Orange Maple Cranberry Sauce You’ll Make Every Holiday
If you’re still grabbing the canned cranberry “sauce” at the store, today is your sign to upgrade your Thanksgiving table. Homemade cranberry sauce is one of the easiest holiday recipes you can make…seriously, we’re talking 15 minutes, one pot, and a handful of ingredients you probably already have.
This version is bright, citrusy, lightly spiced, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup (or sugar—your call!). It’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet, and honestly… you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything else.
Plus, it doubles as the holiday condiment hero: spread it on leftover sandwiches, swirl it into yogurt, layer it into parfaits, whisk it into salad dressing, spoon it over baked brie or add to brie grilled cheese (my favorite), the possibilities are endless.
Let’s make your new go-to cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Fun Serving Suggestions
- Spread it on buttery biscuits, croissants, or pancakes.
- Add it to my whipped cranberry butter.
- Spoon over baked brie for an instant appetizer.
- Add to yogurt bowls, oatmeal, or cottage cheese.
- Use it as a glaze for pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.
- Swirl into your favorite cheesecake batter.
- Use it as a filling for leftover cranberry crumble bars.
- Shake it into cocktails (especially a holiday margarita or bourbon smash).
Favorite Tools & Ingredients
A few kitchen tools I absolutely love for making the perfect cranberry sauce:
- Citrus juicer – fresh-squeezed OJ makes a big difference in flavor.
- Stainless steel saucepan – prevents scorching and cooks the sauce evenly.
- Microplane zester – for bright, fragrant orange zest.
- Wooden spoon – gentle on your pot and perfect for stirring.
- Glass storage jars – for gifting or storing leftovers.
Follow For More!
For more seasonal recipes, fun holiday ideas, and high-quality ingredient inspiration, follow me on Instagram @mosthearted. I share new recipes every week!
Gina
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries rinsed
- 1/2 cup orange juice fresh squeezed preferred
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or cane sugar or light brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional add-ins: a pinch of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, or 1–2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
Instructions
- Add cranberries, orange juice, water, and maple syrup (or sugar) to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 8–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add any optional mix-ins here.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
