Appetizers and Sides/ Recipes
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
If you’re looking for an alternative to cranberry sauce in a can, this Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade is the answer and it’s almost just as easy! It tastes about 100 times better than canned cranberry sauce but it’s simple, doesn’t take a lot of time, and you can make it ahead of time and freeze or refrigerate it until Thanksgiving Day. And if you’ve read my post about Turkey Gravy, you know I’m all about making things ahead and freeing up some time on Thanksgiving Day. This cranberry sauce is tart yet sweet and has an orange flavor that really makes it unique and so flavorful!
CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER
Here’s the entire recipe guys: (So easy!!)
Add everything to a pan, bring it to a boil for about 15 minutes (until the cranberries start to pop) and then reduce the heat to medium and reduce everything down for 15 minutes (uncovered). Let it cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.
Note: If you like your sauce smooth instead of chunky, just pop it in the blender or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
That’s it!
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 12 ounce bags of fresh cranberries
- 1 18 ounce jar of orange marmalade (about 1.5 cups)
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat on high while stirring occasionally for 15 minutes.
After the cranberries start to pop, reduce the heat to medium and reduce, uncovered for another 15 minutes.
Let cool and either freeze or refrigerate until ready to serve.
(I serve mine at room temp)
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment!
November 16, 2016
23
Make-Ahead Turkey GravySweet Cinnamon Applesauce
You Might Also Like
How to Make Cuban Tostones (Authentic)
August 11, 2023
Southern Shrimp and Grits
June 16, 2020
23 Comments
Reply
Alli
November 19, 2016 at 3:48 pm
Totally trying this – I just added the ingredients to my Thanksgiving shopping list! I can’t wait, it looks amazing.
Reply
Coco and Ash
November 19, 2016 at 8:07 pm
Awesome Alli!! I hope you like it 🙂 I LOVE your blog too! I’m always so jealous of your gorgeous scenery lol
Reply
Liza Null
November 24, 2016 at 7:49 am
Thank you for this recipe, I’ve had this cranberry sauce before and it’s a lovely accompaniment to pork as well as bird.
Thanks again – we’re having it today!
Reply
Coco and Ash
November 24, 2016 at 2:31 pm
So glad you like it Liza!!
Reply
Laurie
December 9, 2022 at 8:26 am
Love this idea. Anyone out there thinking this could be a water bath recipe? Maybe add a pouch of liquid pectin? This would be a great gift.
Reply
Dawn McAnally
November 29, 2019 at 11:59 am
I have Ocean Spray dried cranberries. Do you feel it will also work?
Reply
Coco and Ash
December 11, 2019 at 9:45 am
Unfortunate it won’t work with dried cranberries.
- See Also10 Ways to Use Up Heavy Cream
Reply
D A
April 16, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Couldn’t you rehydrate the dried cranberries in a bit of water and then add other ingredients
Reply
Coco and Ash
April 19, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Dried cranberries usually have quite a bit of extra sugar so I don’t think it would be the same unfortunately
Reply
Julie
November 23, 2020 at 2:26 pm
Do you think nuts could be added? And if so would you cook them or add after? Thanks!
Reply
Coco and Ash
November 23, 2020 at 2:42 pm
I’ve never actually had cranberry sauce with nuts in it so I can’t say! Let me know if you try it!
Reply
Jamie Lowe
November 21, 2023 at 3:23 pm
I usually add chopped walnuts to mine. Delicious!!
Reply
Seleana
November 29, 2020 at 11:20 pm
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a hit. Super easy!
Reply
Gayla Moon-Burgess
December 11, 2020 at 3:50 pm
This recipe is now our favorite! I used the leftover to make cranberry orange nut bread and it turned out fabulous!!
Reply
Coco and Ash
December 14, 2020 at 7:47 pm
Great idea!! 😀
Reply
Shelby Jean
December 20, 2020 at 9:28 pm
I have one bag of raw cranberries and one bag of frozen cranberries will this recipe work with that?
FYI: I add chopped nuts in my cranberry salad we enjoy it that way.
Reply
Coco and Ash
December 21, 2020 at 9:30 am
I haven’t made it with frozen cranberries but I think it should be fine 🙂
Maybe just add a little less water to start since the frozen ones can contain more water.
Reply
Kim
December 23, 2020 at 1:31 am
I make this each year for Christmas and it is fantastic! My family loves it and my Mama says it is better than her homemade recipe. When I told her how easy it is/was, she wanted to slap me, lol. She no longer slaves over her old way and requests I make this each yr. Thanks for a great and easy, homemade recipe that makes my Mom happy and gives her a break, too. 🙂
Reply
Joseph
November 21, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Excellent and very easy and quick to make
Reply
lois schneider
November 23, 2022 at 12:05 pm
are cranberries drained after cooking with juice saved for drinks?
Reply
Bobbi Hannah
December 26, 2022 at 5:25 pm
I don’t think you could. By the time they cook and cool, there isn’t a lot of extra juice. You could maybe take some juice out before it cools.
Reply
Deia
November 23, 2022 at 2:17 pm
My husband has made this for last few years and everyone loves it! I am making it this year due to our schedules but I am adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. I think it will add a great flavor to it. Fingers crossed lol
Reply
Bobbi Hannah
December 26, 2022 at 5:23 pm
I made this for Christmas dinner and it was terrific! Everyone really liked it. It has just enough sweet and tart to balance the flavors. I made it exactly as the recipe said. I just printed it out so I will have it for the future.
