This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is easy to make in one pot with cranberries, fresh citrus, cinnamon and nutmeg. Takes just 15 minutes to make in one pot. Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and perfect for Thanksgiving or your next Christmas holiday gathering. Gluten-free, vegan and paleo-friendly.
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Updated November 2021
Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without a juicy roasted turkey and some homemade cranberry sauce at the dinner table. Did you know that fresh cranberry sauce is so simple to make and tastes way better than the jellied stuff in the can. This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a holiday favorite and super easy to make in one pot in just 15 minutes!
All you need is some fresh cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice and cozy cinnamon.
My kids are crazy about cranberry sauce and we always rotate between this apple cranberry sauce and slow cooker cranberry sauce every year for the holidays.
Why we love this healthy cranberry sauce recipe
This fresh cranberry sauce recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep time and is just as convenient as the store-bought stuff!
Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients and nobody will be able to tell that it’s healthier, paleo, vegan, gluten free.
Ingredients you need
This gluten free cranberry sauce is super simple to make and only requires 6 ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen pantry:
- Cranberries : We like to use fresh cranberries but frozen cranberries works as well. You may need to adjust the cooking time since there will be extra water.
- Pure maple syrup: Instead of granulated sugar, we are using maple syrup to keep this recipe refined-sugar free and paleo-friendly. You can also use coconut sugar, granulated maple sugar or preferred liquid sweetener of your choice. Honey (not vegan), organic agave, Yacon syrup or Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup to make this low carb.
- Coconut sugar: To add a hint of caramelized flavor. You can sub with brown sugar or your favorite brown sugar substitute.
- Orange juice and orange zest: For brightness and flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: For the best flavor.
- Water: as needed until desired consistency
How to make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Add ingredients to a pot: Combine cranberries, orange juice & zest, maple syrup and cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until berries pop and sauce thickens. Add water, as needed until desired consistency.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely. Serve at room temperature or refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days ahead.
Can homemade cranberry sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this paleo cranberry sauce up to 5 days in advance. Pour the cranberry sauce into a glass-container and seal with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can cranberry sauce be frozen?
To freeze vegan cranberry sauce, simply transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to reheat cranberry sauce
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a saucepan over low heat.
Fresh Cranberry sauce variations
Spices: Add some cozy warm spices such as nutmeg, cloves or add some fresh cinnamon sticks.
Sweetener: Not a fan of maple syrup? Use coconut sugar, honey (if not vegan) or leave it out entirely for a Whole30 cranberry sauce.
Lemon juice: Not a fan of orange? Use Meyer lemons or regular lemons for some extra brightness.
How to use up leftover cranberry sauce:
Looking for ways to use up your leftover cranberry sauce? Serve with some meatballs, turkey sandwich or use it in my Cranberry Shortbread Bars.
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This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is easy to make in one pot with cranberries, fresh citrus, cinnamon and nutmeg. Takes just 15 minutes to make in one pot. Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and perfect for Thanksgiving or your next Christmas holiday gathering. Gluten-free, vegan and paleo-friendly.
- 4 cups fresh cranberries (about 12 ounces) , rinsed. Frozen cranberries work too but you may need to adjust the cooking time, amount of water and amount of sweetener used.
- 1/2 cup water , as needed to desired consistency
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar , you can also sub with brown sugar or preferred brown sugar substitute
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup , you can also sub with preferred liquid sticky sweetener of choice. Honey (if not vegan), organic agave, Yacon syrup or Lakanto maple syrup for low carb / lower sugar.
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
In a medium saucepan combine cranberries, water, orange juice, coconut sugar, maple syrup, orange zest and cinnamon.
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Let the mixture cook and simmer for 10-13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has reduced slightly. Taste and add more sweetener, as desired.
Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes then transfer to a bowl to cool completely. Serve or store (covered with a lid or plastic wrap), in the refrigerator until ready. Bring to room temperature before serving.
How to make ahead:
You can make this cranberry sauce up to 5 days in advance. Pour the cranberry sauce into a glass-container and seal with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to freeze:
To freeze fresh cranberry sauce, simply transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to reheat
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a saucepan over low heat.
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