Homemade is SO much better and this healthy cranberry sauce is incredibly easy to make. It only takes 15 minutes from start to finish and it will be your new favorite this Thanksgiving!
This healthy cranberry sauce tastes amazing and it will complete your holiday meal so if you’re not in charge of the turkey this year, I still suggest you make this cranberry sauce.
Healthy cranberry sauce vs. classic cranberry sauce
When I first learned how to cook, I always thought semi-homemade is good enough for cooking. However, as I learn how to cook properly, I am more aware of some unhealthy ingredients.
Canned cranberry sauce or a store-bought sauce is basically loaded with sugar, corn syrup (sometimes normal and high fructose), and a preservative. So, I tend to stay away from it as much as possible and make a homemade cranberry sauce.
However, if you’re watching your sugar intake carefully, this healthy version is naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar and it still provides the same texture similar to conventional cranberry sauce.
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Ingredients for healthy cranberry sauce
Like this homemade cranberry sauce, I like to keep the ingredients short and sweet. So, you will need:
- Cranberries. Fresh cranberries work best; however, frozen cranberries work, too
- Orange juice to thin the sauce and add flavors
- Honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness
- Optional: vanilla extract, orange zest, pineapple
How to make healthy cranberry sauce
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and maple syrup in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use a fork or potato masher to pop the remainder of the cranberries.
Make ahead
What I like about this recipe is you can make it ahead of time and it gets better. So, make this 2 or 3 days before you’re about to serve it and store it in the fridge in an air-tight container or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What pairs well with cranberry sauce
I like serving cranberry sauce with yogurt, ice cream, overnight chia pudding, and oatmeal. And not to mention leftover turkey grilled cheese sandwich.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to canned, classic, or healthy cranberry sauce; and only very strong opinions. Which one do you choose?
Healthy Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and maple syrup in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 5 to 10 minutes
- Use a fork or potato masher to pop the remainder of the cranberries
Cindy says
Super tasty and I live how wholesome it is too!
Lynn Polito says
One of the best cranberry sauces ive tried!!
Jennifer says
I love this recipe and won’t make any other now! SO easy, too!
Mandy Applegate says
I’m going to make this cranberry sauce, it looks so much better than store bought!
Sherry Ronning says
This is my dad’s new favorite Thanksgiving treat!! He loves cranberry sauce and it is a must have on our holiday table.
laura says
SO much flavor in this cranberry sauce!