Sweetened with pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar, this easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a healthier spin on the favorite Thanksgiving condiment. We love the subtle seasonal flavors that the orange and cinnamon impart.
Ingredients
3cupsfresh or frozen cranberries
1/3cuppure maple syrup + more if needed
1tablespoonorange zest
1/2cupfresh orange juice
1/2cupwater
Cinnamon stick
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries. Discard any mushy or underripe berries and stems.
Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and add the cranberries, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, water, and cinnamon stick. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling over medium heat until the berries burst and break down, forming a sauce, 15-20 minutes.
Taste for sweetness. If it's too tart, add more syrup - a tablespoon at a time - until the sauce tastes sweet enough for you.
Remove from the heat and let cool. Spoon into your serving container to serve or store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze your cranberry sauce for up to 2 months - I do this every Thanksgiving! Just place the sauce in an airtight container or zipper freezer bag and transfer to the freezer. Move to the fridge to thaw about 24-48 hours before the big meal.