Turkey Free Classic Cranberry Sauce

Total time50 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.9

(3)

Cranberry sauce is one of those dishes that deserves a spot on the table year-round, not just as a sidekick to a holiday centerpiece. Tart, jewel-bright cranberries simmer down with sugar, fresh orange juice, and a hint of zest into a glossy, jammy sauce that balances sweet and tangy in every spoonful. A whisper of cinnamon rounds out the flavor without overpowering the fruit — it's subtle, warm, and completely optional depending on your mood. The whole thing comes together in a single saucepan with just a handful of pantry staples, making it one of the most satisfying things you can cook with minimal effort. Because it's entirely plant-based and built from scratch, there's no need to scrutinize store-bought labels for hidden animal-derived additives or unexpected proteins. It thickens beautifully as it cools, so you can make it ahead and pull it straight from the fridge when you're ready to serve. Spoon it over roasted vegetables, swirl it into yogurt, or just eat it by the spoonful — this sauce earns its place at any meal.

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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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