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Simple Fresh Cranberry Sauce

This 5-ingredient cranberry sauce combines fresh cranberries with orange juice and brown sugar, cooking down to the perfect consistency in just 20 minutes.

Featured in Kitchen Flavor Boosters.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:37:22 GMT
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A bowl of cranberry sauce topped with fresh cranberries and a piece of cornbread, accompanied by whole oranges in the background. Pin it
A bowl of cranberry sauce topped with fresh cranberries and a piece of cornbread, accompanied by whole oranges in the background. | quickierecipe.com

Let me share my foolproof 5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce that's become a holiday tradition in my kitchen! After years of experimenting I've found that simple really is better. The fresh orange juice and brown sugar create this incredible balance that makes canned sauce pale in comparison. And the best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Sauce

I love how this recipe takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor! Every time I make it guests ask for the recipe amazed that it only needs five ingredients. That hint of vanilla was a happy accident one year and now I wouldn't make it any other way. Plus being able to make it ahead is such a lifesaver during holiday prep!

Ingredients for the Perfect Cranberry Sauce

  • Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Either works beautifully just avoid the dried ones.
  • Water: Just enough to help those berries cook down perfectly.
  • Fresh Orange Juice: Please squeeze your own it makes such a difference!
  • Brown Sugar: Adds such lovely warmth to balance the tartness.
  • Vanilla Extract: My secret ingredient that makes this sauce special.
  • Orange Zest: That fresh citrus brightness takes it over the top.

Let's Make It Together

Getting Started
I always set aside some cranberries for texture and zest my orange first it makes everything flow better!
The Main Event
Watch the magic happen as those cranberries start to pop and that sauce begins to thicken. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Final Touches
Adding that zest and vanilla at the end keeps their flavors bright and fresh.
Ready to Serve
Let it cool completely the sauce will continue to thicken as it chills.

My Best Tips

  • Watch That Heat: Keep an eye on it overcooked sauce gets too thin.
  • Timing Matters: Add zest after cooking it keeps the flavor bright.
  • Make It Your Own: Adjust the sugar until it's just right for you.
  • Batch Cooking: Double up it freezes beautifully!

Ways to Enjoy

This sauce goes way beyond the holiday table! I love it swirled into morning yogurt spread on turkey sandwiches or dolloped on warm brie. Sometimes I'll even use it as a fancy appetizer topping for crostini it's always a hit!

Keep It Fresh

Your sauce will stay perfect in the fridge for about 5 days. Need it to last longer? Pop it in the freezer it keeps for months! Just remember to give it a good stir after thawing to bring back that lovely texture.

A plate featuring a bowl of cranberry sauce with whole cranberries, two pieces of cornbread, and a sliced orange. Pin it
A plate featuring a bowl of cranberry sauce with whole cranberries, two pieces of cornbread, and a sliced orange. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
→ Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well. No need to fully thaw frozen ones before using.
→ How sweet is this sauce?
The recipe uses a moderate amount of sugar. You can increase to 1 cup if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
→ Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
→ Why reserve some cranberries?
Adding some uncooked cranberries at the end provides extra texture to the finished sauce.

Easy Cranberry Sauce

A quick homemade cranberry sauce with fresh orange and vanilla. Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 12 ounce bag cranberries, rinsed.
02 3/4 cup (150g) water.
03 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice.
04 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar.
05 1 teaspoon orange zest.
06 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Zest orange first, then juice half of it to get 1/4 cup juice.

Step 02

Set aside 1/2 cup cranberries to add at the end for texture.

Step 03

Combine remaining cranberries, water, juice, and sugar in saucepan over medium heat until simmering.

Step 04

Reduce heat and cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and cranberries burst.

Step 05

Remove from heat, stir in reserved cranberries, zest, and vanilla. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

Notes

  1. Can be made 3 days ahead.
  2. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  3. Can use fresh or frozen cranberries.
  4. Keeps in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Zester.
  • Citrus juicer.
  • Saucepan.
  • Wooden spoon.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: ~