Healthy Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Ginger (Refined Sugar-Free)

This healthy cranberry sauce is a fresh, homemade version that uses honey, ginger, and orange zest for a tangy, naturally sweet flavor that’s as healing as it is delicious. It’s simple to make, filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients, and tastes so much better than anything store-bought.

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This healthy cranberry sauce has become a staple at our Thanksgiving table. It all started several years ago when I set out to create a nourishing, real-food version my family would love. Growing up, cranberry sauce meant that jiggly canned kind loaded with refined sugar and mystery ingredients… and truthfully, I never liked it. Once I started focusing on anti-inflammatory, wholesome cooking, I decided to try making my own and I’ve never looked back!

Read more about my journey with anti-inflammatory eating 👉 “Anti-Inflammatory Diet Beginner’s Guide”

Another thing I love about this healthy cranberry sauce is that it’s make-ahead friendly. I’ll often prepare a batch before the holidays, freeze it, and simply thaw it on the day of. It tastes just as vibrant and delicious, which means one less thing to worry about while the kitchen is buzzing with all the other Thanksgiving dishes!

The Healing benefits inside this Cranberry Sauce:

This isn’t your typical overly sweet cranberry sauce. It’s a simple, wholesome, healing version made with ingredients that truly nourish your body. Every bite is bursting with bright flavor and anti-inflammatory goodness to support your health through the holiday season (and beyond).

• Cranberries – Rich in antioxidants that support gut and urinary health while fighting free radicals.
• Fresh ginger – A natural anti-inflammatory that soothes digestion and adds a warm, subtle spice.
• Raw honey – A wholesome, unrefined sweetener with antimicrobial benefits and gentle sweetness.
• Ceylon cinnamon + nutmeg – Anti-inflammatory spices that help stabilize blood sugar and boost circulation.
• Orange zest + juice – Adds vitamin C and a refreshing citrus note to balance the tart cranberries.

This cranberry sauce is naturally sweetened, refined sugar–free, and full of flavor. It’s easy to make ahead (and freezes beautifully!), so you can enjoy it stress-free on the holiday or throughout the season. Try it spooned over pancakes or waffles, spread on leftover turkey sandwiches, or stirred into my chia pudding for a bright, nourishing breakfast twist.

The Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Sauce:

I always recommend prioritizing organic produce and organic ingredients as much as possible.

• 24 oz Fresh Cranberries
• Zest of 2 Oranges
• Juice of 2 Oranges (at least 1 cup orange juice)
• 1 inch Fresh Ginger – minced
• 1 cup Honey (+ a little extra to adjust to your preferred sweetness)
• 1 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Nutmeg

How to Make this Healthy Cranberry Sauce (Step by Step):

1. Zest and then juice your oranges. Peel and mince your ginger.
2. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium/medium-low. Simmer until the cranberries burst open and the liquid reduces down. It will begin to thicken into a nice textured cranberry sauce.
4. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish or storage container.
5. Enjoy!

FAQ + Tips for a Delicious Homemade Cranberry Sauce:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh in homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes! You can absolutely use frozen cranberries in this healthy homemade cranberry sauce. Fruits and vegetables are often frozen at their peak freshness which means they retain and hold a large amount of nutritional value. You may need to slightly adjust how long you simmer the berries to account for them being frozen and possibly having more water content or needing more time to break down and thicken into a sauce.

How far ahead can I make this sauce (and can I freeze it)?

I love making this sauce ahead of time! It is good in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. If you want to store it beyond that I recommend freezing it. It freezes and thaws really well, this is something we often do to make it ahead of the holidays. If freezing it in glass jars, leave room for expansion at the top of the jar. I also like to cool it in the fridge overnight before moving to the freezer so that it isn’t a drastic temperature change (which can crack glass jars).

What can I use in place of the honey in homemade cranberry sauce?

You can use pure maple instead of honey in this healthy cranberry sauce. Maple is another wonderful natural sweetener that has many health benefits.

What can I do with my leftover cranberry sauce?

Cranberry sauce has so many delicious uses beyond the holidays. Here are a few ideas:

• Spread on turkey or chicken sandwiches
• A topping for pancakes, waffles, or french toast
• Mixed into yogurt, oatmeal, or our favorite Chia Pudding recipe
• Dessert topping- think cheesecake or ice cream
• Swirled into your favorite muffin or bread batter

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5 from 5 votes

Healthy Cranberry Sauce with Fresh Ginger

This homemade cranberry sauce with honey, fresh ginger, and orange zest is a healthy, anti-inflammatory twist on the classic Thanksgiving favorite. Naturally sweetened, gut-friendly, and bursting with citrus flavor — the perfect healing holiday side!

Author thispurelyjoyfullife.com – Kimberley

Ingredients

• 24 oz Fresh Cranberries
• Zest of 2 Oranges
• Juice of 2 Oranges around 1+ cup orange juice
• 1 inch Fresh Ginger – minced
• 1 cup Honey + a little extra to adjust to your preferred sweetness
• 1 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Nutmeg

Instructions

• Zest and then juice your oranges. Peel and mince your ginger.
• Add all the ingredients to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium/medium-low. Simmer until the cranberries burst open and the liquid reduces down. It will begin to thicken into a nice textured cranberry sauce.
• Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish or storage container.
• Enjoy!

This healthy cranberry sauce is such a beautiful reminder that nourishing, healing food can also be full of flavor and joy. Whether you’re preparing it for your Thanksgiving table or enjoying it stirred into breakfast the next morning, I hope it brings warmth and gratitude to your home this season.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Tag me @thispurelyjoyfullife on Instagram or leave a comment below to share how it turned out for you. 💛

And if you’re looking for more wholesome, real-food recipes to bless your holiday table, you might also enjoy:

• Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole: made from scratch with all the traditional flavors
• Homemade Gut-Healing Bone Broth: use your leftover turkey bones/carcass to make this.
• Dairy-Free Cream of Mushroom: perfect for green bean casserole + make it ahead and freeze.
• Zesty Superfood Green Salad: a delicious, simple side dish for holiday gatherings.

I am hoping to get some more favorite holiday recipes posted soon… (pumpkin pie, brined & roasted turkey, gluten-free stuffing, sourdough stuffing, and more) so stay tuned!

Wishing you a holiday filled with gratitude, laughter, and good food that truly nourishes your body and soul.

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