I’ve always thought homemade versions of classic recipes taste much better than store-bought versions. Cranberry sauce is a perfect example of this. Although I loved the canned cranberry sauce we always ate on Thanksgiving when I was young, after I tried making cranberry sauce from scratch one year I was hooked.
Now I have a whole list of healthy Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes. These re-invented new recipes feature whole food ingredients, little prep, and much less sugar. You won’t even miss the canned stuff!
The Best Cranberry Sauce (Naturally Sweetened)
Most homemade cranberry sauce recipes call for a lot of sugar… enough that I’d classify cranberry sauce as a dessert and not a Thanksgiving side dish!
For those who haven’t tried them, plain cranberries are very tart. I wasn’t sure how much it would be possible to reduce the white sugar and still have an enjoyable sauce. I shouldn’t have worried, because unrefined natural sweeteners (honey) and delicious applesauce fill in the gaps.
This recipe still has more natural sugars than we normally eat. However, it’s a much healthier option than the ones with refined sugar and is a delicious treat for Thanksgiving dinner.
How to Make an Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Simply dump the ingredients together and cook until thick. It really is that simple! I add the orange zest later on in the recipe so the flavorful volatile oils don’t degrade too much. Many sauces call for thickeners like cornstarch or flour. However, fresh cranberries contain natural pectin that breaks down as they cook.
The juice and applesauce add a natural sweetness so you don’t need brown sugar or other unhealthy sweeteners. I like the recipe as is, but you could also add a cinnamon stick or two for more flavor.
Homemade cranberry sauce makes the perfect make-ahead dish too. Make it a day or two before the big day and store it in the fridge. I’m all for easier (but still healthy!) holiday meals. And if you make a big 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, also check out my healthy versions of green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, butternut squash soup, and root vegetable stuffing.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Servings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 24 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup pineapple juice (or orange juice)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 3 TBSP honey (or to taste optional)
Instructions
- Put cranberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce to medium heat and stir constantly until the cranberries start to explode (about 10-15 minutes).
- Reduce to a simmer and add the fresh orange juice and orange zest to the cranberry mixture.
- Simmer for another 10-15 minutes and remove from heat.
- Let sauce cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- 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.
Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!
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.
- Use as a topping for vanilla cheesecake
- Use as a condiment on turkey sandwiches (made with leftover turkey!)
- Top cooked brie with cranberry sauce as part of a charcuterie board
- Mix with chopped pecans and use it as an ice cream topping
- Use it for waffles or pancakes instead of maple syrup
Do you eat cranberry sauce? What foods do you always have at Thanksgiving? Share below!
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