only Four Ingredients – Fresh cranberries, sugars, and orange juice
Made on the Stovetop – which means less dishes to clean up – making the holiday clean up a little easier
Make-Ahead – Yes. You can make this recipe ahead of time, saving time on the big day.
Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries
- Sugar – both brown and granulated
- Orange Juice
- Cinnamon
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
In a medium-sized pot on the stove, over medium heat, pour in the orange juice.
Stir in sugars and cinnamon.
Stir in cranberries and cook until they start to pop – about 10 minutes
Whisk to dissolve them
Remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl
Expert Tips
Use fresh or frozen cranberries. No need to thaw frozen cranberries, toss them in.
Keep an eye on your cranberries; turn the heat down to a simmer and stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
This sauce thickens as it cools. Don’t worry if it seems a little thin at first; it will thicken up.
Variations
Honey – honey swap. Swap out honey for some or all of the sugar.
Apple-Cranberry – Peel an apple, slice it, and add the sliced apples at the same time as you add the cranberries.
Citrus Twist – Squeeze a fresh lemon into the sauce for a tart and tangy flavor.
Zest – Add some zest of orange for a real pop of flavor.
FAQs
Can I Freeze this Sauce?
Yes! This sauce freezes great. Warm it up in a saucepan. Add more orange juice to thin it out if it becomes too thick.
Can I Use Honey Instead of Sugar?
Yes! Instead of 1 cup of sugar, use 1/4 cup of honey. Add more if you want it a little sweeter.
My Cranberry Sauce Is Not Thick? Will It Thicken Up?
Yes. Don’t worry. As it cools, it will thicken up.
What to Serve With
This recipe would go perfect with so many main dishes like:
Chicken Paprika with Sour Cream
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze leftovers for up to three months.
Warm up a saucepan on the stove.
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Serving Size
This recipe will serve a modest ten people. Double the recipe for more.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 12 oz. cranberries fresh
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot on the stove, over medium heat, pour in the orange juice.
- Stir in sugars and cinnamon.
- Stir in cranberries and cook until they start to pop – about 10 minutes
- Whisk to dissolve them
- Remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl
