If you’re looking for a holiday-ready side that’s quick, vibrant, and incredibly versatile, this easy classic cranberry sauce is the answer. Bright cranberries simmered with sugar, fresh orange zest, and warm spices create that perfect sweet-and-tart balance in under 20 minutes. Whether it’s for a festive dinner, a make-ahead spread, or a cheerful breakfast topping, this sauce delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce
- Fast & foolproof: One saucepan and minimal prep
- Bold, balanced flavor: Tangy cranberries meet citrus and gentle spice
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling
- Versatile: Perfect for dinner, brunch, snacks, and leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- Splash of orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Add cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, salt, cinnamon stick, and star anise to a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Bring to a boil
Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Simmer and thicken
Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. The cranberries will burst naturally and the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Step 4: Finish with vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Discard the cinnamon stick and star anise.
Step 5: Cool and serve
Let cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Tips & Variations
- Sweeter or tarter: Adjust sugar slightly to taste
- Smooth vs chunky: Mash gently for smooth, or leave whole for texture
- No star anise: Use a pinch of ground cinnamon instead
- Citrus twist: Swap orange zest for lemon zest for extra tang
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this easy classic cranberry sauce alongside roast turkey, chicken, or vegetable dishes. It’s also fantastic swirled into oatmeal, spooned over pancakes, or spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
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Easy Classic Cranberry Sauce That’s Fresh & Delicious
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (8 servings) 1x
Description
Bright, tangy, and effortlessly easy, this classic cranberry sauce comes together in one saucepan in under 20 minutes. Sweetened just right, lifted with fresh orange zest and juice, and warmed with cinnamon and star anise, it’s the perfect sweet-and-tart side for holiday dinners—and an amazing topping for breakfast bowls, pancakes, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
12 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Zest of 1 orange
Splash of orange juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick, star anise, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10–15 minutes, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Discard the cinnamon stick and star anise.
6. Cool slightly to serve, or refrigerate to thicken fully.
Notes
Make-ahead: This sauce tastes even better after chilling. Make it up to 5–7 days in advance.
Texture tip: For a smoother sauce, mash gently with a spoon while simmering.
No star anise? Leave it out or add a pinch of ground cinnamon for cozy flavor.
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container up to 7 days. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~110 |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Final Thoughts
This easy classic cranberry sauce proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Fresh, colorful, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to every season — and well beyond the holidays.