Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce – Simply Scratch

Skip the can and serve this classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce at your holiday feast! Cranberries, dark brown sugar and orange juice simmer together until perfection! Cranberry sauce in under 20 minutes and it’s the absolute BEST!

Today I have for you guys, cranberry sauce.

Not cranberry jelly, this is the real deal, better-than-the-can… cranberry sauce. I was actually considering making that the title of this recipe. But changed my mind and kept it simple.

Soooo I think it’s pretty safe to assume cranberry sauce will be gracing a lot of tables this Thanksgiving… sooooo why not make it from scratch? Did you know it only takes 6 ingredients and is probably the easiest of all the recipes that you’ll be whipping up that day, so jump on it!

To Make This Homemade Cranberry Sauce You Will Need:

• dark brown sugar – Lends sweetness and caramel notes and helps balance flavors.
• granulated sugar – Also lends sweetness and helps balance flavors.
• orange juice –  Adds subtle orange citrus flavor.
• water
• kosher salt – Enhances the flavors in this recipe.
• cranberries – Use fresh whole cranberries, discarding any mushy ones you might find.

First pick through the cranberries. There’s a good chance you’ll find a few cranberries that still have the stem attached or ones that are mushy. Discarding the mushy cranberries and any stems you come across, add the cranberries into a colander and rinse under cool water.

In a sauce pan over medium heat add in 1/2 cup both dark brown sugar and granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of water with a pinch of kosher salt.

Stir until combined.

Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

Then add in all the cranberries.

Place the lid on, leaving it askew.

Simmer the cranberries for 12 to 15 minutes.

For a slightly chunky version, mash the cranberries with the back of your spatula or spoon. And for a smoother consistency, puree in your food processor.

I like a chunkier cranberry sauce, but that’s just me.

That color tho!

Once the cranberries are soft, transfer them to a bowl to cool.

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

How To Store Cranberry Sauce:

Once completely cooled, transfer it to a container with a tight fitting lid and pop it in the fridge. It should keep for a few weeks up to 2 weeks.

Can I Freeze Cranberry Sauce?

Yes! Once cooled, transfer to a freezr-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Any longer than that could affect the taste.

Enjoy! And if you give this Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

This recipe was originally posted on November 17, 2012 and has been updated with clear and concise instructions, new photography and helpful information.