Yeast Free Classic Cranberry Sauce
Tart, jewel-bright, and fragrant with orange zest, this cranberry sauce is the kind of condiment that steals the show at any table. The ingredient list is refreshingly short — just fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, water, citrus, and an optional pinch of cinnamon — so there's nothing hidden to worry about. Many store-bought versions sneak in additives or fermented flavorings that can be a problem for anyone avoiding yeast, but making it from scratch puts you completely in control. The cranberries burst and thicken naturally as they cook, creating a glossy, spoonable sauce without any need for unusual stabilizers or leavening agents. A hit of fresh orange juice and zest lifts the whole thing, balancing the tartness with bright citrus warmth. It comes together in one saucepan and only gets better as it cools, making it an easy make-ahead win for busy cooking days.
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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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