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Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Orange Sauce

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Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Orange Sauce is a vibrant, refined sugar-free twist on the classic holiday side. Made with cranberries, fresh orange juice, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, it’s a delicious balance of tart and sweet.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–4 tbsp water (optional, to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Rinse cranberries and remove any soft or bruised ones.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness or add water to thin if desired.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  7. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

  • Use maple syrup for a vegan version.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools — add a splash of water if reheating or serving cold and it’s too thick.
  • Fresh orange juice and zest give the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
  • Blend for a smoother texture if preferred.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/naturally-sweetened-cranberry-orange-sauce/