This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure and privacy policy.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure and privacy policy.
Enjoy this quick and easy maple cranberry sauce recipe during the holidays or any time of year. It is sweetened without any refined sugars–only maple syrup–and is ready in minutes. Add different flavorings, as you like, to make this favorite Thanksgiving sauce your own!
Fresh cranberry sauce doesn’t need heaps of sugar to taste bright and delicious. In fact, it’s astonishing how flavorful it can be with just two simple ingredients—fresh cranberries and a splash of maple syrup—plus a bit of water to bring everything together. The berries break down in minutes on the stovetop, softening into a ruby-red sauce that’s naturally tart and gently sweet.
Once you have the basic recipe down, you can dress it up in endless ways. A pinch of warm spices, finely grated citrus zest, a spoonful of vanilla, or even a splash of red wine can turn this simple sauce into something extra special. Best of all, the sauce takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your plans.
And don’t forget about the leftovers—they are fantastic the next day on nondairy yogurt or ice cream, and surprisingly perfect as a spread on morning toast!
Recipe Benefits
- Only 2 ingredients (plus water)
- No refined sugar
- Quick and easy to prepare (about 15 minutes)
- Good source of vitamin C and fiber
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free and grain-free
- Variable (add different flavorings, as you like)
Ingredients
The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.
You only need two essential ingredients to make this low sugar maple cranberry sauce
- Whole cranberries, either fresh or frozen: pick them over before using. Throw away any wrinkly or discolored cranberries.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) for the best flavor. No worries if you do to have maple syrup on hand–I have alternatives in the recipe notes.
You will also need some water to make the sauce. I use filtered tap water. I like to add a pinch of salt, to enhance the flavors of the sauce, but it is optional.
Step by Step Instructions
Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.
- Combine the Ingredients: Combine the cranberries, maple syrup, water, and optional pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.
- Cook: Turn the heat under the saucepan to medium-high. Cook until the liquids just begin to bubble (a very low boil). Reduce the heat to low to medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries are popping (bursting), about 9 to 10 minutes.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce, adding extra maple syrup, or another pinch of salt, as desired.
- Serve or Cool: Transfer out of the pot to a dish and serve warm, or cool completely (the sauce will thicken and set as it cools due to the pectin in the cranberries). If desired, loosely cover and refrigerate until cold.
Storage
Store the cooled maple cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week, or the freezer for up to 6 months.
Cranberry Sauce Variations
- Add Spices: Add a generous pinch or two of spices to the simmering sauce. For example, ground cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves. Or add a cinnamon stick to the simmering sauce, leaving it in while the sauce cools.
- Vary the Liquid: Replace half of the water with orange juice, red wine, or ginger beer. If using ginger beer, reduce the maple syrup by 2 tablespoons (30 mL), or to taste.
- Add Vanilla or Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sauce as it cools. Alternatively, add one to two teaspoons of finely grated lime, lemon or orange zest.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Add a small sprig of rosemary to the simmering sauce, or stir in two to three teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves as the sauce cools.
- Vary the Sweetener: You can use an equal amount of another liquid sweetener in place of the maple syrup, such as agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or (if you do not follow a vegan diet) honey. You can also use an equal amount of coconut sugar, brown sugar, or granulated cane sugar. Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) more water if using one of these granulated sweetener options.
Enjoy!
Related Recipes
Easy Maple Cranberry Sauce (2 Ingredients)
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, (or frozen, no need to thaw)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: pinch of salt
- Optional: additional flavorings, (see notes, below)
Instructions
- Combine the cranberries, maple syrup, water, and optional pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.
- Turn the heat under the saucepan to medium-high. Cook until the liquids just begin to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries are popping (bursting), about 9 to 10 minutes.
- Taste the sauce, adding extra maple syrup, or another pinch of salt, as desired.
- Transfer to a dish and serve warm, or cool completely (the sauce will thicken and set as it cools due to the pectin in the cranberries). If desired, loosely cover and refrigerate until cold.
Notes
- Add Spices: Add a generous pinch or two of spices to the simmering sauce. For example, ground cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves. Or add a cinnamon stick to the simmering sauce, leaving it in while the sauce cools.
- Vary the Liquid: Replace half of the water with orange juice, red wine, or ginger beer. If using ginger beer, reduce the maple syrup by 2 tablespoons (30 mL), or to taste.
- Add Vanilla or Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sauce as it cools. Alternatively, add one to two teaspoons of finely grated lime, lemon or orange zest.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Add a small sprig of rosemary to the simmering sauce, or stir in two to three teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves as the sauce cools.
- Vary the Sweetener: You can use an equal amount of another liquid sweetener in place of the maple syrup, such as agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or (if you do not follow a vegan diet) honey. You can also use an equal amount of coconut sugar, brown sugar, or granulated cane sugar. Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) more water if using one of these granulated sweetener options.
