3 Ingredient Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe + Video

My Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe will make your holidays even more magical! Homemade cranberry sauce is so easy to make and tastes better than anything from a can. Using fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice, it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

Forget the canned stuff and make this easy cranberry sauce recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner this year!

I love the simplicity and flavor of this homemade cranberry sauce recipe – and the first time I made it, I knew I was hooked.

This is one of those Thanksgiving recipes that pairs with the Thanksgiving turkey and is delicious the next day as well.

I make sure to have this on the Thanksgiving table every year because it’s one of the stars of the holiday meal. 

If you’re a fan of cranberry sauce, you’re going to love the tart flavor of this easy recipe. The only thing that I’ll warn you about is that it won’t last long once it’s put on the holiday table!

Once people get a little bit of the flavor, they’re going to increase the portion sizes on their plate and want more! 

Find out what you need to make this perfect cranberry sauce from the recipe card below – it’s my go-to recipe because it has the perfect consistency and flavor.

Now is the time to make this homemade sauce and simple recipe to wow your dinner guests! 

Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

You only need 3 ingredients for a simple cranberry sauce that’s so delicious, you could eat it by itself. 

Using fresh orange juice instead of water adds extra flavor and sweetness and just makes the whole thing a little brighter.

Learn how to make homemade cranberry sauce in no time, then serve it alongside all your favorite holiday side dishes for an easy Thanksgiving meal!

To see us make this fresh cranberry sauce recipe from start to finish, watch the video in this post!

We have plenty more recipes with fresh cranberries for you to choose from — so stock up when you’re at the store!

How about a sweet cranberry punch that will delight your guests? Or Super Quick Cranberry Orange Bread to tide everyone over until the meal is ready?

My cranberry Christmas cake is the perfect sweet and tart dessert… but I won’t tell if you have it for breakfast!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Fresh Cranberries – Empty the bag into a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water. This removes any sediment that may have made it into the bag.
  
  Pick through the strainer, removing any stems and discarding any berries that are mushy or discolored.
  
• Orange Juice – I prefer freshly squeezed, but a high-quality bottled version would work too — though you may need to reduce the amount of sugar.
  
  You can also replace this with water or apple juice if you prefer!
  
• Sugar – Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated for this fresh cranberry sauce recipe, or you can use a mixture of both. If needed, coconut sugar will also work. 
  
  Or, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but reduce both the juice and sugar measurements to 1/2 cup.

How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce

• Watch the berries.

It’s much more important to go by what’s happening with the fresh cranberries than to go by set cooking times. 

Once most of them have burst open, it’s time to reduce the heat and let them simmer.

• Make a smooth sauce. 

You can use a stick blender in the pot and blend until smooth. Or, transfer everything to a blender but leave the lid offset for the steam to escape. 

If it’s tightly sealed, the lid may pop off from the pressure and cause the mixture to splatter all over your kitchen.

• Add spices. 

If you’d like, add a pinch of your favorite warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. 

Even cardamom would taste great with the flavor from the orange juice.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large Saucepan – Choose a heavy-bottomed pan so the heat is more evenly distributed. This will prevent your sauce from burning.
• Mesh Strainer – Even if the bag of cranberries says they’ve been cleaned, it’s always a good idea to rinse them again just to be safe. 
  
  It also makes it easier to pick out any damaged berries, as well as sticks and stems.

Ways to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce

There are so many possibilities to choose from! Try one of the following or come up with your own creations.

• Use as a spread for leftover turkey sandwiches
• Mix into yogurt or oatmeal
• Top fresh pancakes, waffles, or French Toast
• Blend and brush over grilled meats
• Spoon over ice cream or cheesecake
• Use as filling for oatmeal bars
• Blend into smoothies
• Mix with club soda or alcohol for a tasty drink

Homemade Cranberry Sauce FAQ

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Homemade cranberry sauce freezes beautifully. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag and let it chill in the refrigerator first.

Then, place in the freezer and use it within 2 months for best flavor — though it will remain safe to eat for at least a year. 

Thaw in the refrigerator for a day or two and give it a good stir before serving.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Originally published November 2016, updated and republished October 2024

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