This tart, delicately spiced homemade cranberry sauce will take center stage on your holiday table. Try a diabetic-friendly condiment with an unmistakably citrusy flavor that shines. Made without refined sugars, it's a simple, healthier alternative to canned versions.
Planning the rest of your holiday menu? This cranberry sauce is a perfect start for a nutritious meal. Be sure to explore our complete collection of healthy Thanksgiving side dishes for more delicious, dietitian-approved recipes to complete your festive feast.
This homemade cranberry sauce is a heart-healthy choice because you control the ingredients, unlike many store-bought options that can be high in refined sugars and preservatives.
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be very good for your heart. Cranberries contain antioxidants that may help improve cardiovascular health. This recipe is also low in sodium and free of refined sugars, making it a much healthier choice than most canned varieties.
The best way to thicken this sauce is to let it simmer. As the cranberries burst, they release natural pectin, which thickens the sauce as it cooks and cools. If you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can simmer it for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Absolutely. You can substitute an equal amount of honey for the maple sugar in this recipe. Honey is another natural sweetener that works well with the tartness of the cranberries.
This recipe uses the natural sweetness from orange juice and a small amount of maple sugar. For a completely sugar-free option, you could use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, adding it to taste after the sauce has cooked down.
If you're looking to round out your holiday table with more nutritious options, we have plenty of inspiration for you. Explore our collection of delicious, heart-healthy side dishes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any festive gathering.
Now that you have the perfect cranberry sauce, discover other recipes that capture the best flavors of the fall season. From a juicy roasted turkey breast for your main course to a healthy apple crisp for dessert, these dishes are perfect for building out your complete holiday menu.
Recipe yields 8 servings
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except orange zest and cook on high heat.
Bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until reduced by half. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool and thicken. Serve cold, at room temperature or warm.
Garnish with orange zest before serving, if desired.
You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, until the cranberries have burst. Stir before serving.
You can easily swap for an equal amount of brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey. For a sugar-free version, use a granulated sweetener like stevia to taste.
Apple cider or pomegranate juice can be used for a different flavor profile.
Feel free to add other warm spices like a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon.
Frozen cranberries work just as well. You do not need to thaw them first, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.