Cranberry Sauce

Oct 9, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Pantry Sauces syrups glazes Vanilla: Extract Easy

A small glass bowl of glossy whole-berry cranberry sauce with a spoon, fresh cranberries and a strip of orange zest beside it

Classic whole-berry cranberry sauce: fresh cranberries simmered in orange juice and sugar until they burst, finished with orange zest; for drinks, smoothies and the holiday table.

Prep 5 min

Cook 15 min

Cooling 2 hr 20 min

Total 2 hr 40 min

Servings 9

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

¾ cup (150.0 g)granulated sugar
⅔ cup (160.0 ml)fresh orange juice
⅓ cup (80.0 ml)water
12.0 oz (340.0 g)fresh or frozen cranberries
1.0 tsp (2.0 g)finely grated orange zest
½ tsp (2.5 ml)pure vanilla extract (optional)
pinch of fine sea salt

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Instructions

Combine the sugar, orange juice and water in a medium saucepan and heat over medium, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
Add the cranberries and bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the orange zest, vanilla, if using, and salt.
Cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Tips

The sauce looks loose when hot; the cranberries' natural pectin sets it as it cools.
For drinks and smoothies, blend a few spoonfuls until smooth, or strain it for a clear syrup.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cranberry sauce?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, plus 2 hours 20 minutes to chill and rest. The recipe makes about 2 1/4 cups (9 servings).

How should I store cranberry sauce?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead?

Make it up to 10 days ahead; it tastes even better after a day.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional) (2.5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Classic whole-berry cranberry sauce: fresh cranberries simmered in orange juice and sugar until they burst, finished with orange zest; for drinks, smoothies and the holiday table.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 9 servings this recipe makes.

91 Calories / serving

0.1g Fat

23.1g Carbs

0.3g Protein

19.8g Sugar

Whole recipe (9 servings): ~819 cal · 1g fat · 208g carbs · 3g protein · 178g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.