I always wondered. Domestic versions Classic recipes taste better than store-bought versions. Cranberry sauce is a good example of this. Although I always loved canned cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving when I was young, I was hooked after one year of trying to make cranberry sauce from scratch.
Now the full list of healthy Christmas and Thanksgiving recipe. These reinvented new recipes feature whole food ingredients, less prep and far less sugar. You won’t even miss the packed stuff!
The Best Cranberry Sauce (Naturally Sweet)
Most homemade cranberry sauce recipes call for lots of sugar…enough is enough for me to make cranberry sauce as a dessert, not a Thanksgiving side dish!
For those who haven’t tried them, plain cranberries are pretty darn good. I wasn’t sure how much it was possible to reduce the white sugar and still get a delicious sauce. I didn’t have to worry, because unrefined natural sweeteners (honey) and sweet apples filled the gaps.
This recipe still has more natural sugar than we normally eat. However, it is a healthier alternative and a tastier food than those chosen with refined sugar Thanksgiving dinner.
How to make an easy cranberry sauce recipe
Simply throw the ingredients together and cook until thick. It really is that simple! I add the orange flavor later so that the flavoring volatile oils don’t reduce too much. Many soups call for thickeners such as cornstarch or flour. However, fresh cranberries contain natural pectin that breaks down during cooking.
You don’t need brown sugar or other unhealthy sweeteners because the juice and applesauce add a natural sweetness. I like the recipe as is, but you can also add a cinnamon stick or two for extra flavor.
Homemade cranberry sauce also makes a perfect make-ahead meal. Make it a day or two before the big day and keep it in the fridge. I’m all for easy (but still healthy!) holiday meals. And if you make a big batch and have leftovers, there are tons of delicious ways to use them up (see recipe ideas below).
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, check out my healthy versions, too Bowl of green beans, Sweet Potato Casserole, butternut squash soupAnd Root vegetable filling.
Cranberry sauce recipe
A homemade alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce with sweet hints of pineapple and orange to complement the flavor!
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Place the cranberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce the heat to medium and stir constantly until the cranberries begin to dissolve (10-15 minutes).
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Reduce the heat and add fresh orange juice and orange zest to the cranberry mixture.
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Cook for another 10-15 minutes and remove from heat.
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Let the soup cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight before serving.
Nutrition facts
Cranberry sauce recipe
Per serving size (0.5 cup)
Calories 86
Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.15 g0%
Saturated fat 0.01 g0%
Monounsaturated fat 0.02 g
Sodium 3 mg0%
Potassium 139 mg4%
Carbohydrates 23 g8%
Fiber 3 g13%
Sugar 15 g17%
Protein 1 g2%
Vitamin A 93IU2%
Vitamin C 23 mg28%
Calcium 17 mg2%
Metal 1 mg6%
* Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- This is not as sweet as the store bought versions! Taste at the end of cooking. It is naturally sweetened with fruit juice and apples, but if necessary you can add more honey or stevia.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to use leftover cranberry soup
You may not have any fresh cranberry sauce after your Thanksgiving turkey. However you do, here are some ways to recycle leftovers.
Do you eat cranberry sauce? What foods do you have on Thanksgiving? Share below!
