Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This quick and easy cranberry sauce tastes so fresh and bright — it’s the perfect side dish on your holiday table. The best part is: it only requires a few ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes!
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1.5 cups
Category Basics, Sweet

Ingredients
 

  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries (or frozen cranberries)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 5 Tbsp granulated sugar (or to taste)
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • 2 tsp orange zest (about 1 orange)

Instructions

  • Rinse off cranberries and discard any that are brown. (Skip if using frozen cranberries.)
    12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
  • Zest, then juice, orange.
  • In a saucepan (or frying pan) over medium heat, add cranberries, brown sugar, white sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir to combine.
    ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
    5 Tbsp granulated sugar
    ¼ cup water
    ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
    2 tsp orange zest
  • Bring mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, decrease heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes. Taste for tartness/sweetness, adding additional white sugar, as desired.
  • Continue simmering until sauce reaches desired consistency. (Note: sauce will continue to thicken and gel as it cools, especially once refrigerated.)
  • Remove the pan from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Serve warm, or allow to cool completely before serving. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Tart vs. Sweet: I find this recipe is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, but feel free to adjust the amount of sugar you add based on the tartness of the berries and your personal preference. I recommend adding in the brown sugar first, then the white sugar, 1 to 2 Tablespoons as a time (tasting as you go), until it is just right.

Nutrition

Calories: 554kcal | Carbohydrates: 143g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 124g | Vitamin A: 215IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer