Homemade cranberry sauce is a vibrant, tangy-sweet side that comes together with just 3 simple ingredients. It’s the perfect pairing for savory mains like roasted chicken or turkey, and it’s endlessly customizable with citrus, spices, or dried fruits for added flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only 3 ingredients – Minimal effort for bold, fresh flavor.
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Naturally sweetened option – Use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
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Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes.
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Customizable – Add citrus zest, spices, or fruit for your own twist.
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Balanced flavor – Just the right mix of tart and sweet.
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Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and store for later.
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No artificial ingredients – Made from whole, real foods.
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Fresh texture – Better than anything store-bought.
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Versatile – Great as a spread, dip, or topping for meats and more.
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Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for preparing in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup granulated sugar (or ¾ cup honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar)
¾ cup water
12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
Directions
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Combine ingredients:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar) and water. Stir to dissolve. -
Add cranberries:
Stir in the cranberries and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. -
Taste and cool:
Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness if needed. Let it cool to room temperature before serving. -
Optional add-ins (add at the start):
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2 strips lemon zest + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 strips orange zest + ¼ cup orange juice
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½ cup dried cherries
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½ cinnamon stick
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Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups
Variations
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Cranberry Orange Sauce – Use orange juice and zest for extra brightness.
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Spiced Version – Add a cinnamon stick or pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
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Smooth or chunky – Blend for a smooth sauce or leave it chunky for texture.
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Cranberry Cherry Sauce – Add dried cherries for a deeper flavor.
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Lemon Twist – Use lemon zest and juice for a sharper tang.
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Apple-Cranberry – Add finely diced apple for sweetness and body.
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Low-sugar option – Use less sweetener or a sugar-free alternative.
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Jam-style – Simmer longer to reduce further and use as a spread.
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Zesty vinegar touch – Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
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Savory version – Stir in a pinch of salt and fresh thyme for a savory touch.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing:
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating:
Serve cold, at room temperature, or gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well. No need to thaw them beforehand.
What sweetener works best?
Maple syrup adds great depth, but granulated sugar gives the most classic flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well and actually tastes better after sitting for a day or two.
How can I make a smoother sauce?
Blend it after cooling, or press through a fine mesh sieve.
What do I serve this with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, grain bowls, grilled vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just increase the ingredients proportionally and use a larger saucepan.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of honey.
Why is my sauce too tart?
You can add more sweetener at the end to taste if it’s too tart for your liking.
Can I use juice instead of water?
Orange juice works wonderfully and enhances the fruit flavor.
How thick should it be?
It will thicken as it cools. If it’s too runny, simmer longer; if too thick, stir in a splash of water or juice.
Conclusion
This easy cranberry sauce delivers fresh, bold flavor in just 20 minutes. Whether you're serving it with a savory main, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a topping for bowls and roasted vegetables, it’s a simple way to add color and brightness to your meal. Once you taste homemade, you won’t want to go back to store-bought.
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Easy Cranberry Sauce
This Easy Cranberry Sauce is a classic
side dish made with just 3 ingredients. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, it's a perfect blend of tart and sweet flavors that pairs beautifully with savory dishes like turkey.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 2 cups)
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar, or ¾ cup honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar (plus more to taste)
- ¾ cup filtered water
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar (or liquid sweetener) and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add cranberries and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Taste and add more sweetener if needed. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Sweetener Tip: If using a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or honey, you can add all ingredients to the pot at once before boiling.
- Optional Add-ins (add at start of cooking):
- 2 strips lemon zest + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 strips orange zest + ¼ cup orange juice (for cranberry orange sauce)
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ cinnamon stick
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ cup)
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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