This easy spiced cranberry sauce will become your new go-to! Ready in 15 minutes or so and customizable to any dietary need.
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This is going to be the Best Cranberry Sauce of Your Life. A bold claim, I know. Why am I so sure of myself, you ask? This recipe keeps things nice and simple without skimping on flavor for a second. It’s ready in 15 minutes flat while adding a few special touches that make this sauce unique. You won’t want to go back to the canned stuff after this, I promise.

Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work wonderfully!
Navel Orange: You’ll use both the fresh juice and the zest to really infuse this sauce with flavor.
Maple Syrup: To lend a bit of a nutty, caramel flavor. It really gives things some depth that basic sugar could never dream of.
Vanilla Extract: The subtle touch of vanilla really takes things to a whole new level.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: What really makes this recipe sing. Adding these warming autumn spices creates a cozy, festive experience that outdoes any other cranberry sauce, in my opinion.

How to Use Leftovers
It always seems like there’s a bit of leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving, doesn’t it? Aside from the usual leftovers-for-days situation, here are a couple other suggestions for how to make use of it.
- Freeze It! This sauce freezes easily and beautifully. Simply add the sauce to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
- Make it Breakfast: I love adding leftover cranberry sauce to my morning oatmeal or yogurt bowls.
- Put It on a Sandwich: You could always go the classic turkey sandwich route, but I also think this sauce would be simply divine on a grilled cheese.
I hope this Cranberry Sauce becomes your new Thanksgiving Go-To. If you give it a try, be sure to leave a rating, review, question, or concern. This not only helps me improve my recipes but helps enormously with Google rankings. You can also connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok.
More Thanksgiving Sides
- Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
- Incredible Vegetarian Garlic Bread Stuffing
- Roasted Carrot Pistachio White Bean Dip
- Healthier Caramelized French Onion Dip
- Crispy Parmesan Dijon Brussels Sprouts
- Japanese-Inspired Miso Green Beans


Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 12-oz bag cranberries
- juice and zest of one navel orange
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst. Remove top and simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a few days before serving.
Notes
Photography by Hope Agresti