Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2024)

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Tart, fresh cranberries combine with sugar, orange juice and a splash of Grand Marnier to create an incredibly delicious and unbelievably easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (1)

Table of Contents

  • MY FAVORITE CRANBERRY SAUCE
  • HOW TO MAKE MY EASY CRANBERRY SAUCE
  • CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE?
  • WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Homemade Cranberry Sauce is one of those holiday recipes that I pretty much make just for me.

I love the stuff and will happily eat it for days after Thanksgiving with buttered Parker House Rolls or toast, as a topping for Greek yogurt or ice cream and even as sandwich spread with leftover turkey and ham.

I think people will forever equate cranberry sauce with the jiggly stuff that slides out of an aluminum can and they just don’t know what they’re missing when it comes to homemade cranberry sauce. But that’s totally okay because it means more for me!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2)

MY FAVORITE CRANBERRY SAUCE

I have a confession to make: I’m a self-proclaimed turker disliker.

Not a hater, just a disliker. No matter how it’s cooked – fried, brined, roasted, smoked – it’s just not my fave. I’m a side dish girl through and through. I’d rather dig into the Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Corn Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Garlic and Herb Parker House Rolls.

But I’ll definitely dabble with the bird if it’s slathered in a bit of Homemade Cranberry Sauce.

Now, I know it’s ridiculously easy to pop open a can of store-bought cranberry sauce and jiggle it out onto a pretty, festive plate. But trust me, Homemade Cranberry Sauce is almost as easy. I promise.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (3)

The other promise I can make is that it’ll be about 10x more delicious than the canned stuff.

Since cranberries and orange go together like peas and carrots (don’t believe me? Try my Cranberry Orange Bread), I had to bring some orange flavors into my cranberry sauce recipe. Cue the orange juice and some Grand Marnier.

The result is tart, fresh cranberries cooked with brown and white sugars, freshly squeezed orange juice, a touch of spice and just a hint of Grand Marnier. The flavors blend together to create a bright spot on your Thanksgiving plate that both teases the palate and provides a little freshness from all the heavy, gravy-laden sides.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (4)

HOW TO MAKE MY EASY CRANBERRY SAUCE

I promised you easy. Here’s where I deliver.

Want to know how to make this cranberry sauce?

  • Add all of the ingredients except the Grand Marnier to a saucepan.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes or until the cranberries start to pop.
  • Remove from the heat, add the Grand Marnier, and let cool before serving or refrigerating for later use.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (5)

Yeah, that’s it!

The sauce will seem a bit thin when you first remove it from the heat, but it’ll thicken as it cools. That’s because cranberries contain a lot of pectin (the stuff that makes jams and jellies nice and thick) that gets released when they’re cooked.

If you prefer your cranberry sauce warm or at room temperature, whip this up a bit before you sit down to dinner. If you like it cold, make it a day or two before and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge until Thanksgiving dinner.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (6)

CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE?

Cranberry sauce is one of those sides that freezes wonderfully.

If you want to be super on top of your turkey-day prep, make this a week or two ahead of time and pop it in the freezer in an airtight container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

You can also freeze any leftover cranberry sauce, although there are lots of fun ways to use leftover cranberry sauce!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (7)

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE

So you have some leftovers on your hands, huh?

Not to worry, I’ve got plenty of ideas for using up some of those leftover cranberries.

Of course, I am always a fan of slathering some of the leftover sauce on a turkey sandwich with a little bit of mayo. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it – it’s amazing!

My Cranberry Fluff is also a great way to use any leftover cranberry sauce. If you’re over sweets just after Thanksgiving, tuck some sauce away in your freezer to make mid-winter when you’re craving some tart cranberries in a sweet, fluffy dessert.

You could even try using some in place of jam in these Leftover Cranberry Sauce Bars (similar to my Apple Pie Bars).

And for some super simple appetizers or snacks, you have to try Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip and Cranberry Brie Bites!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (8)

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

4.36 from 79 votes

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (9)

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Tart, fresh cranberries combine with sugar, orange juice and a splash of Grand Marnier to create an incredibly delicious homemade cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • cup water
  • cup orange juice
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1-2 tablespoons Grand Marnier optional

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients except for the Grand Marnier. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cranberries start to pop (about 10 minutes).

  • Remove from heat, stir in Grand Marnier and place sauce in a bowl. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 59mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 37IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2024)

FAQs

How long is homemade cranberry sauce safe to eat? ›

Homemade cranberry sauce will last in the fridge for 10 to 14 days. Canned cranberry sauce that has been opened will last up to a week in the fridge. We hear you: After a long day of cooking, hosting, and celebrating, something's bound to get overlooked.

What's healthier homemade or store bought cranberry sauce? ›

Nutritional Facts Face-Off

The homemade cranberry sauce has nearly half the calories, carbohydrates, and sugars compared to the store brand. It also has more fiber as well as potassium!

How do you take the bitterness out of homemade cranberry sauce? ›

"Instead, start by stirring in one tablespoon maple syrup and one teaspoon of a sweet drink like apple juice, orange juice, or fruity white or red wine. Add more to taste. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt (in small amounts, it intensifies sweetness)."

What does eating cranberry sauce do for you? ›

Packed with antioxidants

The anthocyanins found in cranberries may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. They may also: Protect against liver disease. Lower blood pressure.

Can you eat too much cranberry sauce? ›

Cranberries and cranberry products are usually safe for most people if consumed in moderation. However, excessive consumption may cause stomach upset and diarrhea — and may also increase the risk of kidney stones in predisposed individuals.

Can I freeze homemade cranberry sauce? ›

Yes, you can freeze homemade cranberry sauce—and it works well. It's best to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months; the taste may be affected due to its water content if frozen longer. Keep this in mind when putting away your leftover sauce and use it during this optimal period as part of an easy weeknight dinner.

Why is canned cranberry sauce better than homemade? ›

I love the texture, shape, ridges, and dependability of the cranberry sauce that comes from a can. Each year, no matter what happens or may go wrong, I know the cranberry sauce will taste exactly as it has for as long as I can remember.

Is cranberry sauce full of sugar? ›

They indicate that there are 24 grams of sugars in every ¼-cup serving of cranberry sauce from the can.

Why is cranberry sauce so expensive? ›

But that's not the case for prepared cranberry sauces, where prices are up. Lochner pointed out that processors set those prices, not growers, and that there are higher input costs unrelated to berries — like “processing the fruit and getting it to market.” Ocean Spray isn't immune either.

How to jazz up cranberry sauce? ›

Adding a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or orange zest, a tablespoon of chopped candied peel, or even a splash of juice to your canned sauce will brighten flavors and bring in some homemade flavor.

How do you tame tartness in cranberry sauce? ›

While you won't taste it, salt helps equalize the sweet-tart flavor of your cranberry sauce while making it a better pairing for the rest of your savory sides and, of course, the turkey.

Why does my cranberry sauce have a bitter aftertaste? ›

Dear Evelyn: I had the same problem when I first started making my own cranberry sauce. I found out that you should cook them just until they pop. Further cooking will make them bitter, and once that happens, you need to start again.

Is cranberry sauce good for your bowels? ›

The secret sauce for regularity

When added to a diet rich in fiber, cranberry sauce can help relieve constipation.

Are cranberries healthier than blueberries? ›

The cranberry is also a contender when it comes to antioxidant content. While wild blueberries outperform them when it comes to measuring both antioxidant capacity and cellular antioxidant activity, cranberries pack their own health punch.

Is cranberry sauce good for blood pressure? ›

According to a recent study, regularly consuming cranberry or cranberry juice reduces high blood pressure and improves blood circulation.

How long does Ocean Spray Cranberry sauce last in the fridge? ›

In general, after they are opened, our juices and sauces may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. For best quality and taste, use the product before the date stamped on it.

How long do fresh cranberries stay in the refrigerator? ›

Fresh cranberries are usually good stored in the refrigerator for two weeks. If kept longer, you will find a gradual deterioration of quality with more soft or bruised berries. Berries can be stored in the original packaging in the refrigerator crisper for up to four weeks.

How do you store fresh cranberry sauce? ›

Transfer sauce to a serving bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Make-Ahead/Freezing Instructions: Cranberry sauce will keep for 10 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to two months.

How long does cranberry sauce last in a sealed jar? ›

Pour into a sterilised Kilner® jar and process your Jars. Check out our How To Guides to see how to sterilise and process your Kilner Jars®. Keeps for 6 months in a cool, dark cupboard. Once opened, refrigerate and use within three months.

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