This Maple Orange Cranberry Sauce is a bright, naturally sweet upgrade to the classic. It brings a balanced, cozy flavor to any holiday table — all with simple, whole-food ingredients.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ½–¾ cup orange juice (start with ½)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and salt to a medium pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
- Cook approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove cinnamon stick.
- Taste and adjust sweetness (more maple) or thin with extra orange juice if needed.
What's in this meal?
Fruit · Spices
Fiber: 4–5g
|Protein: 0.25g
|Plant variety: 3
Nutrition info is approximate and based on common whole food ingredients. It depends on your ingredient choices and add-ins, so use it as a general guide—not a strict count. Focus on variety, fiber, and flavor, not perfection.
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Why This Recipe Works
This simple combo — fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and real orange — gives you a bright, festive sauce without loads of added sugar. The cinnamon stick and nutmeg add cozy holiday depth, but the citrus keeps everything lively. It’s fast, it’s foolproof, and it tastes like it simmered all day — especially spooned over the Lentil Mushroom Walnut Loaf.
Swap It + Smart Tips
- Sweetness: Start with ⅓ cup maple syrup. Add 1–2 extra tablespoons at the end if you want it sweeter.
- Thickness: Use ½ cup OJ for thicker, ¾ cup for saucier. It thickens as it cools.
- No maple syrup? Use agave or date syrup, but maple gives the best flavor.
- Make-ahead: Lasts 5–7 days in the fridge and freezes beautifully.
- Serving ideas: Spoon over the lentil–mushroom loaf, swirl into yogurt, layer on leftover sandwiches, or drizzle over oatmeal.
Pro Tip
Don’t overcook it — stop when it looks a little looser than you want. It firms up as it cools, and you’ll get that perfect glossy texture.
Why It Matters
For You:
Whole cranberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, and using maple syrup + orange juice keeps it naturally sweet without refined sugar.
For the Planet:
Choosing plant-based holiday sides is a simple, delicious way to reduce your food footprint. Small swaps add up — especially during the most food-heavy week of the year.
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