Cranberry Sauce is the essential sweet-tart addition to any holiday meal, and this version is fresh, vibrant, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Forget the canned jelly — this homemade cranberry sauce uses just five ingredients, comes together in under 20 minutes, and features bright orange zest and warm maple flavor. Whether you’re serving turkey, spooning it over yogurt, or spreading it on a sandwich, this simple side will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 5 ingredients – Simple, real-food pantry staples
- Naturally sweetened – Uses maple syrup instead of refined sugar
- Quick cook time – Done in 15–20 minutes
- Customizable – Add apples, pears, or spices if you like
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for prepping days (or weeks!) in advance
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, maple syrup, water, orange zest, and salt. - Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. - Cook down
Once cranberries begin to burst, reduce heat to low. Continue cooking 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
Tip: It will thicken more as it cools, so stop just shy of your ideal consistency. - Cool and serve
Remove from heat. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Servings: 8
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 90
- Carbs: 24g
- Sugar: 17g (naturally from cranberries & maple)
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 0g
Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: Can be made 3 days in advance and refrigerated
- Freeze for later: Freeze for up to 3 months — just leave 1 inch of space in the container
- Boost the orange: Sub orange juice for the water for more citrus zing
- Add fruit: Stir in diced apples or pears at the start for extra texture
- Spice it up: Add cinnamon stick, star anise, or fresh ginger while simmering
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely. No need to thaw them — just cook a few minutes longer.
Can I reduce the sugar even more?
Yes, but cranberries are very tart. Reduce maple to ⅓ cup or add fruit for balance.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
What can I serve it with besides turkey?
Great on toast, yogurt, oatmeal, cheese boards, or stirred into salad dressings!
Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- – Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- – Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- – 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- – ½ cup maple syrup
- – ¼ cup water
- – 1 tsp orange zest
- – Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, maple syrup, water, orange zest, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often.
- Once cranberries burst, reduce heat and cook 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool — sauce will thicken more as it cools.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
– Add a cinnamon stick or diced apple for variation
– Can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months
Conclusion
This Cranberry Sauce is proof that a simple side can elevate your whole plate. With its bright, tangy flavor and smooth texture, it’s more than a holiday classic — it’s a recipe worth making again and again. Quick, clean, and endlessly versatile, this cranberry sauce deserves a permanent place in your fall and winter kitchen.