Make your holiday meals extra special with this easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce.
Using just fresh cranberries, honey, and orange juice, this quick recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ready in minutes, it’s a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought sauces.
Bright, flavorful, and effortless, this simple cranberry sauce is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
How To Make 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce?
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 2 cups (serves ~6 as a side)
Equipment needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Bowl (for serving or cooling)
- Optional: fine mesh sieve (if you want a smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup, granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice or water
- pinch sea salt and cinnamon, optional
Instructions
1: Rinse and Prep the Cranberries
Rinse the cranberries under cool water. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw—just measure them straight from the bag.
2: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, honey, and orange juice. Stir gently to coat the berries. If you’d like a warm, spiced flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and cinnamon.
3: Simmer Until Berries Pop
Place the pan over medium heat. As the mixture heats, the cranberries will begin to pop and release their juices. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4: Adjust and Cool
Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool; it will continue to thicken as it rests. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Nutrition Facts Of 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 15–20 mg
Which Goes Best With 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce?
❖ Holiday Roasts: Pair the sauce with roasted turkey, chicken, or duck. Its tangy-sweet flavor balances the richness of meats perfectly.
❖ Spread on Sandwiches: Use it as a spread for turkey or chicken sandwiches. It adds a juicy, refreshing twist to leftovers.
❖ Dessert Companion: Drizzle it over cheesecakes, ice cream, or pound cake for a vibrant, sweet-tart topping.
❖ Glaze for Meats: Use as a glaze for baked ham, pork chops, or even salmon. The citrus and cranberry flavors caramelize beautifully.
Tips & variations
➤ Try Different Sweeteners: Replace honey with maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar for a unique flavor twist.
➤ Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both work perfectly, just keep in mind frozen cranberries may take a little longer to cook.
➤ Boost Citrus Flavor: Stir in some orange zest or lemon zest for extra brightness.
➤ Infuse with Extras: Add chopped apples, pears, or even a splash of red wine for a gourmet variation.
If your orange juice is very sweet, you may skip or reduce the honey slightly. The salt and cinnamon really lift the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work perfectly.
Can I replace honey with sugar?
Yes, you can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even maple syrup.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.
How do I store leftover cranberry sauce?
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Can cranberry sauce be frozen?
Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Can I make it without orange juice?
Yes, substitute with apple juice, pomegranate juice, or water with lemon zest.
Can I add spices?
Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves add warmth and depth.
Conclusion
This 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce is a simple, flavorful addition to any meal. Quick to make and naturally sweet, it elevates your holiday table without extra effort.
Perfect for festive gatherings or everyday meals, this easy homemade sauce is sure to become a go-to favorite year after year.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Bowl (for serving or cooling)
- Optional: fine mesh sieve (if you want a smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice or water
- pinch sea salt and cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cool water. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw—just measure them straight from the bag.
- In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, honey, and orange juice. Stir gently to coat the berries. If you’d like a warm, spiced flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and cinnamon.
- Place the pan over medium heat. As the mixture heats, the cranberries will begin to pop and release their juices. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool; it will continue to thicken as it rests. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.