This classic cranberry sauce recipe is made with just 3 simple ingredients and comes together in 20 minutes. Sweet, tangy, and perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal, this homemade cranberry sauce is freezer-friendly, and naturally sweetened options are included.

The Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and delicious cranberry sauce recipe, this is the one you’ll come back to year after year. With only three ingredients, this sauce is bright, sweet-tart, and far better than anything from a can. It’s my go-to side dish for Thanksgiving, but it’s so tasty (and easy!) that I make it throughout the year.

Fresh cranberries shine in this recipe, and you can sweeten it naturally with honey or maple syrup if you prefer. Plus, it freezes beautifully—perfect for prepping ahead or using leftovers in sandwiches, baked goods, or breakfasts.

Ingredients for Cranberry Sauce

You only need a handful of ingredients to make the perfect cranberry sauce:

• Sweetener – Use granulated sugar or a natural option like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Maple syrup adds a warm, rich flavour.
• Cranberries – Fresh or frozen, both work well. Choose firm, glossy, deep-red berries.
• Water – Filtered water works best for a clean flavour.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this cranberry sauce recipe. They may take an extra minute or two to come to a boil, but the texture and flavour remain just as delicious.

To freeze fresh cranberries:
Keep them in their original bag, place the bag inside a freezer-safe bag, and store them for up to a year.

How to Make Cranberry Sauce

This recipe comes together in three simple steps:

1. Rinse Cranberries
   Rinse the cranberries. Remove and discard any that are bruised, soft, or shrivelled.
2. Dissolve the Sugar
   In a saucepan, heat your sweetener and water until the sugar fully dissolves.
3. Add Cranberries and Cook
   Stir in the cranberries. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until they burst and the sauce thickens—about 12–15 minutes.
4. Sweeten to Taste
   Add more sweetener if needed. Cool to room temperature and serve.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce

• Start with ½ cup sweetener and add more after cooking if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
• For liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, simply combine all ingredients at once before boiling.
• The sauce thickens as it cools.

OptionalFlavourr Add-InCustomise

Customize your cranberry sauce recipe with these simple additions:

• Lemon zest + 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• Orange zest + ¼ cup orange juice (for Cranberry Orange Sauce)
• ½ cup dried cherries
• ½ cinnamon stick

What to Serve with Cranberry Sauce

This sauce pairs beautifully with classic holiday dishes such as:

How to Store Homemade Cranberry Sauce

• Refrigerator: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Servings: 8 (about 2 cups)
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
  or ¾ cup honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar
• ¾ cup filtered water
• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries and discard any damaged ones.
2. Combine sugar (or sweetener) and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved.
3. Add cranberries and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Add extra sweetener to taste. Cool to room temperature before serving.