Vegan Cranberry Sauce brings a vibrant pop of color and flavor to any festive table.
This easy, homemade version transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, tangy, and naturally sweet sauce that elevates holiday meals with minimal effort.
Whether you’re preparing a plant-based feast or just love bold seasonal flavors, this recipe delivers a fresh, delicious twist that feels both traditional and modern.
How To Make Vegan Cranberry Sauce?
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine grater or microplate (for zest and ginger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- Pinch of salt
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
1. Heat the Orange Juice
Pour the orange juice into a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Warm it until it begins to steam gently.
2. Add Cranberries
Stir in the fresh or frozen cranberries. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until they begin to pop and release their natural juices.
3. Add Maple Syrup
Once the cranberries start breaking down, pour in the maple syrup. Stir well to distribute the sweetness throughout the mixture evenly.
4. Add Spices
Add the orange zest, ground cinnamon, freshly grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the optional cayenne pepper.
5. Reduce to a Thick Sauce
Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as the cranberries fully soften, and the liquid reduces.
6. Adjust Consistency
Use a spoon to lightly mash the cranberries to your preferred texture. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of orange juice to thin it out.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts Of Vegan Cranberry Sauce
- Calories: 55
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Sugars: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Which Goes Best With Vegan Cranberry Sauce?
✱ Serve with Holiday Menu: Pair your vegan cranberry sauce with roasted tofu, seitan roast, or vegan turkey alternatives for a festive touch.
✱ Spread on Sandwiches: Use it as a flavorful spread in leftover sandwiches, wraps, or paninis.
✱Breakfast Dishes: Spoon it over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or dairy-free yogurt for a sweet-tart boost.
✱ Add to Cheese Boards: Serve alongside vegan cheeses, crackers, nuts, and fruits for a vibrant appetizer.
✱ Use as a Glaze: Brush it over roasted veggies or baked tempeh for added shine and flavor.
Tips & Variations
➤ Adjust Sweetness: Add more maple syrup for a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a tangier finish.
➤ Control Thickness: Simmer longer for a thicker texture or add a splash of orange juice to loosen it.
➤ Add Extra Warmth: Enhance flavor with nutmeg, allspice, or a cinnamon stick.
➤ Try Different Citrus: Swap orange juice with lemon or lime for a brighter twist.
➤ Make It Spicy: Increase cayenne or add a pinch of chili flakes for a bold kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is cranberry sauce naturally vegan?
Yes, as long as it doesn’t include honey or gelatin. This recipe is fully vegan.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Sure—frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh.
How long does vegan cranberry sauce last?
It keeps in the fridge for 7–10 days in an airtight container.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Does it thicken as it cools?
Yes, it thickens naturally once chilled.
Can I use another sweetener?
Agave, coconut sugar, or date syrup also works well.
Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Yes, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Vegan Cranberry Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition that brings bright color and natural sweetness to any seasonal menu.
Its fresh taste, quick prep, and wholesome nature make it a reliable favorite for holiday cooking. Enjoy its vibrant flair and unforgettable homemade charm in every spoonful.
Vegan Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine grater or microplate (for zest and ginger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- Pinch of salt
- A pinch of cayenne pepper optional for heat
Instructions
- Pour the orange juice into a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Warm it until it begins to steam gently.
- Stir in the fresh or frozen cranberries. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until they begin to pop and release their natural juices.
- Once the cranberries start breaking down, pour in the maple syrup. Stir well to distribute the sweetness throughout the mixture evenly.
- Add the orange zest, ground cinnamon, freshly grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the optional cayenne pepper.
- Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as the cranberries fully soften, and the liquid reduces.
- Use a spoon to lightly mash the cranberries to your preferred texture. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of orange juice to thin it out.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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.