Go Back
Homemade cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries and orange zest in white bowl, perfect apple pie recipe accompaniment

Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This easiest cranberry sauce ever comes together in just 20 minutes with fresh cranberries, sugar, and citrus for the perfect balance of tart and sweet. A vibrant, homemade holiday side dish that tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 ½ cups (10 servings)
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 cinnamon stick optional
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, dissolve sugar in water to create a simple syrup.
  2. Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a rolling boil until cranberries begin to pop.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens.
  5. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick, and allow to cool. Sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

For natural sweetness, substitute half the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Sauce thickens naturally as it cools—avoid adding cornstarch. Can be made up to a week in advance, and flavors improve over time.