I’ve always believed that homemade versions of traditional recipes taste better than store-bought ones. Cranberry sauce is a prime example of this. While I used to enjoy the canned cranberry sauce we had on Thanksgiving when I was younger, once I tried making cranberry sauce from scratch, I was hooked.
Now, I have an entire list of healthy Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes. These reinvented recipes feature whole food ingredients, require little prep, and contain much less sugar. You won’t even miss the canned version!
The Best Cranberry Sauce (Naturally Sweetened)
Most homemade cranberry sauce recipes call for a lot of sugar, to the point where I would classify cranberry sauce as a dessert rather than a Thanksgiving side dish!
For those unfamiliar, plain cranberries are quite tart. I was unsure if it would be possible to reduce the amount of white sugar and still have a flavorful sauce. However, unrefined natural sweeteners like honey and tasty applesauce fill in the gaps.
This recipe still contains more natural sugars than we typically consume, but it’s a much healthier option than those made with refined sugar. It’s a delicious treat for Thanksgiving dinner.
How to Make an Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Simply combine the ingredients and cook until thick. It’s really that simple! I add the orange zest later in the recipe to preserve the flavorful volatile oils. Many sauces use thickeners like cornstarch or flour, but fresh cranberries contain natural pectin that breaks down as they cook.
The juice and applesauce provide natural sweetness, eliminating the need for brown sugar or other unhealthy sweeteners. I prefer the recipe as is, but you could also add a cinnamon stick or two for extra flavor.
Homemade cranberry sauce is a perfect make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day or two before the big day and store it in the fridge. I love making holiday meals easier while still keeping them healthy! Plus, if you make a large batch and have leftovers, there are plenty of tasty ways to use them (see below the recipe for ideas).
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, be sure to check out my healthier versions of green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, butternut squash soup, and root vegetable stuffing.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
A homemade alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce with delicious hints of pineapple and orange to complement the flavor!
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Put cranberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce to medium heat and stir constantly until the cranberries start to explode (about 10-15 minutes).
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Reduce to a simmer and add the fresh orange juice and orange zest to the cranberry mixture.
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Simmer for another 10-15 minutes and remove from heat.
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Let sauce cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)
Calories 86
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.15g0%
Saturated Fat 0.01g0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g
Sodium 3mg0%
Potassium 139mg4%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 93IU2%
Vitamin C 23mg28%
Calcium 17mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- This is not as sweet as store-bought versions! Taste at the end of cooking. It’s naturally sweet from the fruit juice and applesauce but you can add more honey or stevia to taste if needed.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce
You may not have any fresh cranberry sauce left after eating it with the Thanksgiving turkey. In case you do though, here are some ways to repurpose the leftovers.
Do you eat cranberry sauce? What foods do you always have at Thanksgiving? Share below!
