Tree Nut Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Tart, glossy, and fragrant with fresh orange, this homemade cranberry sauce is the kind of thing that makes store-bought versions feel like a real compromise. The cranberries burst and thicken naturally as they cook, creating a jammy, spoonable sauce that clings beautifully to everything on the plate. A touch of orange zest and juice lifts the whole thing, and the optional cinnamon adds just enough warmth to make it feel special. Every ingredient here is straightforward and naturally free of tree nuts — no label-scanning required, no hidden almond extracts or walnut oils lurking in a pre-made version. The sauce comes together in a single saucepan with minimal effort, and the hardest part is honestly just waiting for it to cool and thicken. Make it ahead and keep it chilled until you're ready to serve — it only gets better as the flavors settle.
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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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