Peanut Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Tart, jewel-bright, and fragrant with orange zest and a whisper of cinnamon, this homemade cranberry sauce is the kind of thing that makes store-bought versions feel completely unnecessary. The whole pot comes together in a single saucepan with just a handful of clean, straightforward ingredients — fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, water, and a squeeze of orange juice. As the berries burst and the sauce thickens, your kitchen fills with a warm, citrusy aroma that's honestly half the reward. Canned cranberry sauce can be a surprisingly tricky product to vet, with additives and shared-facility warnings that make label-reading a chore — making it from scratch sidesteps all of that entirely. The optional cinnamon adds a cozy depth without overwhelming the bright, tangy flavor that cranberry sauce is all about. It thickens beautifully as it cools, so don't panic if it looks a little loose right off the stove. Whether you serve it alongside a holiday roast or spoon it over leftovers the next day, this sauce earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
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!