Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Honey (No Refined Sugar)

Ditch the canned cranberry sauce this year, you know, the one that slides out of the can in a perfect cylinder, packed with corn syrup and preservatives.

This Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Honey is bright, tangy, and naturally sweetened for a gut-friendly side dish that takes just 15 minutes to make. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or any holiday spread.

Why This Recipe Works

• Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar — just raw honey or maple syrup.

• Vitamin Boost: Cranberries and oranges are loaded with vitamin C to support your immune system during cold and flu season.

• Gut-Friendly Flavor: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth while supporting blood sugar balance.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

• ½ cup raw honey (or pure maple syrup for vegan)

• ½ cup water

• Zest of 1 orange

• Juice of 1 orange (about ½ cup)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Rinse cranberries and place them in a medium saucepan.

2. Add honey (or maple syrup), water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

5. Remove from heat and let cool — the sauce will continue to thicken as it sets.

6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork.

• Spread on gluten-free toast the next morning for a festive breakfast.

• Use leftovers as a topping for yogurt, chia pudding, or oatmeal.

Xo,

Dr Sheena