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    Home » side dish

    5 Ingredient Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

    Published: Nov 22, 2021 · Modified: Jul 19, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    You can make your own cranberry sauce from scratch! It is surprisingly easy and can elevate your holiday feast with its fresh, tangy flavor. This recipe uses just five simple ingredients to create a delicious whole berry cranberry sauce with hints of orange and ginger.

    A bowl of whole berry cranberry sauce. The cranberries are a deep red color and appear whole. The sauce is a thick, jelly-like consistency with a glossy sheen.

    Making your whole berry cranberry sauce

    There is something about making your cranberry sauce from scratch and watching the berries pop as they cook. The hints of ginger, maple and orange tie the cranberry sauce together. This is the perfect recipe to pair with turkey or using in leftover turkey quesadillas. They even pair well with a side of these delicious scones!

    Jump to:
    • Making your whole berry cranberry sauce
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Storing
    • FAQ
    • 5 Ingredient Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
    A round wooden cutting board filled with a bowl of wholeberry cranberry sauce. The cranberry sauce is a deep red color and has a chunky consistency, with whole cranberries visible throughout. Scattered around the bowl are loose whole cranberries and white sugar crystals. In the background, to the right of the bowl, there are three bright orange oranges.

    Ingredients

    You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. You will need:

    • Fresh cranberries
    • Orange juice
    • Ginger
    • Salt
    • Maple Syrup

    Mix it all together in a saucepan and you've got one great sauce!

    A close-up of a wooden cutting board with a bowl of whole berry cranberry sauce. The recipe for this sauce is featured online.

    Instructions

    • In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice and maple syrup. You will need to heat your stove to medium heat, waiting until cranberries begin 'popping' and the sauce is formed. Stir frequently.
    • Once the cranberries have formed a sauce, remove from heat and stir in ginger and salt.

    Substitutions

    Thankfully, there aren't really a lot of substitutions that would need to be made to accommodate any food allergies or intolerances. This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

    Storing

    You can store your whole berry cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

    FAQ

    Can I use frozen cranberries?

    Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. There is no need to thaw the cranberries before cooking; simply add them to the saucepan as directed.

    Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

    Yes, cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance. The flavors often improve after a day or two in the refrigerator.

    What if my cranberry sauce is too thick?

    If your cranberry sauce is too thick, thin it out by stirring in a little water or orange juice until it reaches your desired consistency.ranberry sauce is too thick?

    A bowl of whole berry cranberry sauce. The cranberries are a deep red color and appear whole. The sauce is a thick, jelly-like consistency with a glossy sheen.

    5 Ingredient Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

    Traci Wennerholm
    Enjoy the popping of cranberries with our homemade whole berry cranberry sauce! Just five minutes of your time makes a delicious cranberry sauce with a hint of orange and ginger! 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 7 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 55 kcal

    Equipment

    • saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 ounces cranberries fresh or frozen
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • ½ cup maple syrup
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoons ground ginger

    Instructions
     

    • Combine Ingredients
    • In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and maple syrup.
    • Cook the Cranberries
    • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce starts to form.
    • Add Seasonings
    • Once the cranberries have formed a sauce, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the ginger and salt.
    • Serve
    • Serve the cranberry sauce warm or let it cool to room temperature before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    Variation: You can place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir prior to serving. 
    See notes in post for information on substitutions, variations and storing. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 55kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword cranberry sauce, cranberry sauce recipe, whole berry cranberry sauce, wholeberry cranberry sauce
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Ang

      November 13, 2013 at 7:41 pm

      This looks delicious.

      Reply
    2. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast

      November 17, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      That sounds so good! And I love that it uses natural sweeteners over sugar.

      Reply
    3. Sami

      November 17, 2013 at 6:36 pm

      You're Thanksgivings sound like a great time and you have such a good attitude...here or there you're together.
      Thanks for the cranberry recipe. Cranberry sauce goes with so many other things after turkey day, I love it!

      Reply
    4. Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks!

      November 22, 2013 at 9:47 am

      Love the idea of making cranberry sauce in your slow cooker so you can free up the stove for other things!

      Reply

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    traci burntapple website featuring recipes with five ingredients or less

    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

    More about me →

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