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4.5 from 1,170 votes

World's Best Cranberry Sauce

Your Thanksgiving table is not complete without this Cranberry Sauce made from scratch in just 20 minutes. Fresh or frozen cranberries, a hint of nutmeg, lots of orange juice and zest and a bit of vanilla complete this incredible cranberry sauce.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 102 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag), rinsed
  • ½ cup orange juice store bought or freshly squeezed
  • ¾ cup sugar granulated
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg ground
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Assemble the sauce: Add all the ingredients to a smaller pot and stir to combine. Turn the heat to a medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  2. Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to a medium and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice the cranberries will burst as they cook. 
  3. Cool and serve: Let cool completely at room temperature before serving.

Notes

  •  
  • If using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them out first.
  • Don't skip the orange juice or replace it with water, it'll help with the cranberry sauce not tasting bitter.
  • For reduced-sugar cranberry sauce, you can use less sugar, about 1/2 a cup, taste it and add a bit more if too tart. For a sugar free version use a substitute like Splenda or Stevia.
  • You can replace the sugar with brown sugar, maple syrup or honey.
  • If you notice that your cranberry sauce hasn't thickened after you've chilled it, put it back on the stove and simmer for another 5 minutes, then let it cool.
  • Cranberry sauce when stored properly can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
  • You can also freeze cranberry sauce in an airtight container or jar for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 102kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Sodium 1mg (0%) Potassium 67mg (2%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 21g (42%) Vitamin A 65IU (1%) Vitamin C 15.4mg (17%) Calcium 8mg (1%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 102

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 102kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Potassium 67mg 1%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 21g 42%
Vitamin A 65IU 1%
Vitamin C 15.4mg 17%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

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