Name: Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce {Paleo}
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 12oz bags fresh cranberries; 2 large navel oranges (zested and juiced); 2 cups coconut sugar (may sub granulated sugar for non-paleo); 1 cinnamon stick; ¼ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp allspice; 2 pinches salt

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Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Paleo

Made from whole, fresh cranberries, this sauce is tangy, slightly sweet with notes of warm spices and orange. It's the perfect addition to any holiday table!

Bite of Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce on a spoon with a bowl of cranberry sauce, orange slices, and fresh cranberries in the background.

Why I Love This Recipe

Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce is the perfect side for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinner. Whole cranberries burst and simmer with orange zest, orange juice, and warm spices to make a delicious, thick texture without the addition of sugary gelatin products!

Many of us grew up loving canned cranberry sauce, and to be honest, I'm still a fan. However, homemade cranberry sauce has a fresh, extra vibrant taste canned versions can't match.

Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce is seasoned with several of nostalgic warm holiday spices: cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, nutmeg and allspice for the perfect seasonal bite! Simmered in fresh orange juice and sweetened with sugar, this sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

Since it lasts in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks, it is a great dish to make ahead for the holidays. It's a quick side that comes together in around 20 minutes. Plus, this recipe is spiced with ingredients we commonly have on hand during fall/winter: oranges, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.

Bowl of Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce next to a linen napkin, orange slices, cinnamon stick, and fresh cranberries.

Can I use store bought orange juice?

This homemade cranberry sauce tastes best when using fresh orange juice and zest. However, if you don't have that on hand, refrigerated orange juice will work as well. It will have less orange flavor from lack of zest but will still be delicious.

If you do use fresh oranges, be sure to zest them first. It is next to impossible to zest a cut and juiced orange.

Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce with an orange peel next to an orange peel and fresh cranberry.

What type of sugar can I use?

To keep this recipe paleo, I typically use coconut sugar. If you're looking for paleo friendly ingredients you can also use maple sugar. I think maple sugar is extra delicious, however it is much more expensive. If you don't need to use a specific type of sugar, feel free to substitute granulated white sugar.

Storage tips

Store Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce covered in the refrigerator for 10-14 days.

Spiced Cranberry Sauce in a bowl garnished with an orange peel next to an orange slice and fresh cranberries.

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Close up on Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce garnished with an orange peel next to a linen napkin and serving spoon.

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