Name: Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fresh cranberries; ½ cup honey; ½ cup water; 1 tsp orange zest; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ cup fresh orange juice

Experience the true essence of festive flavors with this naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe. This delightful condiment, enriched with a unique blend of honey, cinnamon, and a splash of orange, adds a tangy-sweet note to your holiday meals. It's not just easy to make, but also a healthier alternative to store-bought versions that are often loaded with sugar.

Photos of Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce Recipe

The key ingredient of this recipe, fresh cranberries, might not be a regular item in your pantry. They are typically available in most supermarkets around Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, they can also be found in the frozen section all year round. Look for firm, plump berries with a rich, deep red color. The addition of honey not only sweetens the sauce but also gives it a complex, rich flavor.

Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

Fresh cranberries: The star ingredient of this recipe, cranberries add a tart flavor that balances out the sweetness of the honey.

Honey: Used as a natural sweetener, honey imparts a subtle, rich sweetness to the sauce.

Water: It helps to simmer the cranberries and forms the liquid base of the sauce.

Orange Zest: This gives a bright, citrusy note, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.

Ground cinnamon: Just a hint of cinnamon adds a warm, spicy touch to the sauce.

Fresh orange juice: It adds a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries well.

One reader, Garner Embry says:

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe is a game-changer! The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, it's a hit at every gathering. The orange zest and cinnamon add a delightful twist. Plus, it's so easy to make! I'll never go back to store-bought cranberry sauce again.

Garner Embry

Techniques Required for Making Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

How to prepare cranberries: Rinse the cranberries well and drain off excess water. Pick through the cranberries and discard any fleshy pieces.

How to cook cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened, for 5 to 10 minutes.

How to add flavor: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the orange zest. Add the cinnamon and orange juice into the pot.

How to serve: Serve with turkey and enjoy!

How To Make Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

Try a healthier alternative for Christmas with our cranberry sauce! We’ve used natural sweeteners to give you a better sauce with the same sweetness.

Preparation: 2 minutes

Cooking: 8 minutes

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

12ozfresh cranberries
½cuphoney or maple syrup
½cupwater
1tsporange zestpreferably organic
½tspground cinnamonoptional
¼cupfresh orange juiceoptional

Instructions

Rinse the cranberries well and drain off excess water. Pick through the cranberries and discard any fleshy pieces.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened, for 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the orange zest.
Add the cinnamon and orange juice into the pot.
Serve with turkey, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1227.80kcal
Fat: 0.75g
Saturated Fat: 0.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.19g
Carbohydrates: 328.23g
Fiber: 10.49g
Sugar: 306.15g
Protein: 3.54g
Sodium: 29.21mg
Calcium: 96.00mg
Potassium: 830.19mg
Iron: 2.57mg
Vitamin A: 30.50µg
Vitamin C: 149.78mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

When making your cranberry sauce, it's important to keep a close eye on the pot as the cranberries cook. They will start to pop as they heat up, releasing their natural pectin which helps to thicken the sauce. If you cook them too long, the sauce may become overly thick and the cranberries could become bitter. So, ensure to remove the pot from the heat as soon as the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened to your liking. This will help you achieve the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in your cranberry sauce.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Cranberry Sauce

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to quickly chop the cranberries instead of doing it by hand.

Simmer while multitasking: While the cranberry sauce is simmering, use that time to work on other dishes to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Make ahead: Prepare the cranberry sauce a day or two in advance to save time on the day of your meal.

Substitute Ingredients For Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce Recipe

fresh cranberries - Substitute with frozen cranberries: Frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh cranberries in cranberry sauce. They will still provide the tartness and flavor needed for the sauce.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener in place of honey, providing a similar level of sweetness and adding a unique flavor to the cranberry sauce.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest, providing a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the cranberry sauce.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a substitute for cinnamon, adding a warm, slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the cranberry sauce.
fresh orange juice - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice can be used as a substitute for orange juice, providing a natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the cranberry sauce.

Best Way to Present Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

Elevate the cranberry sauce: Create a quenelle of the cranberry sauce using two spoons for a refined and elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh cranberries: Scatter a few whole fresh cranberries around the plate to add a pop of color and a festive touch to the dish.
Use a decorative mold: Press the cranberry sauce into a decorative mold for a structured and visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate citrus zest: Sprinkle a touch of orange zest over the cranberry sauce for a burst of bright flavor and a visually stunning finish.
Add a touch of green: Garnish the cranberry sauce with a small sprig of fresh mint for a vibrant and aromatic element.
Serve in individual ramekins: Portion the cranberry sauce into individual ramekins for a personalized and sophisticated presentation.
Drizzle with honey: Artfully drizzle a small amount of honey over the cranberry sauce for a glossy and luxurious finish.
Use a decorative plating technique: Employ a swoosh or swipe plating technique to create an artistic and modern presentation of the cranberry sauce.

Essential Tools for Making Cranberry Sauce

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking small batches of food.
Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and tasting dishes.
Zester: A tool used to remove the zest from citrus fruits, adding flavor to dishes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Strainer: Used for straining liquids and separating solids from liquids.
Citrus juicer: A tool designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes.
Serving bowl: A bowl used for serving dishes, such as salads, side dishes, or sauces.
Stovetop: The cooking surface where the saucepan will be placed for cooking.

How To Store and Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Let the cranberry sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will thicken up as it cools.
Store the cooled cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze, transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Be sure to leave some room at the top for expansion.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw, transfer the frozen cranberry sauce to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours if you're in a pinch.
Give the thawed cranberry sauce a good stir before serving, as it may have separated slightly during the freezing and thawing process.
If you find that the thawed cranberry sauce is a bit watery, you can simmer it in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens up to your desired consistency.
Leftover thawed cranberry sauce should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to a saucepan and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. this method allows you to control the temperature and prevent the sauce from burning or becoming too thick.
Microwave method: place the cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the sauce is heated through. be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can cause it to splatter or become too hot.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). transfer the cranberry sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. place the dish in the oven and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. this method is ideal if you're reheating other leftovers at the same time.
Slow cooker method: transfer the cranberry sauce to a slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. this method is perfect if you want to keep the sauce warm for an extended period, such as during a holiday meal.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the cranberry sauce well before serving to ensure that it's evenly heated and has a smooth consistency. if the sauce has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out with a little water or orange juice until it reaches your desired consistency.

Random Fact About Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and promote overall health.

Is Making Cranberry Sauce at Home Economical?

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, fresh cranberries and honey, are reasonably priced and readily available. With a rating of 9/10, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it an affordable and delicious addition to any meal.

Is This Cranberry Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional cranberry sauce, which often contains refined sugar. The use of honey as a natural sweetener and the addition of fresh orange juice and zest provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Cranberries are also known for their high antioxidant content, which can help support overall health.

However, it's important to note that honey is still a form of added sugar, and consuming too much added sugar can have negative health effects. Additionally, the recipe does not specify the amount of servings, which can make it difficult to control portion sizes.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of honey used in the recipe to 1/3 cup or less, depending on your taste preferences. This will help lower the overall sugar content of the dish.
Add more orange zest to the recipe to enhance the natural citrus flavor without increasing the sugar content.
Experiment with adding other spices like ginger or nutmeg to provide additional flavor complexity without relying on added sweeteners.
Serve the cranberry sauce in smaller portions and pair it with a variety of other nutrient-dense side dishes to create a well-rounded and balanced meal.
Consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of some or all of the honey to further reduce the sugar content.

Editor's Thoughts on This Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe is a delightful twist on the classic. The combination of honey, orange zest, and cinnamon adds depth and warmth to the tart cranberries. The use of fresh orange juice brightens the flavors, creating a well-balanced and vibrant sauce. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural sweetness of the cranberries to shine through, making it a perfect accompaniment to turkey or as a versatile condiment. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.

Enhance Your Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted root vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a tangy lemon and herb sauce

Alternative Recipes Similar to Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This hearty salad is packed with roasted vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: A delicious and flavorful way to prepare salmon, this recipe features a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze that pairs perfectly with the tender fish.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake: Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this apple cinnamon oatmeal bake is a comforting and wholesome dish that's easy to make ahead of time.

Why trust this Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce Recipe:

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe uses fresh cranberries to ensure a burst of flavor and honey for a healthier alternative to refined sugar. The addition of orange zest and fresh orange juice provides a zesty and citrusy twist, while a hint of cinnamon adds warmth. The careful cooking process ensures the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened to perfection. Trust in the combination of these natural ingredients to create a delicious and wholesome cranberry sauce that will elevate your holiday meal.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before using and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Absolutely! You can substitute the honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar. Adjust the amount to taste.

How long can I store the cranberry sauce?

You can store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.

Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cranberry sauce ahead of time. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Can I omit the orange zest and juice?

Of course! If you prefer a simpler cranberry sauce, you can omit the orange zest and juice. The sauce will still be delicious with just the honey and cinnamon.