Artificial Food Coloring Free Maple Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Ginger
That deep ruby cranberry sauce you see on holiday tables is almost always hiding something — artificial dyes, corn syrup, or preservatives that have no business being in a dish this simple. This version gets its stunning color entirely from real cranberries, and its sweetness from pure maple syrup and honey rather than anything synthetic. Fresh orange juice, orange zest, and a hit of grated ginger layer in brightness and warmth, while Ceylon cinnamon adds a delicate spice that doesn't overpower. The whole thing comes together in a single saucepan in under twenty minutes, and the sauce thickens naturally as it cools into a glossy, spoonable consistency that looks almost too good to eat. Every ingredient on the list is exactly what it says it is — no label-reading required, no mystery additives lurking in the jar. It's the kind of sauce that makes people ask for the recipe before the meal is even over.
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
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ½ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cranberries, orange juice, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and release their liquid, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the maple syrup, honey, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, and sea salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and most of the cranberries have broken down, about 8–10 minutes. Watch the heat — the sugars can scorch quickly once the liquid reduces; lower the flame if the sauce begins to spit or stick.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!