I always thought homemade versions of classic recipes taste so much better than the store-bought versions. Cranberry sauce is a perfect example of this. Although I loved the canned cranberry sauce we always had at Thanksgiving when I was young, after trying to make cranberry sauce from scratch, one year I was hooked.
Now I have a complete healthy Christmas list and Thanksgiving Recipes. These newly reinvented recipes feature whole food ingredients, little preparation and much less sugar. You won't miss canned goods either!
Best Cranberry Sauce (Naturally Sweetened)
Most homemade cranberry sauce recipes call for a lot of sugar…enough for me to classify cranberry sauce as a dessert and not a Thanksgiving side dish!
For those who haven't tried them, plain blueberries are very tart. I wasn't sure how much it would be possible to reduce the white sugar and still have a nice sauce. I needn't have worried because unrefined natural sweeteners (honey) and delicious applesauce fill in the gaps.
This recipe still has more natural sugars than we normally eat. However, it is a much healthier option than those with refined sugar and is a delicious treat Thanksgiving dinner.
How to make an easy cranberry sauce recipe
Just toss the ingredients together and cook until thickened. It really is that simple! I add the orange zest later in the recipe so the delicious volatile oils don't degrade too much. Many sauces require a thickener such as cornstarch or flour. However, fresh blueberries contain natural pectin that breaks down as they are cooked.
Apple juice and sauce add a natural sweetness so you don't need brown sugar or other unhealthy sweeteners. I like the recipe as is, but you can add a cinnamon stick or two for extra flavor.
Homemade cranberry sauce also makes the perfect side dish. Prepare a day or two before the big day and store in the fridge. I'm all for lighter (but still healthy!) holiday meals. And if you make a big batch and have leftovers, there are tons of delicious ways to use them up (see recipe below for ideas).
If you're looking forward to Thanksgiving this year, check out my healthy versions of green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, butternut squash soupAND root vegetable filling.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
A homemade alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce with delicious hints of pineapple and orange to round out the flavor!
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Place blueberries, pineapple or orange juice, applesauce, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Lower to medium heat and stir constantly until the blueberries begin to pop (about 10-15 minutes).
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Reduce to a simmer and add the fresh orange juice and orange zest to the cranberry mixture.
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Boil for another 10-15 minutes and remove from heat.
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Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Nutrition facts
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Amount per serving (0.5 cup)
Calories 86
Calories from fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.15 g0%
Saturated fat 0.01 g0%
Monounsaturated fat 0.02 g
Sodium 3 mg0%
potassium 139 mg4%
Carbohydrates 23 g8%
Fiber 3 g13%
Sugar 15 gr17%
Protein 1 g2%
Vitamin A 93 IU2%
Vitamin C 23 mg28%
Calcium 17 mg2%
Iron 1 mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- This is not as sweet as the store bought versions! Enjoy at the end of cooking. It's naturally sweetened by the fruit juice and applesauce, but you can add more honey or stevia to taste if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to use leftover cranberry sauce
You may not have fresh cranberry sauce left after eating it with your Thanksgiving turkey. However, if you do, here are some ways to reuse the scraps.
Do you eat cranberry sauce? What foods do you always have at Thanksgiving? Share below!
