Fresh cranberries are mixed with orange marmalade and maple syrup for a bright and tangy holiday condiment. This super-easy cranberry sauce recipe is sweet, citrusy, and reliable. This recipe uses orange marmalade for a simple, no-zest-needed flavor.
This simple cranberry sauce is the perfect start to a festive and wholesome meal. For more inspiration, explore our full collection of heart healthy side dishes and plan your entire holiday menu with our delicious lineup of healthy Thanksgiving recipes.
This homemade cranberry sauce is a heart-healthy choice because it controls the amount of added sugar, unlike many store-bought versions. It relies on the natural sweetness of fruit and a modest amount of sugar for flavor. By using whole cranberries, you also get the benefit of natural fiber, and the entire recipe is made with virtually no sodium and zero fat.
The secret is balancing flavors. A great cranberry sauce should be both tart and sweet, not just sugary. Using whole, fresh cranberries allows their natural pectin to release, creating a rich texture that you can't get from canned jelly versions.
Cranberry sauce thickens naturally as it cools. If it still seems too thin after simmering, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow more water to evaporate. Remember that the pectin from the cranberries needs time to set as it cools.
Yes, absolutely. Orange marmalade is an excellent choice as it provides both the sweet orange flavor and a pleasant citrus bitterness from the peel, adding more complexity than juice alone. It also helps sweeten the sauce, potentially reducing the need for extra sugar.
Yes, you should always rinse fresh cranberries before cooking. Place them in a colander, rinse with cool water, and be sure to pick out and discard any soft, shriveled, or bruised berries.
If you enjoyed this healthy cranberry sauce recipe, explore our other delicious and healthy side dishes perfect for any holiday table. Each recipe focuses on whole ingredients and healthy swaps to create flavorful, low-sodium options that everyone will love.
After mastering your homemade cranberry sauce, discover the perfect healthy main course to complete your meal. These simple and flavorful protein recipes are the ideal centerpiece to serve alongside your festive sides.
Recipe yields 8 servings
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries and water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer cranberries until they pop and begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove pan from the heat. Stir in sugar and orange marmalade. Let mixture cool.
Stir in maple extract and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate. Can be made 3 days ahead, kept covered and chilled.
If you want to save stovetop space, you can easily make this in a slow cooker.
If you don't have marmalade, you can use ¼ cup of orange juice plus the zest of one medium orange. You may need to adjust the sugar slightly.
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the white sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey. Note that using honey will mean the recipe is no longer vegan.
If you don't have maple extract, you can omit it and use a full teaspoon of vanilla extract instead. A small pinch of cinnamon or allspice can also add a nice warmth.