Name: Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, plus more to taste); 3/4 cup water, preferably filtered; 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 46 reviews

There’s something truly magical about making your own cranberry sauce, especially when it’s as straightforward and soulful as this Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe. Whether it’s the holidays or just because you want to brighten up your meal, this sauce is tart, sweet, and perfectly textured—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again. Stick around because I’m going to share all my tips and tricks so you can nail it on your first try.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: Just a few wholesome ingredients come together to create big flavor without fuss.
Balance: The natural tartness of cranberries pairs perfectly with your choice of sweetener, so you get just the right zing.
Versatility: It’s easy to customize with zest or warming spices, so it fits any occasion or taste preference.
Lasts Well: Store it in the fridge or freeze for later—this sauce keeps its charm long after it’s made.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce, cranberry sauce recipe, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday cranberry sauce, simple cranberry sauce - A close view of a blue pot filled with thick, chunky dark red sauce with visible whole cranberries and small bits of fruit, showing a textured surface. A silver spoon is resting inside the pot, partially submerged in the sauce. The pot sits on a light gray cloth with fresh whole red cranberries scattered around on a white marbled surface. The inside rim of the pot has red sauce stains. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a star on its own but works even better when combined. The cranberries bring tartness and body, while the sweetener softens their bite and adds rich notes. Plus, the water helps everything melt together into that beautifully glossy sauce. When you shop, grab fresh or frozen cranberries—they’re both great, just thaw frozen ones before cooking. Choosing your sweetener lets you put your personal twist on this classic.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce, cranberry sauce recipe, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday cranberry sauce, simple cranberry sauce - Flat lay of a handful of fresh, plump red cranberries, a few wide strips of bright yellow lemon zest, two cinnamon sticks with a rich brown texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden maple syrup, and a small pile of sparkling white granulated sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cranberries: Fresh gives a bright, vibrant taste; frozen works just as well and is super convenient year-round.
Granulated sugar: The classic choice for a clean, sweet profile that balances tartness well.
Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar: Great natural alternatives that add unique flavors and depth; try what you love or have on hand.
Water: Essential to help dissolve sugar and cook the cranberries without drying them out.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe is. Sometimes I add a little orange zest and a splash of fresh juice for a citrus pop, other times a cinnamon stick sneaks in to bring cozy warmth. Feel free to make it tangy, sweet, or somewhere in between—this recipe’s built to be your kitchen buddy.

Change Up the Sweetener: I’ve swapped sugar for honey to add floral notes, perfect if you want a less processed touch.
Citrus Twist: Adding lemon or orange zest plus juice elevates the sauce beautifully—my family can’t get enough of cranberry-orange on turkey night.
Spice it Up: Toss in a cinnamon stick or grated ginger to warm things up, especially lovely in colder months.
Dried Fruit Add-In: Next time you have dried cherries or cranberries around, throw in half a cup for texture and extra fruitiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Rinse and Pick Your Cranberries

First things first, rinse your cranberries in a bowl of cold water. This simple trick helps the bad berries float to the surface so you can easily scoop them out. Don’t skip this because you want your sauce fresh and clean—discard any that look shriveled or discolored. Drain them well, then you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Sweeten and Heat the Base

In a large saucepan, mix your sweetener (whether it’s sugar, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar) with water. Place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. If you’re using liquid sweeteners, you can add everything at once to the pan and bring it up to a boil. This base is the heart of your sauce—it sets the tone for how sweet and glossy it will be.

Step 3: Add Cranberries and Simmer

Now toss those cranberries into your simmering sweet water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low so it simmers uncovered. Stir occasionally as the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens—this usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice the color deepen and that gorgeous sauce texture start to form. If you want, this is the moment to add spices or citrus zest for an extra punch.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Once your sauce has thickened, give it a taste. If it’s too tart for your liking, gradually add a little more sweetener, stirring it in until balanced perfectly. Then remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving or storing. It’s amazing how much the flavors mellow and develop as it rests!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the cranberries burst naturally brings out the best texture and flavor—avoid stirring too vigorously.
Adjust Sweetness Gradually: I always add sweetener in small amounts after cooking to avoid over-sweetening.
Room Temperature Rocks: Cooling the sauce before serving helps it set up perfectly and taste even better.
Try Zesting Up Front: Adding citrus zest or spices at the start of simmering lets the flavors infuse deeply for a more complex sauce.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce, cranberry sauce recipe, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday cranberry sauce, simple cranberry sauce - A white bowl filled with thick, chunky, deep red cranberry sauce showing whole and partially crushed cranberries, with a shiny, slightly wet texture. The bowl sits on a light gray cloth with a few loose cranberries scattered around it on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially dipped into the cranberry sauce. The scene is close up, highlighting the rich red color and texture contrast between the cranberries and the smooth white bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish my cranberry sauce with a couple of fresh mint leaves or thin strips of orange zest. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Plus, those little touches make it look special on the table without extra effort.

Side Dishes

This sauce shines next to a roast turkey or baked ham, but don’t stop there: it’s fantastic paired with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or even spread over warm cream cheese on toast for a sweet-tart snack I’ve been known to sneak before dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve the sauce in a pretty glass bowl or even in mini mason jars for individual portions. If I’m feeling fancy, layering it with whipped cream or cream cheese and granola makes a delightful parfait—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cranberry sauce has cooled completely, I transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It lasts beautifully for up to a week, which means you can make it ahead of time and still enjoy that fresh, vibrant flavor all week long without worry.

Freezing

Freezing the sauce works like a charm! I put it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace because it expands slightly. It keeps well for up to 3 months, handy for when you want a quick flavor boost without starting from scratch.

Reheating

When I reheat leftover cranberry sauce, I do it gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen it up. Warm it just until heated through—too hot and you risk losing that fresh, lively flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before cooking and drain any excess water to prevent a watery sauce. I often keep frozen cranberries on hand year-round for this reason—it’s super convenient.
What’s the best sweetener to use in this cranberry sauce?

It really depends on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Granulated sugar is classic and straightforward, but honey or maple syrup add beautiful depth and a more natural sweetness. Coconut sugar blends well if you want a subtle caramel note. I recommend starting with the base amount and adjusting after cooking so it suits your palate perfectly.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day, allowing the flavors to meld. Prepare it a day or two ahead, store it in an airtight container, and just bring it out when you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the cranberry sauce is done?

You’ll notice the cranberries have burst open, and the sauce has thickened to a jam-like consistency—usually after simmering for about 12-15 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely without running too thinly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe feels like a little kitchen victory every time, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. It’s delicious, fuss-free, and endlessly adaptable. Plus, sharing it will instantly make your meal feel homemade and heartfelt. Give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that gets better every time you make it, and honestly, it might just become your new go-to for holidays or simple dinners alike.