Easy Cranberry Sauce

Perfect for holiday feasts or an everyday sweet-and-tangy treat, this Easy Cranberry Sauce recipe is a must-try! Made with just five simple ingredients—fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, water, and a hint of orange zest—this sauce comes together in just 20 minutes with minimal effort. The optional addition of a cinnamon stick adds warm, spiced undertones, elevating its flavor profile. As the cranberries bubble and burst, they create a thick, vibrant sauce that balances tartness and sweetness beautifully. Serve it chilled or warm alongside turkey, ham, or any festive centerpiece. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you crave a fresh, homemade twist to traditional cranberry sauce, this quick and easy recipe is a kitchen staple you'll make again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups orange juice
• 0.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon zest of an orange
• 1 piece cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any that are soft or bruised.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, and sugar. Set over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3

Add the cranberries, orange zest, and optional cinnamon stick to the saucepan.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5

Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Remove the cinnamon stick (if used) and taste the sauce. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.

Step 7

Let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will thicken further as it cools.

Step 8

Transfer to a serving dish or airtight container. Serve chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed, depending on your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	737.8 grams (737.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	793

Total Fat 0.80g	1%
Saturated Fat 0.00g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 11mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.30g	75%
Dietary Fiber 14.10g	50%
Total Sugars 174.80g
Protein 2.50g	5%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 73mg	6%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 512mg	11%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.9%

Protein: 1.2%

Carbs: 98.0%