Wheat Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Tart cranberries, bright citrus, and a whisper of warm spice come together in a sauce that makes everything on the holiday table taste more alive. This is the kind of recipe that proves homemade is always worth it — glossy, jewel-toned, and bursting with real fruit flavor in a way no canned version can match. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of wheat, so there's no swapping, substituting, or label-squinting required. The orange zest and fresh juice do the heavy lifting on flavor, giving the sauce a fragrant lift that balances the cranberries' natural tartness beautifully. A touch of cinnamon, if you choose to use it, rounds everything out with just enough warmth. It thickens as it cools, so don't panic if it looks a little loose straight off the stove — patience pays off here. Make it ahead and keep it chilled until you're ready to serve, because this one only gets better with time.
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!