How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
American · Easy · 17 min · 8 servings
This 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce uses fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice to create a bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet sauce. Made from just three ingredients, this classic holiday side is infinitely better than anything from a can and takes only 15 minutes to make.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 17 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 95 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add the orange juice and sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve, about 2 minutes. Add the fresh cranberries and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Cook Until Berries Pop
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have all burst and the sauce has thickened noticeably.
Step 3: Cool and Set
Remove the sauce from heat. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving bowl and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the best consistency.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh orange juice → water with 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a less sweet version
- granulated sugar → honey or maple syrup, reduced to 3/4 cup
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking on too high heat the entire time, which can scorch the sugar and make the sauce taste bitter
- Not allowing the sauce to cool fully, as it will appear too thin while hot but sets perfectly once chilled
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 95 calories, 0g protein, 24g carbs, 0g fat, 2g fiber.
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