Bright, tangy, better-than-store-bought magic.

All the flavor, none of the fuss.

Homemade cranberry sauce is one of those joys of the holiday season that feels impossibly fresh and flavorful compared to the canned version. Tart, sweet, and bursting with whole-food ingredients, this simple recipe transforms any meal—from roasted turkey to everyday chicken—into something festive.

Welcome to Day 15 of our 25 Days of Simple Christmas countdown! Today we’re making a bright, clean cranberry sauce that comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.

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A Loving Family Memory

I can still picture my mom opening that familiar ridged can of cranberry sauce—plop—onto a plate each Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a kid, I thought it was hilarious. As an adult… well, I learned we can do better.

One year, after becoming a mom myself, I decided to make cranberry sauce from scratch. It felt intimidating at first—Wasn’t this something only fancy cooks did? But within minutes, the berries began popping in the pot, releasing that beautiful ruby color and citrusy aroma.

My kids stood at the stove beside me, giggling with every pop! We stirred, tasted, adjusted the sweetness, and created something completely our own. When we set it out on the table that year, even my husband—who claimed to “hate cranberry sauce”—went back for seconds.

Now, every December, we make a batch together. It’s become a small but meaningful tradition, and the sound of cranberries popping has become one of my favorite holiday sounds.

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Why Cranberry Sauce Belongs in Your Holiday Kitchen

1. Whole-food ingredients

Fresh cranberries, citrus, and natural sweetener—nothing artificial.

2. Make-ahead friendly

Actually tastes better after resting in the fridge overnight.

3. Versatile beyond turkey

Spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, top baked brie, or spoon over oatmeal.

4. A beautiful edible gift

A jar of ruby-red cranberry sauce is simple, stunning, and heartfelt.

5. Saves money and reduces waste

Make exactly what you need using whole ingredients.

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Whole-Food Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 cup water
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt

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Instructions:

1. Add cranberries, maple syrup, water, orange zest, and orange juice to a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sea salt.
5. Let cool—sauce thickens as it rests.
6. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to one week.

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Ways We Love to Use This Cranberry Sauce

The classic holiday pairing

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes—the whole cozy lineup.

Spread on morning toast

A bright, tangy lift to your breakfast.

Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal

Instant festive flavor.

Over warm brie or goat cheese

An easy appetizer that tastes fancy with zero effort.

Gifting

Pour into small jars, tie with twine, add a tag… done!

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Every year when we make this, I’m reminded that we don’t need perfection—or complicated recipes—to create meaningful traditions. Sometimes the simplest foods make the biggest memories.

Day 15 is complete! Tomorrow we move to Day 16 — Homemade Apple Cider: comfort in a mug.