BHA & BHT Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is one of those dishes that seems simple until you reach for a store-bought jar and realize how many commercial versions are loaded with preservatives like BHA and BHT to extend shelf life. Making it from scratch sidesteps all of that entirely, because every ingredient here — fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and zest — is naturally free of synthetic antioxidant additives. The result is a bright, jewel-toned sauce with a gorgeous balance of tart and sweet, lifted by a citrusy orange note that makes it taste genuinely homemade. As the cranberries burst and the sauce reduces, it thickens into that perfect, spoonable consistency that clings beautifully to whatever you're serving it alongside. A whisper of cinnamon stirred in at the end adds just enough warmth without overpowering the fruit. It's the kind of recipe that takes almost no effort but tastes like you really put in the work — and you'll know exactly what went into every spoonful.
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!