Healthy Cranberry Sauce (with Maple Syrup)
This healthy cranberry sauce with maple syrup is naturally sweetened and made with fresh orange juice and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy homemade cranberry sauce is bursting with sweet and tart flavors and comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice about 1 large orange
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp fresh orange zest for extra citrus flavor. optional
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients. Add the fresh or frozen cranberries, fresh orange juice, and maple syrup to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil. Heat the cranberry mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to bubble.
- Simmer. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll hear the cranberries pop as they soften and release their juices.
- Mash and thicken. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cranberries until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the finishing flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and optional orange zest or nutmeg.
- Cool and serve. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. You can serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
Notes
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Use fresh orange juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives the cranberry sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor than store-bought juice.
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Adjust the sweetness: Cranberries are naturally tart. For a sweeter sauce, add an additional 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup to taste.
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Don't overcook: Simmer just until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce begins to thicken, about 15 minutes.
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Let it cool: Cranberry sauce thickens considerably as it cools thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries.
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Make it ahead: Prepare your cranberry sauce 2–3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop beautifully as it sits.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!