Homemade Fresh Cranberry Sauce

fresh cranberry sauce recipe thanksgiving christmas

3.67 from 3 votes

Simple, sweet, and pure—this cranberry sauce highlights the fresh tartness of cranberries, balanced with just enough sugar to create a deliciously tart-sweet combo. No orange peel or fancy spices needed—just a few easy ingredients for a flavor-packed sauce your guests will love. So easy, you’ll be making this every holiday season (and probably beyond).

Prep Time2

Cook Time5

Chill Time (optional)1 30

Total Time1 37

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 120kcal

Cost: $3-$5

Equipment

Small saucepan
Spoon for stirring and skimming foam

Ingredients

1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries
½ cup white granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar light or dark, tightly packed
1 cup water

Instructions

Combine the ingredients. Add cranberries, white sugar, brown sugar, and water to a small saucepan.
Cook the sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries start popping—that’s when you know things are getting good!
Remove the foam. As the sauce cooks, foam will form on top. Spoon it off and discard it—this helps your sauce stay smooth and glossy.
Serve. Once the cranberries have popped and the sauce thickens to your liking, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy it hot or let it chill for a refreshing, cold version.

Notes

Make-ahead option: This cranberry sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week, making it perfect for meal prep. Just pop it in a jar and keep it on hand for a quick addition to your meals.
Customization: Feel free to adjust the sugar level to your taste—if you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar. You can also try using honey or maple syrup in place of some or all of the sugar for a different flavor twist.
Dietary tip: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions.

Nutrition