Skip the canned cranberry jelly and make this homemade Maple Cranberry Sauce – your turkey will thank you! Made without refined sugar, this simple cranberry sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and instantly elevates your holiday table.
Instantly upgrade your holiday meal with maple cranberry sauce
Holidays are about good food and simple pleasures. Homemade condiments are one of my favorite easy upgrades: they taste fresher, let you control the ingredients, and avoid the additives and packaging chemicals that come with many store-bought jars and cans.
This maple cranberry sauce is one of the easiest condiments to make. With just a few ingredients and about five minutes on the stove, you’ll have a flavorful, natural sauce perfect for turkey, sandwiches, or any fall and winter meal.
What you’ll need
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Pure maple syrup
- Orange (zest and/or a splash of juice, optional)
How to make cranberry sauce with maple syrup
Step 1: Combine cranberries, water, and maple syrup in a saucepan. Heat over medium and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil for about 3 minutes, until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 2: If you like, stir in a little fresh orange juice and grate in some orange zest to brighten the flavor. Remove from heat and chill before serving so the sauce sets.
How to store leftover cranberry sauce
Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will keep for up to 10 days.
You can also freeze cranberry sauce. Pack it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. Frozen cranberry sauce thaws well and makes a great make-ahead option for holiday meals.
How to serve cranberry sauce
Serve this maple cranberry sauce as a classic condiment with roast turkey, chicken, or pork. It also pairs well with creamy sides, on sandwiches, or spooned over yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts for a seasonal touch.
- Course: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Other Thanksgiving recipe ideas
- Pumpkin Cranberry Coffee Cake
- Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cauliflower Mash
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup
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Ingredients
- 1 pound cranberries fresh or frozen
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup water
- orange for orange juice and zest, optional
Instructions
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Add cranberries, water, and maple syrup to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for about 3 minutes, until the cranberries have “popped.”
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If desired, squeeze in some fresh orange juice and grate some orange zest into the cranberry sauce. Mix, and chill prior to serving.
Notes
How to store leftover cranberry sauce
Once the cranberry sauce has fully cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Cranberry sauce can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.