I always felt that homemade versions of classic recipes taste far superior to their store-bought counterparts. Cranberry sauce is a perfect example. While I enjoyed the canned cranberry sauce we had every Thanksgiving when I was young, trying from-scratch cranberry sauce one year changed everything for me.
Now, I’ve compiled an entire list of healthy recipes for Christmas and Thanksgiving. These updated recipes use whole ingredients, require minimal preparation, and contain significantly less sugar. You won’t even miss the canned stuff!
The Ultimate Cranberry Sauce (Naturally Sweetened)
Typically, homemade cranberry sauce recipes include a hefty amount of sugar, making it more like a dessert than a Thanksgiving side!
For those unfamiliar, plain cranberries are extremely tart. I was unsure about reducing white sugar while keeping the sauce enjoyable. I needn’t have worried, as natural sweeteners like honey and tasty applesauce fill in the gaps.
This recipe still includes more natural sugars than we usually consume, but it’s a far healthier option compared to refined sugar-laden versions and makes a delightful Thanksgiving treat.
Simple Steps to Make Cranberry Sauce
Just combine the ingredients and cook until it thickens. It truly is that easy! I add orange zest later to preserve its aromatic oils. Many recipes use thickeners like cornstarch or flour, but fresh cranberries have natural pectin that thickens the sauce as it cooks.
The juice and applesauce provide natural sweetness, eliminating the need for brown sugar or other unhealthy sweeteners. While I like the recipe as is, you could add a cinnamon stick or two for enhanced flavor.
Homemade cranberry sauce is perfect for prepping in advance. Make it a day or two before the holiday and store it in the refrigerator. I favor easier (yet still healthy) holiday meal preparations. If you happen to make a large batch and have leftovers, there are many delectable ways to repurpose them (see below the recipe for suggestions).
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, also take a look at my healthy versions of green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, butternut squash soup, and root vegetable stuffing.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
A homemade alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce with delightful hints of pineapple and orange that enhance the flavor!
Instructions:
- Combine cranberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Lower the heat to medium, stirring constantly until the cranberries start to pop (approximately 10-15 minutes).
- Reduce to a simmer and incorporate the fresh orange juice and orange zest into the cranberry mixture.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes before removing from heat.
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per 0.5 cup serving):
- Calories: 86
- Fat: 0.15g (0%)
- Saturated Fat: 0.01g (0%)
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Sodium: 3mg (0%)
- Potassium: 139mg (4%)
- Carbohydrates: 23g (8%)
- Fiber: 3g (13%)
- Sugar: 15g (17%)
- Protein: 1g (2%)
- Vitamin A: 93IU (2%)
- Vitamin C: 23mg (28%)
- Calcium: 17mg (2%)
-
Iron: 1mg (6%)
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notes:
- This isn’t as sweet as store-bought versions! Taste it at the end of cooking. It’s naturally sweetened by the fruit juice and applesauce, but you can add more honey or stevia if needed.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Using Leftover Cranberry Sauce
You might finish all the fresh cranberry sauce during Thanksgiving with your turkey. However, if you do have leftovers, consider the following uses.
Do you enjoy cranberry sauce? What dishes do you always have at Thanksgiving? Share your thoughts!
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