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healthy cranberry sauce recipe in a white serving dish with orange zest on top
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5 from 2 votes

Healthy Cranberry Sauce

This healthy cranberry sauce takes 15 minutes to make and is naturally sweetened! Use fresh cranberries and orange juice for a low sugar side made for any fall menu.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: healthy side, Thanksgiving recipe, thanksgiving side
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Juice from 1 large navel orange about 1/4 cup
  • Zest from 1 orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Add the whole cranberries, maple syrup, water and orange juice to a large saucepan. Mix quickly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook longer if you want the sauce to reduce and thicken more.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract. Carefully taste the sauce and add additional sweetener or orange juice as desired. It’s supposed to be tart.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Notes

Double for a large crowd or if you want leftovers!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 4.9mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 38g