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Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce - Fresh Orange Juice Recipe

This Classic Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice combines the tart brightness of fresh cranberries with the natural sweetness of citrus, creating a vibrant, tangy-sweet condiment ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday table, this homemade cranberry sauce transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary celebrations.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 2 cups (about 12 servings)
Course: Holiday, Sauce, Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Essential Components:
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries firm, shiny, and ruby-red
  • 1 cup granulated sugar or substitute coconut sugar or pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice from 2–3 medium oranges
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves or star anise
  • ¼ cup Grand Marnier Cointreau, or bourbon

Method
 

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Add orange zest and spices if using.
  2. Bring to Boil: Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally until sugar begins to dissolve.
  3. Simmer and Pop: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Cool and Set: Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to thicken.

Notes

Cranberry sauce thickens significantly as it cools. Avoid overcooking to preserve bright color and flavor. Add a splash of orange liqueur or grated ginger for extra sophistication.