Cranberry Sauce Recipe

3.92 from 67 votes

A homemade alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce with delicious hints of pineapple and orange to complement the flavor!

Cook Time30

Total Time4 30

Course: Side

Cuisine: Thanksgiving

Servings: cups

Calories: 86kcal

Author: Katie Wells

Put cranberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce to medium heat and stir constantly until the cranberries start to explode (about 10-15 minutes).
Reduce to a simmer and add the fresh orange juice and orange zest to the cranberry mixture.
Simmer for another 10-15 minutes and remove from heat.
Let sauce cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight before serving.

This is not as sweet as store-bought versions! Taste at the end of cooking. It’s naturally sweet from the fruit juice and applesauce but you can add more honey or stevia to taste if needed.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.