Turmeric Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Bright, tart cranberries simmered with sugar, fresh orange juice, and a ribbon of orange zest — this is the kind of sauce that makes a holiday table feel complete. The berries burst and collapse into a glossy, jammy condiment that's worlds away from anything that slides out of a can. Many store-bought cranberry sauces and spice blends sneak in unexpected ingredients, so making it from scratch gives you full control over every element on the label. The optional cinnamon adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the fruit, and the whole thing thickens beautifully as it cools, so patience is the only real technique required. It works just as well spooned over roasted meat as it does alongside a cheese board or stirred into yogurt the next morning. Simple, vibrant, and completely free of anything you didn't put in the pot yourself.
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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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