Low-Sugar Holiday Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are holiday staples alongside turkey and stuffing, but most versions of cranberry sauce are higher in sugar than in nutrients from these berries. Cranberry sauce is easy to make, and it’s worth a try, especially if you grew up on canned cranberry sauce. The cranberries pop and thicken as you cook them. This version is lower in added sugar than most recipes, with freshness and natural sweetness from orange juice. 

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Fresh cranberries are readily available in the produce section throughout November and December. They last for weeks in the fridge, or for months in the freezer. 

Varieties and Serving Suggestions:

• For additional sweetness, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or sugar. 
• Add orange zest for a burst of color and flavor.
• Simmer with a cinnamon stick, cloves, or nutmeg for warm, spiced notes.
• Stir in a handful of blueberries or blackberries for more natural sweetness.
• Top with chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a crunchy, nutty finish.
• Serve as a side sauce for lean protein or stuffing/dressing, mix into plain yogurt, or add it to a leftover turkey sandwich.
• It can be a low-sugar alternative to jam on peanut butter sandwiches.

Recipe for Low-Sugar Holiday Cranberry Sauce

Makes 6 servings (serving size: ¼ cup)

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 large oranges, juiced
• (Optional) 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries. Discard any that are soft or moldy.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries and juice from the oranges. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally. The cranberries should burst, so the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Add the optional ingredients here, if desired and cook for an additional two minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool down. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
7. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week. This sauce can be stored in the freezer in the appropriate container or freezer bag for up to three months.

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Nutrition information (using 2 tablespoons of maple syrup): 60 calories; 0 grams of fat; 0 mg of cholesterol; 1 mg of sodium; 14 grams of carbohydrates; 10 grams of sugar; 2 grams of fiber; 0 grams of protein

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Reviewed by Natalie Stein, MS, MPH, CDCES