1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cranberry-Orange Sauce

Cranberry-Orange Sauce

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Started making this cranberry sauce last year and never looked back at the canned stuff. Fresh cranberries with orange and cinnamon smell like the holidays while cooking. Made it for our big family dinner and even the picky eaters loved it. Can make it ahead which is super helpful. Been making extra cause everyone wants to take some home. Amazing on morning toast or with cheese and crackers. Really simple to make too just throw it all in a pot. Perfect mix of sweet and tart that goes with everything.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:55:12 GMT
A glass dish of cranberry sauce garnished with orange zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries, a cinnamon stick, and a slice of orange. Pin it
A glass dish of cranberry sauce garnished with orange zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries, a cinnamon stick, and a slice of orange. | lastminrecipes.com

Easy Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce

This cranberry orange sauce brings bright holiday flavors right to your table. The combination of fresh tart cranberries sweet orange and warm spices creates something so much better than anything from a can. I love how it comes together in under 30 minutes making holiday prep that much easier.

Why This Cranberry Orange Sauce Shines

Once you try this homemade version you'll never go back to store-bought. The fresh cranberries balance perfectly with sweet sugar and that wonderful orange zest. Making it ahead takes one more thing off your busy holiday morning list plus the flavors get even better overnight.

What You'll Need

  • Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully.
  • Pure cane sugar: Balances that cranberry tartness.
  • Orange juice: Fresh squeezed makes such a difference.
  • Water: Just enough to make things perfect.
  • Orange zest: Adds amazing citrus flavor.
  • Cinnamon: For that touch of warmth.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start Your Sauce
Get that sugar orange juice and water bubbling away.
Add Those Berries
Watch as your cranberries pop and create something wonderful.
Final Touches
Stir in your zest and cinnamon let everything come together.
Time to Rest
Let it cool then chill until it's perfectly thick.

Make It Your Own

Try adding some fresh raspberries or a splash of vanilla for something special. Add more water if you like it thinner or let it cook longer for extra thickness. It's amazing with turkey but don't forget to try it on cheesecake or breakfast treats too.

Keep It Fresh

Your cranberry orange sauce will stay perfect in the fridge for a week getting even better with time. Want to make it way ahead? It freezes beautifully for up to two months just thaw it overnight when you need it.

A glass of red cranberry sauce topped with an orange slice and zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange halves. Pin it
A glass of red cranberry sauce topped with an orange slice and zest, surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange halves. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen work just as well as fresh. No need to thaw first.

→ How long does this keep?

Keeps well in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

→ Why do you need to let cranberries burst?

Bursting releases natural pectin that helps the sauce thicken properly.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it's perfect for making 2-3 days before serving.

→ Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce slightly, but remember cranberries are very tart and need some sweetness.

Cranberry-Orange Sauce

A fresh twist on traditional cranberry sauce, combining tart cranberries with bright orange and warm cinnamon for the perfect holiday side.

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

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 cups)

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

Ingredients

01 1 cup pure cane or granulated sugar.
02 1/2 cup water.
03 1/2 cup fresh orange juice.
04 4 cups (12 oz) cranberries.
05 1 tablespoon orange zest.
06 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil sugar, water, and orange juice.

Step 02

Add cranberries and boil for 2 minutes.

Step 03

Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Add orange zest and ground cinnamon.

Step 05

Simmer for 2 additional minutes.

Step 06

Cool at room temperature.

Step 07

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Notes

  1. Fresh or frozen berries work.
  2. You can add fresh raspberries if desired.
  3. Keeps for 2 weeks when refrigerated.
  4. Make up to 3 days ahead of time.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large saucepan.
  • Whisk.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 510
  • Total Fat: 1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 132 g
  • Protein: 1 g