This homemade cranberry sauce is fresh, bright, and perfectly sweet-tart. I make it with whole cranberries, orange juice, white sugar, and brown sugar for a classic holiday side that thickens beautifully as it chills.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
⅔ cup sugar
⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
⅓ cup water
⅔ cup orange juice
12 oz cranberries, rinsed and picked through
Directions
I combine the sugar, brown sugar, water, and orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. I stir occasionally until the sugars dissolve, then I bring the mixture to a boil.
Then I add the cranberries and let the mixture return to a boil.
I reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most or all of the berries have burst and the sauce has slightly reduced.
Next I transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
I cover and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving so the sauce can thicken and set.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Calories: 159 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes add a little orange zest for extra citrus flavor. For a warmer holiday taste, I like adding a pinch of cinnamon or a small splash of vanilla. I can also make it slightly less sweet by reducing the sugar a little, depending on how tart I want the sauce to be.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I usually serve it chilled, but I can also let it sit at room temperature before serving.
To reheat it, I warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. If it gets too thick, I add a small splash of water or orange juice.
FAQs
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I like making it a day or two ahead because it thickens more as it chills.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, I can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. I may need to cook the sauce for a few extra minutes.
Why is my cranberry sauce runny?
It may need more chilling time. I let it cool and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours so it can set.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, I can reduce the sugar slightly, but the sauce will taste more tart.
Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Yes, I freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This homemade cranberry sauce is a simple, flavorful holiday recipe that I love making from scratch. It has the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavor, and it pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving or Christmas meals.
📖 Recipe:
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade cranberry sauce is fresh, bright, and perfectly sweet-tart with a hint of citrus. It thickens beautifully as it chills, making it a classic holiday side.
Ingredients
⅔ cup sugar
⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
⅓ cup water
⅔ cup orange juice
12 oz cranberries, rinsed and picked through
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, brown sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir occasionally until the sugars dissolve and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cranberries and return the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most or all of the berries have burst and the sauce has slightly reduced.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set.
Notes
Add orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
For a warm holiday taste, include a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla.
Reduce sugar slightly for a more tart sauce.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature before serving.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice if too thick.
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 159 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
