Oats Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Tart, jewel-bright cranberries simmered with sugar, fresh orange juice, and a whisper of zest — this is the kind of sauce that makes people go back for seconds before the main course is even finished. The orange zest and optional cinnamon give it a warmth and depth that the canned stuff simply cannot compete with. Every ingredient here is naturally free from oats and oat derivatives, so there's no label-scanning or substitution stress involved — just a straightforward, wholesome recipe built from fruit, citrus, and pantry staples. As the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible. It sets up beautifully as it cools, so you can make it ahead and pull it straight from the fridge when you need it. Whether you're spooning it over a holiday roast or spreading it on leftovers the next day, this is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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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.
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