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Vegan Cranberry Sauce (No Refined Sugar)
5 from 18 votes

Vegan Cranberry Sauce (No Refined Sugar)

This Vegan Cranberry Sauce is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and features fresh or frozen cranberries cooked with orange juice and peel. The sauce thickens as cranberries burst and release their tartness, balanced by citrus brightness and maple sweetness. It can be served chilled as a condiment for meals or desserts and customized with optional boozy, spiced, or extra sweet variations noted in the recipe. The preparation requires simple simmering and cooling to develop its texture and flavor.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 90 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 large orange
  • 12 ounces cranberries discard soft or bruised ones, fresh or frozen, rinsed and sorted
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup see Notes for sweetener options depending on end use.

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Slice a 2-inch piece of peel from the orange. Place in a small sauce pan along with the juice from the orange. Turn the stove eye to medium-high heat. Add the cranberries and maple syrup, and bring to a low boil. 
  2. Reduce heat to a simmer. Stirring occasionally, cook until cranberries burst and the liquid thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes (takes a little longer if using frozen cranberries).
  3. Let the cranberry sauce cool, remove the orange peel, and refrigerate until chilled, 4 hours to overnight.

Notes

  • Cranberry sauce can be made 1 to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing the sauce for several months is possible to extend storage.
  • Variations include adding bourbon, whisky, or orange liqueur for boozier flavor, or warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a spiced version.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding organic cane sugar or additional maple syrup to taste.
  • Use this sauce as a topping, condiment, or pie filling depending on sweetness preferences.

Nutrition Information

Calories 90kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 0.5g (1%) Fat 0g (0%) Saturated Fat 0g (0%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0g (0%) Monounsaturated Fat 0g (0%) Trans Fat 0g (0%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 18g (36%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 90

% Daily Value*

Calories 90kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 0.5g 1%
Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 18g 36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.