Artificial Food Coloring Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is one of those dishes that looks deceptively simple but delivers serious flavor, and this from-scratch version proves exactly that. The deep ruby color comes entirely from the cranberries themselves — no dyes, no additives, just fruit doing what fruit does best. Store-bought versions are notorious for sneaking in artificial colorings to achieve that glossy, picture-perfect look, so making it at home is the cleanest way to know exactly what's in the bowl. Fresh orange zest and juice lift the tartness of the cranberries into something genuinely bright and complex, while an optional pinch of cinnamon adds a warm, holiday-spiced undertone. The whole thing comes together in a single saucepan, and watching those berries burst and the sauce thicken is oddly satisfying. It keeps beautifully in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and serve it chilled or at room temperature — no last-minute stress required.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar, water, and orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
- 2
Add the cranberries and orange zest, then increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 10–12 minutes. Watch the heat — the sauce can bubble up quickly once the berries break down.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!