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This homemade cranberry orange sauce is all natural and uses just 2 ingredients: fresh cranberries and orange juice concentrate. With no added sugar, this stuff is actually good for you!

Yes, you’ve heard it right – it’s a cranberry sauce with NO ADDED SUGAR! And no artificial sweetener either :) Those artificial sweeteners are full of harmful chemicals that might be actually worse than the sugar, you know!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Sauce With No Added Sugar

Healthy and Natural: With no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, this cranberry orange sauce is a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for clean eating enthusiasts. The natural sweetness from the orange juice concentrate brings a delightful balance to the tart cranberries.
Simple Ingredients: You only need two ingredients to create this flavorful sauce—fresh cranberries and frozen orange juice concentrate. No need for a long grocery list or fancy items!
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, this sauce is perfect for both beginners and busy cooks. It’s as simple as combining, simmering, and stirring.
Versatile Flavor: The bold tanginess of cranberries pairs beautifully with the citrusy sweetness of orange. This sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s a versatile addition to desserts, breakfasts, or savory dishes.
Impressive Homemade Touch: Making this sauce from scratch will wow your family and friends. They’ll never guess it’s this easy to prepare!

This amazing cranberry orange sauce is naturally sweetened with the orange juice concentrate. One can of the orange juice concentrate provides just the right amount of sweetness to sweeten the whole batch of this mouthwatering cranberry-orange goodness! And both cranberries and oranges are like powerhouses of nutrition!

I’m so proud to say that I actually invented this recipe! I used the make the cranberry-orange sauce the standard old way, using cranberries, water, orange juice and white sugar. Until one day it dawned on me – why am I putting both orange juice and sugar there when I can use the orange juice concentrate instead, since it’s naturally really sweet? I started searching online to see if anyone has done it and found NOTHING! Some people would sweeten their cranberry sauce with maple syrup or honey, some would use the artificial sweetener, but nobody used the orange juice concentrate! I Googled “cranberry sauce” and “orange juice concentrate” together and combed through the results, and nobody has done it. So if you ever see this recipe on another food blog, that means they are my copycat! :)

Ingredients For Cranberry Orange Sauce With No Added Sugar

Fresh Cranberries – These tart berries are the base of the sauce, providing a bright, tangy flavor and beautiful red color.
Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate – Acts as a natural sweetener and enhances the citrus flavor, perfectly complementing the cranberries.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

After I got the idea of using the orange juice concentrate, the next day I went to the store and got the supplies. When testing this new recipe, I got super lucky and got the quantities right on the first try! This cranberry orange sauce uses 1 bag (12 oz) of fresh cranberries and 1 can (also 12 oz) of frozen orange juice concentrate. One bag and one can is actually the correct ratio that yielded the perfect cranberry orange sauce with just the right amount of sweetness!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Cranberry Orange Sauce With No Added Sugar

Medium-Sized Pot – Essential for cooking the cranberries and orange juice concentrate together.
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula – Perfect for stirring the sauce as it cooks, preventing it from sticking to the pot.
Measuring Cups – Helpful for portioning out the ingredients accurately, ensuring the best results.

If you taste the sauce once it’s done and think you’d prefer it sweeter, feel free to stir in a little sugar to taste. I didn’t need to add any, but I could see how some people would like their cranberry sauce on a sweeter side. It’s totally completely up to you, and the one thing I do know – extra sugar or not, you are going to absolutely love this amazing cranberry-orange sauce – it’s truly delicious!

How To Make Cranberry Orange Sauce With No Added Sugar

Pour the fresh cranberries and frozen orange juice concentrate into a medium-sized pot.
Heat the pot over medium-high heat and allow the mixture to come to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick.
Cook the mixture for about 25 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens to your liking.
Let the sauce cool slightly before serving—it will thicken further as it cools.

Cranberry and orange actually make an awesome combo – those foods are made for each other! This delicious sauce looks bright red like a regular cranberry sauce, but you can definitely taste the hint of orange in every spoon! The taste of this sauce is so complex and so delicious, it’s the best cranberry sauce you’ll ever have! You’ll never want to eat the cranberry sauce out of the can ever again!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cranberry orange sauce alongside roasted turkey breast, bone-in chicken, or pork ribs for a classic holiday pairing.
Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for a refreshing breakfast twist.
Swirl it into oatmeal or spread it over bread toast to add a burst of flavor to your morning routine.
Pair with mini peppers cheese and matzo crackers for an easy appetizer or snack that’s both sweet and savory.
Use it as a glaze for roasted zucchini and squash or a teriyaki chicken breast to elevate your dishes.

This cranberry orange sauce is super easy to make. Just dump the cranberries and the orange juice concentrate in a pot, bring to boil and simmer for 25 minutes. Anyone can make this simple recipe! You’ll totally wow everyone with the fact that you made a cranberry sauce from scratch, and wait till you tell them that it’s all natural without any added sugar! Their jaws will drop and rightfully so :) This cranberry orange sauce is a true keeper and is an absolute must on your holiday menu!

Tips For Success

Choose Fresh Cranberries: Look for cranberries that are firm and bright red for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any that are soft or discolored.
Use Quality Orange Juice Concentrate: Opt for 100% orange juice concentrate with no added sugars or preservatives. This will ensure a natural, clean flavor in your sauce.
Simmer Slowly: Cooking the sauce on low heat after it comes to a boil allows the cranberries to burst and release their natural pectin. This helps the sauce thicken naturally without any added ingredients.
Stir Often: While simmering, give the sauce a stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is especially important as the mixture thickens.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you find the sauce too tart after cooking, you can stir in a little honey, maple syrup, or sugar to taste. This is optional, as the natural sweetness from the orange juice concentrate is usually sufficient.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. It will thicken further as it cools, reaching the perfect consistency for your holiday table.
Prepare Ahead of Time: This sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations And Substitutions

Add Spices for Warmth: Enhance the flavor of your cranberry orange sauce by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. These spices pair wonderfully with the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of orange juice concentrate.
Include Zest: For a more intense citrus flavor, stir in some grated orange zest toward the end of cooking. This adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
Mix in Other Fruits: Add diced apples or pears for a fruity twist. These fruits soften as they cook and add natural sweetness and texture to the sauce.
Sweetener Options: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, consider adding a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Keep it healthy by avoiding refined sugars.
Alcoholic Touch: Stir in a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau for a grown-up version of this sauce. The orange-flavored liqueur complements the ingredients beautifully.
Texture Tweaks: For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or mash the cranberries with a fork. If you like it chunky, simply leave it as is.
Dietary Adjustments: For a keto-friendly option, replace the orange juice concentrate with a sugar-free orange-flavored syrup or add a few drops of orange extract to taste.
Different Juices: Experiment with pomegranate juice concentrate or unsweetened apple juice concentrate for a new twist on the classic cranberry sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors may even intensify after a day or two, making it even more delicious.
Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat and stir until warmed through. If it’s too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the consistency.
Serve Cold: This sauce can also be served cold directly from the refrigerator. It makes a refreshing topping for desserts or a cool addition to savory dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Dried cranberries are not a good substitute for this recipe. Fresh cranberries provide the necessary texture and tartness to balance the sweetness from the orange juice concentrate.

What can I use instead of orange juice concentrate?

If you can’t find orange juice concentrate, you can use fresh orange juice with a little added sweetener like honey or maple syrup. However, the flavor and sweetness may not be as concentrated.

Is this recipe suitable for diabetics?

This recipe is naturally sweetened with orange juice concentrate and contains no refined sugar, making it a healthier option. However, the natural sugars in the concentrate may still impact blood sugar levels, so portion control is recommended.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s a great timesaver for busy holiday preparations.

Why didn’t my sauce thicken?

If your sauce didn’t thicken, it may need more cooking time. Simmering allows the cranberries to release their natural pectin, which thickens the sauce. Continue cooking until the desired consistency is achieved.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just use two bags of cranberries and two cans of orange juice concentrate. Make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume.

What else can I do with leftover cranberry orange sauce?

Leftovers are versatile! Use them as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. You can also swirl the sauce into yogurt, oatmeal, or use it as a glaze for meats and roasted vegetables.

Can I add sugar or sweeteners if it’s too tart?

If the sauce is too tart for your liking, feel free to stir in a small amount of sugar, honey, or maple syrup after cooking. Adjust to taste until it reaches your preferred sweetness.

Other Easy Cranberry Recipes

Cranberry Brie Cracker Appetizer Bites – These easy-to-make bites combine creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crisp crackers for a crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer.

Muffins Made with Cranberry Sauce – Soft and moist muffins packed with the festive flavors of cranberry sauce make the perfect breakfast or snack.

Creamy Cranberry Jalapeno Dip with Cheese – A deliciously creamy and tangy dip with a spicy kick, perfect for pairing with chips or crackers.

Puff Pastry Bites with Cranberry and Brie – Flaky puff pastry filled with gooey brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce makes a stunning appetizer for any occasion.

Cranberry Spinach Salad with Apples and Walnuts – A fresh and vibrant salad featuring spinach, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and dried cranberries tossed in a light dressing.

Easy Pressure Cooker Cranberry Sauce – Make perfectly cooked, flavorful cranberry sauce in minutes using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker.

Orange Cranberry Loaf – Perfect Holiday Bread Recipe – A moist and flavorful loaf packed with the zesty brightness of oranges and tart cranberries, perfect for festive celebrations.

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Healthy Cranberry Orange Sauce With No Added Sugar!

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