Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

This easy cranberry orange sauce recipe is a delightful twist on a holiday staple! Bursting with fresh cranberry flavor and a bright citrusy zing from orange, this sauce is incredibly versatile. Perfect alongside roasted turkey, pork loin, or even as a surprising complement to pound cake or ice cream. The secret ingredient? Chunky applesauce, which adds a wonderful texture and subtle sweetness. Make this ahead and enjoy the deliciousness all season long!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Calories 99 kcal

Protein 0g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Sauce

1/2 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
12 ounces fresh cranberries, picked over
Navel Orange
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
Applesauce

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How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce

In a medium saucepan, dissolve 1 cup of granulated sugar in 1/2 cup of water over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved.
Add 12 ounces of picked-over fresh cranberries to the boiling sugar water.
Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
While the cranberries simmer, zest and finely chop 1 large orange. Dice the orange, removing the white pith.
Remove the cranberry mixture from the heat. Stir in the chopped orange zest, diced orange, 1/2 cup of canned cranberry sauce (optional), and 1/2 cup of chunky applesauce. Mix thoroughly.
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. (Optional: Garnish with reserved orange zest before serving.)

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

79g

Fat

Carbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Cranberry Orange Sauce?

Cranberry Orange Sauce takes about 35 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Cranberry Orange Sauce?

Cranberry Orange Sauce has approximately 99 calories per serving, with about 0 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates and 0 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Cranberry Orange Sauce?

The key ingredients for Cranberry Orange Sauce are Water, Sugar, Cranberries, Navel Orange, Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, Applesauce. See the full list with measurements above.