Seeds Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is one of those dishes that looks impressive on the table but comes together with almost no effort — just a handful of real, whole ingredients and a single saucepan. The bright pop of fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar, orange zest, and a splash of orange juice creates a glossy, jewel-toned sauce that's tart, sweet, and deeply aromatic. A pinch of cinnamon stirred in at the end adds a subtle warmth that makes the whole thing feel a little more special. For anyone navigating a seeds-free lifestyle, store-bought cranberry products can be surprisingly tricky — some contain added ingredients or are processed on shared lines — so making it from scratch is genuinely the smarter move. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, which means you can serve this with total confidence at any gathering. The sauce thickens beautifully as it cools, so don't be tempted to rush it — give it that resting time and you'll be rewarded with a perfect, spoonable consistency. It works just as well chilled from the fridge as it does at room temperature, making it an easy make-ahead win.
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!