# Classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce in 20 Minutes

Fresh cranberries simmer with orange and just enough sugar for a bright, spoonable sauce that can be made days ahead.

By The Signal Edition | Food / Thanksgiving Recipes
Published: 2026-10-25T17:53:22Z
Updated: 2026-10-25T18:06:59Z
Canonical: https://www.thesignaledition.com/article/thanksgiving-classic-cranberry-sauce-thx17
Image: https://www.thesignaledition.com/media/2ef942891c37d65a7c395bcd26229c0c.jpg (Cranberry sauce served with a traditional Thanksgiving meal; credit: Source: Harry & David / The Table)

## Summary
- About 3 cups, 12 servings; preparation 5 minutes; cooking 15 minutes.
- Cranberries contain natural pectin, so the sauce thickens as it cools without added starch.
- The recipe includes make-ahead, substitution and safe-storage guidance.

## What makes this classic cranberry sauce work?

Classic Cranberry Sauce serves About 3 cups, 12 and takes 20 minutes plus cooling. Cranberries contain natural pectin, so the sauce thickens as it cools without added starch. Stopping while some berries remain whole gives it texture and keeps it from becoming jammy. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce)

## Ingredients

For About 3 cups, 12 servings: 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup water; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest; pinch of kosher salt; optional 1 small cinnamon stick. Measure and prepare every ingredient before cooking so the method moves cleanly and the final seasoning remains controlled. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce)

## Step-by-step method

1. Rinse fresh cranberries and discard any soft berries. Put cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, zest, salt and cinnamon stick, if using, in a saucepan. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce)

2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce)

3. Reduce to a steady simmer and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most berries burst but some remain intact. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce)

4. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Taste carefully; add one tablespoon sugar only if a sweeter sauce is preferred. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce)

5. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours so the sauce sets. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce)

## Make ahead, substitutions and storage

Make up to five days ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator. Frozen cranberries can go directly into the pan and may need two extra minutes. Replace orange juice with water for a plainer sauce. Do not treat this refrigerator recipe as shelf-stable canning; refrigerate promptly and use clean utensils when serving. [1](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce) [2](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety)

Cranberry sauce can be prepared several days ahead because it is served cold and its flavor settles during refrigeration. Cool it before covering, use clean utensils when serving and return it to the refrigerator within two hours. Freeze surplus sauce in small containers if it will not be used within the planned storage period. [2](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety)

## Reporting sources
1. [Ocean Spray: Fresh Cranberry Sauce](https://www.oceanspray.com/recipes/fresh-cranberry-sauce) (2026-10-25)
2. [USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Leftovers and Food Safety](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) (2026-10-25)