Slow Cooker Orange Cranberry Sauce

Say goodbye to the constant stirring and tedious monitoring of stovetop cooking. This exceptional Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce recipe offers a hands-free, flavorful alternative, transforming the preparation of this beloved condiment into a delightful, stress-free experience. Crafted with the perfect balance of tart cranberries, the warm embrace of cinnamon, and the bright, zesty notes of fresh oranges, this homemade version is destined to become a staple at your holiday feasts, special dinners, or as a versatile accompaniment to countless dishes throughout the year. The slow cooker truly comes to the rescue, ensuring a rich, deeply flavored sauce with minimal effort.

slow cooker Crockpot pot homemade cranberry sauce in a white bowl

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If you’re exploring other ways to create delicious cranberry sauce, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce for a quicker preparation method, or my Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce if you prefer a classic stovetop recipe with a sophisticated twist.

Introduction to Effortless Cranberry Sauce

Forget the days of frantic whisking and sticky pot scrubbing. This slow cooker method for homemade cranberry sauce revolutionizes how you prepare this classic condiment. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about unlocking deeper flavors and a more consistent texture with minimal effort. Imagine a perfectly balanced sauce – tart, sweet, and fragrant with cinnamon and orange – bubbling gently, unattended, while you focus on other holiday preparations or simply enjoy your day. This recipe promises a hands-free approach to a homemade staple, ensuring a stress-free culinary experience that delivers impressive results every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Embracing the slow cooker for your cranberry sauce offers a multitude of benefits that make it the superior choice, especially during busy times. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become your go-to:

  • Unparalleled Convenience: The primary advantage of using a slow cooker is its “set it and forget it” nature. Unlike traditional stovetop methods that demand constant supervision and frequent stirring to prevent burning, this recipe allows you to simply combine your ingredients, turn on the appliance, and walk away. This hands-off approach is a game-changer, particularly when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday meal or preparing for entertaining guests.
  • Effortless Hands-Off Cooking: Once your ingredients are in the slow cooker, your active involvement is virtually complete. This frees up precious time and mental energy, enabling you to focus on other culinary tasks, enjoy time with family, or simply relax. The slow cooker gently simmers the cranberries, coaxing out their flavors without requiring your constant attention.
  • Ideal for Large Batches: Whether you’re feeding a large family, hosting a crowd, or planning to freeze portions for later use, a Crockpot can easily accommodate a substantial quantity of cranberry sauce. This makes it an incredibly efficient option for preparing ample amounts without needing to cook multiple smaller batches.
  • Frees Up Valuable Stovetop Space: During holiday cooking, stovetop burners are often at a premium. By utilizing your slow cooker, you effectively liberate a burner that can then be used for mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, or any other essential side dish. This simple shift in cooking method can significantly reduce kitchen congestion.
  • Consistent, Rich Flavor and Texture: The prolonged, gentle cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors of the cranberries, orange, and cinnamon to meld together beautifully and deepen over time. This slow infusion results in a more robust, well-rounded, and consistently flavored sauce. The berries break down gradually, contributing to a smooth yet slightly chunky texture that many prefer, all without the risk of scorching.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Often, slow cooker recipes mean fewer pots and pans to wash. Since all the ingredients cook together in one pot, cleanup is typically straightforward and hassle-free, saving you even more time after your delicious meal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Creating an extraordinary homemade cranberry sauce begins with understanding the role of each key ingredient. This recipe champions simplicity, using a handful of components that deliver maximum flavor:

  • Cranberries: The star of the show! Use fresh or frozen whole cranberries. Their natural tartness is fundamental to the sauce’s character. When cooked, they burst and release their pectin, which naturally thickens the sauce. For optimal flavor and texture, select firm, plump berries.
  • Orange Juice: This provides a vital counterpoint to the cranberries’ tartness, adding natural sweetness and a bright, citrusy aroma. It also serves as the liquid base for the sauce, helping the cranberries to break down evenly and infusing them with flavor. For an extra punch and depth of citrus, consider adding a touch of orange zest along with the juice.
  • Cinnamon: A warming spice that perfectly complements the cranberries, cinnamon adds depth and a classic holiday aroma. You can use ground cinnamon for a more integrated flavor throughout the sauce or opt for cinnamon sticks for a subtler infusion that can be easily removed before serving.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that adds a nuanced, floral sweetness to the sauce. Honey also contributes to a glossy finish and a lovely depth of flavor that granulated sugar alone might not achieve. Its liquid form blends seamlessly into the sauce during the slow cooking process.
  • Sugar or Sweetener: Granulated sugar provides the classic sweetness and helps achieve that characteristic jam-like consistency. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, alternative sweeteners like monk fruit can be used to achieve a similar sweet profile without the added calories or carbs. The beauty of homemade sauce is being able to adjust the sweetness to your personal preference, ensuring it’s perfectly balanced for your palate.
Brandi Crawford kitchen headshot photo
cranberry sauce, cinnamon, sugar, honey, and orange juice in separate bowls

Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Which to Use?

One of the great aspects of this slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe is its versatility when it comes to the star ingredient: cranberries. You can confidently use either fresh or frozen cranberries, and the results will be equally delicious and satisfying. The choice often comes down to availability and personal preference.

If using fresh cranberries, look for plump, firm berries that are bright red in color. Avoid any that appear shriveled or bruised. A quick rinse under cold water is all that’s needed before adding them to your slow cooker to remove any debris. Fresh cranberries tend to burst a bit more dramatically, releasing their juices and pectin readily.

For frozen cranberries, there’s no need to defrost them prior to cooking. They can go straight into the slow cooker directly from the freezer, which is a fantastic time-saver. However, it’s a good practice to give them a quick rinse in cold water before adding them. This helps to wash off any ice crystals that might have formed and ensures that any lingering freezer odors are removed, giving you the cleanest flavor profile. The cooking time might slightly increase when using frozen berries, but the slow cooker’s extended and gentle cooking window easily accommodates this without any negative impact on the final product’s texture or flavor. Both fresh and frozen options will yield a wonderfully rich and flavorful sauce.

cranberry sauce, cinnamon, sugar, and orange juice in a slow cooker Crockpot

Making Your Cranberry Sauce Sugar-Free

For those mindful of sugar intake, watching their carbs, or following specific dietary plans like keto or diabetic-friendly diets, it’s entirely possible to create a delicious, naturally sweetened, or sugar-free cranberry sauce. This recipe is highly adaptable to accommodate such preferences.

You can easily omit the honey and conventional granulated sugar called for in this recipe and opt for sweetening the sauce solely with a natural, zero-calorie, or low-calorie alternative. Monk fruit sweetener is an excellent choice for this. It’s derived from a natural fruit, has zero calories and zero carbohydrates, and offers a clean, natural sweetness without the often-unpleasant aftertaste associated with some artificial sweeteners. Other popular options include erythritol, xylitol (be careful with pets, as it’s toxic to dogs), or a blend of erythritol and stevia.

When substituting sugar with alternative sweeteners, it’s crucial to taste and adjust frequently, as the potency of these sweeteners can vary significantly compared to granulated sugar. Begin by adding a smaller amount than you anticipate needing. It’s often best to add the sweetener after the cranberries have begun to break down in the slow cooker, allowing the natural tartness to emerge. Stir well, taste, and then add more gradually, continuing to taste until your desired level of sweetness is achieved. This ensures you create a sauce that perfectly balances the inherent tartness of the cranberries without being overly sweet or developing an unwanted undertone from the sweetener.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce: A Detailed Guide

Preparing homemade cranberry sauce in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, but a few key details ensure the best results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by thoroughly washing your cranberries, whether they are fresh or frozen. If using fresh berries, take a moment to pick through them and remove any stray stems or soft/bruised cranberries. For frozen berries, a quick rinse under cold water can help remove any ice crystals that may have formed. Next, gather all your other ingredients: fresh orange juice, honey, your choice of sugar or alternative sweetener, and cinnamon (either ground or sticks).
  2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Carefully place all the prepared ingredients—cranberries, orange juice, honey, your chosen sugar or sweetener, and cinnamon—into the insert of your slow cooker. A helpful tip for precise sweetness control: you may elect to add only half of the suggested sugar/sweetener at this initial stage. This allows you the flexibility to taste the sauce later in the cooking process and adjust the sweetness precisely to your preference, as the tartness of cranberries can vary.
  3. Set and Cook: Securely place the lid on your slow cooker. Set the appliance to cook on the “High” setting for a duration of 3-4 hours, or alternatively, on the “Low” setting for 7-8 hours. The longer, gentler cooking time on “Low” often yields a deeper, more thoroughly melded flavor profile. During the cooking process, you will begin to hear the cranberries popping and bursting as they soften and release their juices, indicating that the sauce is coming together beautifully.
  4. Stir and Adjust Seasoning: Around the halfway point of the cooking time, or definitely before the final hour, give the sauce a gentle stir with a spoon or spatula. This action helps to break up any remaining whole berries and ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. This is the perfect moment to taste the sauce and determine if you’d like to add more honey, sugar, or sweetener to achieve a sweeter profile. You can also incorporate additional ground cinnamon for a bolder spice note if that suits your taste.
  5. Cool Before Chilling: Once the cranberry sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, turn off the slow cooker and carefully remove the insert. It is crucial to allow the cranberry sauce to cool down completely to room temperature before proceeding to refrigerate it. This gradual cooling step is essential for the pectin within the cranberries to properly set, which contributes significantly to the sauce’s final texture. Rushing this process by placing a hot pot directly into the refrigerator can create unwanted condensation and may hinder the sauce from thickening uniformly.
  6. Chill for Optimal Texture: After the sauce has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Place the sealed container in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, though ideally overnight. During this chilling period, the sauce will undergo a noticeable transformation; it will thicken considerably, reaching that perfect, rich, and spoonable consistency that is characteristic of classic cranberry sauce. Your homemade cranberry sauce is now ready to be served, either chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
cranberry sauce, cinnamon, sugar, and orange juice in a slow cooker Crockpot

Achieving the Perfect Consistency: Troubleshooting Runny Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce naturally thickens as it cools, primarily due to the pectin released by the cranberries themselves. However, if you find your sauce is still too runny after cooling and chilling, don’t worry – there are several effective and easy ways to achieve that ideal, luscious consistency:

  • The Role of Granulated Sweetener: Granulated sugar or certain granulated sweeteners (like erythritol) play a significant role in thickening cranberry sauce beyond just adding sweetness. They interact with the pectin naturally present in the cranberries, helping to form that characteristic jam-like gel. This recipe already incorporates a granulated sweetener, which aids in this natural thickening process from the start.
  • Patience, Chilling is Key: This is often the most overlooked step! The most significant thickening of cranberry sauce occurs during refrigeration. It’s crucial to ensure your sauce has been thoroughly chilled for at least 2-4 hours, or even better, overnight. Many times, what appears to be a runny sauce immediately after cooking will set beautifully once cold. Give it time in the fridge before assuming it’s too thin.
  • The Cornstarch Slurry Method: If your sauce remains stubbornly thin even after proper chilling, a cornstarch slurry is your best friend for a quick fix. In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until a smooth, lump-free paste forms. Slowly pour this slurry into your runny cranberry sauce while stirring continuously. Return the slow cooker insert to the “High” setting (or transfer the sauce to a saucepan on the stovetop) and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for a few minutes. The sauce will visibly thicken as it heats. Remove from heat once thickened to your liking and allow it to cool and chill again for best results.
  • Reduce with the Lid Off: Another effective method for thickening is to simply continue cooking the sauce. If using the slow cooker, remove the lid entirely or leave it slightly ajar and cook on the “High” setting for an additional 30-60 minutes. This allows some of the excess liquid to evaporate, thereby concentrating the sauce and promoting natural thickening. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Eliminating Bitterness from Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are naturally tart, and sometimes that tartness can veer into bitterness if not properly balanced. While this recipe is thoughtfully designed to minimize inherent bitterness, if you find your slow cooker cranberry sauce still has a harsh edge, here are several expert tips to mellow it out and enhance the overall flavor profile:

  • Gradual Sweetener Addition: The most direct and effective way to counteract bitterness is by carefully adding more sweetener. Don’t rush this step; instead, proceed incrementally. Start with a small addition of your chosen sweetener (whether it’s granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, or a zero-calorie alternative) and stir it thoroughly into the sauce. Taste, then add a little more if needed, until the bitterness subsides and a pleasant balance of sweet and tart is achieved. Incremental additions prevent over-sweetening, which can be difficult to correct.
  • Leverage Citrus Zest and Juice: The natural acidity and aromatic oils found in citrus fruits are excellent for brightening flavors and effectively cutting through bitterness. If you haven’t already, add some fresh orange zest (being meticulous to only grate the orange part and avoid the bitter white pith) and a squeeze of fresh orange juice. Even a very small quantity of lemon or lime juice can work wonders in lifting the overall flavor profile and counteracting harsh notes.
  • Introduce Brown Sugar: Brown sugar offers a richer, more complex caramel-like sweetness compared to the neutral profile of white granulated sugar. Substituting a portion of your white sugar with brown sugar, or simply adding a small amount, can impart a lovely depth of flavor that helps to mask and complement the cranberries’ natural bitterness, resulting in a more rounded taste.
  • Fruit Puree for Mellow Sweetness: Integrating a mild, naturally sweet fruit puree can be a fantastic way to balance the flavor of your cranberry sauce. Purees such as unsweetened apple puree (applesauce), pear puree, or even mashed banana can add natural sweetness and a subtle fruitiness. These ingredients help to round out the tartness without relying solely on refined sugar, contributing to a more wholesome sweetness.
  • A Splash of Alcohol: A small amount of alcohol, such as a tablespoon or two of brandy, cognac, or an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier (as featured in one of our other cranberry sauce recipes!), can add complexity and a warming note while effectively mellowing out any lingering bitterness. Don’t be concerned about the alcohol content; most of it will cook off during the gentle simmering, leaving behind only its rich, enhancing flavor.
  • Dilution as a Solution: If the cranberry sauce is intensely bitter due to being overly concentrated, you can dilute it slightly. Add a small amount of liquid, such as more orange juice or even a bit of water, to spread out the flavors and reduce the intensity of the bitterness. Remember that if you dilute significantly, you might also need to re-adjust other seasonings, including sweetness.
  • Blend with Mild Sweet Fruits: Incorporating and cooking diced apples or pears along with the cranberries can significantly help. These fruits soften and release their own natural sweetness and moisture, blending harmoniously with the cranberries to create a more balanced and less bitter flavor profile. Their mild flavor won’t overpower the cranberries but will provide a gentle counterbalance.

The Importance of Cooling and Chilling Cranberry Sauce

While the enticing aroma of freshly cooked cranberry sauce is incredibly inviting, resisting the urge to serve it immediately after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker is a crucial step to achieving its optimal texture and flavor. Two critical phases follow the cooking process: cooling and chilling.

First, it is absolutely essential to allow the sauce to **fully cool** down to room temperature after you’ve removed it from the slow cooker. This gradual cooling process is fundamental for the pectin, a natural gelling agent present in cranberries, to properly set. Rushing this step by placing a hot pot directly into the refrigerator can create excessive condensation within the container. More importantly, it can hinder the pectin’s ability to form a uniform gel, potentially resulting in a sauce that doesn’t thicken as consistently or as much as desired.

Once the sauce has cooled completely to room temperature, the next paramount step is transferring it to an airtight container and **chilling** it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. During this chilling period, the cranberry sauce undergoes a significant transformation. The pectin molecules solidify and form a gel-like structure, leading to that desirable thick, spoonable, and satisfying consistency we all expect from cranberry sauce. Furthermore, chilling allows the complex flavors of the cranberries, orange, and cinnamon to deepen, meld even further, and fully harmonize. This results in a more robust, well-rounded, and utterly delicious taste. For the best enjoyment, homemade cranberry sauce is usually preferred served cold or at room temperature, as this is when its texture and flavors are at their absolute peak.

homemade cranberry sauce in a Crockpot slow cooker

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Tips for Cranberry Sauce

One of the many advantages of homemade cranberry sauce is its excellent shelf life and freezer-friendliness, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for any occasion. Planning ahead can significantly reduce stress during busy holidays or simply streamline your weekly meal prep.

Make-Ahead Benefits: Cranberry sauce is a dream for advanced preparation. Its flavors actually improve and deepen after a day or two in the refrigerator, allowing all the ingredients to fully harmonize and mature. Making it ahead ensures one less thing to worry about on a busy cooking day, freeing you up to focus on other elements of your meal or simply enjoy more time with loved ones.

How to Store It: Once your slow cooker cranberry sauce has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or sturdy plastic containers are ideal choices for refrigeration. Properly stored, your homemade cranberry sauce will maintain its freshness and delicious flavor in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days. Always ensure the container is sealed well to prevent any odors from other foods in the refrigerator from affecting the delicate flavor of your sauce.

Freezer Tips: For much longer storage, homemade cranberry sauce freezes beautifully without a significant loss of quality.

  • Preparation for Freezing: Before freezing, make sure the sauce has cooled completely to room temperature. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or even ice cube trays for smaller, individual servings. If using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.
  • Freezing Duration: Tightly covered and properly sealed, homemade cranberry sauce can last in the freezer for up to one year. However, for optimal freshness, best flavor, and ideal texture, it’s generally recommended to consume it within 2 to 3 months. Beyond this period, it’s still safe to eat but might start to lose some of its vibrant freshness.
  • Thawing Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cranberry sauce, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly overnight. For quicker thawing, you can place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, give the sauce a good stir. If it seems a little too thin after thawing, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to restore its desired consistency.

Having a batch of homemade cranberry sauce ready in your fridge or freezer means you’re always prepared for a festive meal, a quick flavorful addition to your everyday dishes, or even an unexpected gathering.

Perfect Pairings: Side Dish Recipes

Homemade cranberry sauce is a wonderfully versatile condiment that elevates a wide array of side dishes. Its bright, tangy sweetness provides a delightful contrast and cuts through richness, adding a layer of complexity to your meal. Consider pairing your slow cooker cranberry sauce with these complementary recipes to create a truly memorable spread:

  • Southern Turnip Greens: The vibrant acidity and subtle sweetness of the cranberry sauce offer a fantastic counterpoint to the earthy, savory depth of well-seasoned turnip greens, creating a surprisingly harmonious bite.
  • Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: While both dishes lean towards the sweeter side, the tartness of the cranberry sauce prevents the candied sweet potatoes from being overly cloying, adding a refreshing note that brightens the entire plate.
  • Cornbread Dressing with Chicken: A spoonful of cranberry sauce adds both welcome moisture and a burst of fruity, tangy flavor to the hearty, savory cornbread dressing. This creates a classic holiday combination that’s comforting and balanced.
  • Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese: The creamy, rich, and comforting goodness of baked macaroni and cheese is beautifully balanced by the tangy fruitiness of cranberry sauce. It’s an unexpected but incredibly delicious pairing that adds a zing to the savory dish.
slow cooker Crockpot pot homemade cranberry sauce in a white bowl

Perfect Pairings: Main Dish Recipes

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving! Its versatility shines when paired with various main courses, from traditional poultry to seafood and ham. Its distinctive sweet-tart profile enhances savory dishes, adding moisture and a burst of flavor that can transform an ordinary meal into something truly special. Here are some main dish recipes that beautifully complement your slow cooker cranberry sauce, offering both classic and exciting new combinations:

  • Slow Cooker Turkey Legs: The rich, dark meat of slow-cooked turkey legs finds a perfect partner in the bright, fruity and tangy sauce, effectively cutting through its richness for a balanced bite.
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Wings: Similar to turkey legs, the cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, tender flavors of slow-cooked turkey wings, making each mouthful more dynamic.
  • Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast: Keep your turkey breast moist and bursting with flavor by serving it with a generous dollop of homemade cranberry sauce, adding a gourmet touch without extra effort.
  • Smothered Turkey Wings: The deep, savory, and comforting gravy of smothered wings is wonderfully brightened and lifted by the tangy and sweet notes of the cranberry sauce, creating a complex flavor profile.
  • Baked Crab Legs: A less traditional but surprisingly delicious pairing, the delicate sweetness of baked crab can be beautifully elevated by the tart fruitiness of the cranberry sauce, offering a unique culinary experience.
  • Baked Turkey Wings: Whether slow-cooked or baked to crispy perfection, turkey wings are always a hit when served alongside this vibrant homemade sauce, enhancing their savory goodness.
  • Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple: The classic combination of ham and fruit is wonderfully elevated with homemade cranberry sauce, offering a vibrant and slightly tart alternative or complement to traditional pineapple.
  • Air Fryer Turkey Breast: A quick and easy turkey option that tastes even better and remains incredibly moist when paired with the slow-cooked cranberry sauce, adding essential moisture and flavor.
  • Air Fryer Baked Ham: Pair your perfectly cooked, crispy-edged air fryer ham with the irresistible sweet-tart sauce for an unforgettable meal that balances richness with bright fruitiness.
  • Cajun Roasted Turkey: The bold, spicy, and aromatic flavors of Cajun turkey are wonderfully balanced and refreshed by the cooling and sweet notes of the cranberry sauce, creating a delightful contrast.
  • Air Fryer Cornish Hens: Individual Cornish hens become an elegant and flavorful meal when served alongside this vibrant cranberry sauce, adding a touch of sophistication to any plate.

More Delicious Cranberry Creations

If you’ve fallen in love with the bright, festive, and versatile flavor of cranberries, you’ll be delighted to discover that there’s a whole world of culinary possibilities beyond the traditional sauce. Cranberries offer a unique tartness and beautiful color that can be incorporated into refreshing drinks, exciting appetizers, and other delightful dishes. Expand your cranberry repertoire and bring more of this incredible fruit into your kitchen with these additional recipes:

  • Cranberry Sauce with Apples: This is a fantastic variation on the classic, introducing the natural sweetness and soft texture of apples. It offers a slightly different, mellowed twist on traditional cranberry sauce, perfect for those who enjoy a fruitier profile.
  • Cranberry Mimosas: Elevate your brunch, holiday gathering, or any special occasion with a festive and bubbly drink. These mimosas feature cranberry juice, which lends a beautiful ruby-red color and a delightful tangy flavor, making them a sophisticated alternative to orange juice mimosas.
  • Cranberry Jalapeno Dip: Prepare for a surprisingly addictive appetizer that combines sweet, tart, and spicy notes in a harmonious blend. This dip is incredibly flavorful and always a hit at holiday parties or potlucks, offering a refreshing and bold kick to your palate.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice Recipe

slow cooker Crockpot pot homemade cranberry sauce in a white bowl

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice

By Brandi Crawford

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce recipe allows you to say goodbye to stove-side stirring and hello to hands-free, flavorful magic. This homemade version features the flavors of cinnamon and oranges, creating a perfect accompaniment for any meal.

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

8 hrs

Total Time

8 hrs 10 mins

Course

Side Dish

Cuisine

American

Servings

10 servings

Calories

55 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Freezer Soup Molds

Ingredients

  • 16 oz cranberries
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar (Start with 1 teaspoon and taste repeatedly until desired taste is met.)

Instructions

  1. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker. (You may elect to add the sugar and sweeteners at the end so that you can adjust to taste.)
  2. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 7-8 hours.
  3. Taste repeatedly and adjust sweetener and spices as necessary.
  4. Chill for 2 hours to thicken and if you prefer chilled cranberry sauce.

Notes

You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. If using frozen you don’t have to defrost them, but I recommend rinsing off any ice crystals if present.

Nutrition Information & Disclaimer

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 55 kcal

Carbohydrates: 11g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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