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Home » Thanksgiving Recipes

20-Minute Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

Published: Oct 3, 2022 by Felicia Lim · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe
pinterest image for homemade cranberry sauce

Make this homemade gluten-free cranberry sauce from scratch in just 20 minutes with only 4 ingredients! Rich and flavorful, cranberry sauce is a must-have side at your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas table, and its vibrant color and tart and sweet taste makes it irresistible! Also dairy-free and vegan!

Up close shot of gluten-free cranberry sauce in a white bowl.
Jump to:
  • What is Cranberry Sauce?
  • I Love Everything Homemade
  • Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe from Scratch
  • Why This Recipe Works:
  • Ingredients You’ll Need + Notes/Substitutions
  • How to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce (Step by Step):
  • Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • Other Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
  • Holiday Recipes to Indulge In:
  • Other Basic Recipes You’ll Love:
  • 20-Minute Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

We’re officially in the last quarter of the year, and that means that Thanksgiving and the holiday season will be here before we know it!

This is my absolute favorite part of the year, and because it means gathering with family and friends, and being in great company as we enjoy delicious food.

If you celebrate Thanksgiving, then you’re probably already familiar with cranberry sauce (also known as cranberry jam), which is always present at the holiday dinner.

What is Cranberry Sauce?

For those of you don’t know what cranberry sauce is, it’s basically a sauce or a relish made from cranberries, and is often served as a condiment or a side dish at the Thanksgiving holiday meal in North America and at Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom and Canada.

cornbread in a cast iron skillet
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While the main ingredients are mainly the same (including cranberries, sugar and water), it is usually more sour and tart in taste in Europe, while it’s generally sweeter in North America.

I Love Everything Homemade

I’m a big proponent of anything homemade, from homemade bread to nut milks to jams and marmalades. I just like the idea of making food from scratch, because it feels empowering (especially when the recipes are easy!)

Some of my favorite homemade recipes include:

  • Soft, Fluffy Gluten-Free Bread (Dairy-Free)
  • 5-Minute Homemade Almond Meal (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Cashew Milk (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Almond Milk (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Homemade Chocolate (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Homemade Plum Jam (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Naturally, I also prefer making cranberry sauce from scratch, which is really way easier than it sounds!

A bowl of gluten-free cranberry sauce on the table.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe from Scratch

While you can easily buy the store-bought version of cranberry jam, it often comes with additives and preservatives that I’d rather not have. Plus, canned cranberry sauce is usually sweetened with high fructose corn syrup which is bad for health!

If you’re a cranberry sauce fan, I guarantee you that once you start making your own cranberry sauce, you’ll never go back to buying the canned stuff again – because it simply doesn’t get any fresher and delicious than this!

Make a bowl for your Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday table, and wait for your guests to pile on the praises.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • Simple Ingredients: You only need 4 ingredients for this homemade gluten-free cranberry sauce recipe, and they are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
  • Easy to Make: Even if this is your first time making fresh cranberry sauce, don’t worry! This recipe comes together so easily and is ready in literally 20 minutes! It really doesn’t get any easier than this!
  • Incredible Flavor: This delicious cranberry sauce is tart, bright and full of flavor.
  • Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The good news is that this cranberry sauce is naturally 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten and lactose intolerances, or those simply on a gluten-free diet or vegan diet can enjoy it without worries!

Ingredients You’ll Need + Notes/Substitutions

  • Sugar: I used white sugar in this recipe, but you can also use light brown sugar, dark brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that has zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar). Alternatively, you may also use maple syrup as your sweetener or choice if you prefer. Depending on how sweet you like your cranberry sauce, feel free to add more or less sugar accordingly.
  • Water: I always try to use filtered water when cooking if possible.
  • Lemon Juice: I like using fresh lemon juice, but you can also use fresh orange juice in equal quantities.
  • Cranberries: I prefer using fresh tart cranberries when possible, but you can also use equal amounts of frozen cranberries if that’s what you have on hand. If you can’t find frozen or fresh berries, simply use 3/4 cup of unsweetened dried cranberries (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes) in place of the fresh cranberries specified.
Top-down view of homemade cranberry sauce and ingredients for the sauce on the table.

How to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce (Step by Step):

1. Mix and Dissolve

In a large pot, place sugar and water and bring mixture to a boil until sugar is totally dissolved.

2. Simmer

When the mixture starts boiling, add cranberries and lemon juice and return to a boil. Next, bring the heat down to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for around 15 to 20 minutes until it has achieved a thick jam-like consistency.

3. Transfer to Jar

Let the sauce cool down to room temperature before transferring it to a sterilized glass jar.

Fresh cranberries cut into halves on a chopping board.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

  • Halve the Fresh Cranberries: I find that cutting the fresh cranberries in halves before cooking helps them to release their juices better.
  • Lemon Juice: I like how the tartness of the fresh lemon juice brightens up and makes this gluten-free cranberry sauce lighter and more vibrant. If you prefer a sweeter and less tart version, simply leave out the lemon juice.
  • Garnish with Zest: To make the sauce look fancier, you can also garnish it with freshly orange zest or lemon zest.
A bowl of gluten-free cranberry sauce with two lemon wedges.

Recipe FAQs:

Does Homemade Cranberry Sauce Have to be Refrigerated?

Since this fresh gluten-free cranberry sauce recipe does not contain any preservatives, you will definitely have to refrigerate it so it doesn’t go bad. Simply store it an air-tight container or glass jar and it will keep fresh for up to 10 to 14 days in the fridge.

Can I Freeze this Sauce?

Yes! You can definitely freeze this gluten-free cranberry sauce. Store it in a freezer-proof container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I Thicken the Sauce?

If you like your sauce really thick, let it simmer for a little while more on the stove, so that more of the liquid cooks off. If it’s still not thick enough for your liking, you can thicken it by adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (a natural thickening agent).

A bowl of gluten-free cranberry sauce on the table.

Other Thanksgiving Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

  • Gluten-free Cranberry Bread Pudding
  • Cranberry and Walnut Tart (Gluten-Free)
  • Easy Rosemary Cornbread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • Jalapeño Cornbread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • Gluten-Free Skillet Cornbread
  • Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Parmesan (Gluten-Free)
  • Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Rosemary and Parsley (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Roasted Delicata Squash Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Holiday Recipes to Indulge In:

  • Crispy Air Fried Potato Wedges (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Vegan Lemon Cheesecake (Gluten-Free, No-Bake)
  • Easy Gluten-free Yellow Cake (Dairy-Free)
  • Crispy Almond Shortbread Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Other Basic Recipes You’ll Love:

  • How to Make Cashew Milk (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)
  • Easy Lemon Curd Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
  • How to Make Chickpea Flour (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • How to Make Millet Flour (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)
A bowl of gluten-free cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries at the side.

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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20-Minute Homemade Cranberry Sauce

20-Minute Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce (Dairy-Free, Vegan)


★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 16oz jar 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Make this homemade gluten-free cranberry sauce from scratch in just 20 minutes with only 4 ingredients! Rich and flavorful, cranberry sauce is a must-have side at your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas table, and its vibrant color and tart and sweet taste makes it irresistible! Also dairy-free and vegan!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups fresh cranberries, cut into halves

Instructions

  1. Mix and Dissolve: In a large pot, place sugar and water and bring mixture to a boil until sugar is totally dissolved.
  2. Simmer: When mixture starts boiling, place cranberries and lemon juice in and return to a boil, then bring the heat down to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for around 15 minutes until it has achieved a thick jam-like consistency.
  3. Transfer: Let the sauce cool down to room temperature before transferring it to a sterilized glass jar.

Notes

Sugar: I used white sugar in this recipe, but you can also use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar if you prefer. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that has zero glycemic index).

Water: I always try to use filtered water (or mineral water) when cooking if possible.

Lemon Juice: I like using fresh lemon juice, but you can also use fresh orange juice in equal quantities.

Cranberries: I prefer using fresh cranberries when possible, but you can also use equal amounts of frozen cranberries if that’s what you have on hand. If you can’t find frozen or fresh cranberries, simply use 3/4 cup of unsweetened dried cranberries (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes) in place of the fresh cranberries specified.

Storing/Freezing: If not eating the cranberry sauce immediately, store it in an airtight glass jar and keep in the fridge for between 10 to 14 days. To freeze, place the sauce in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. 

Thickening the Sauce: If you like your cranberry sauce very thick, let it simmer for a few minutes more over the stove so that more of the liquid cooks off. If it’s still not thick enough, you can add one teaspoon of cornstarch and mix the sauce well until it thickens sufficiently.

Adapted from: Simply Recipes

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Sauces
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade cranberry sauce

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram and hashtag it #dishbydish

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About Felicia

Hey you! I’m Felicia, a Singaporean girl who moved to Buenos Aires for love. A couple of things about me: I love food, writing and food photography. I wrote a grain-free ecookbook that I know you’ll love and I also do freelance writing and photography if you want to work with me. Follow me on this blog as I navigate the world of cooking gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free.

Did you make a recipe? Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram. I love to see what you cook!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grace Lim says

    November 03, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    Thanks Felicia for revisiting and modifying this wonderful recipe with FAQs and your expert tips which I greatly appreciate.

    This has always been a great jam to have with the freshly baked bread for breakfast 🙂

    Sending you love and blessings from us in SG
    Mum

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Felicia Lim says

      November 03, 2020 at 7:49 pm

      Hi mummy! Glad you enjoyed the cranberry sauce – in North America it’s usually used as a sauce to go with turkey during Thanksgiving or Christmas (as opposed to a jam on bread), but it can be eaten both ways savory and sweet 🙂 Love you too!

      Reply
  2. Beth S says

    November 21, 2016 at 5:56 am

    Hi,
    Do you serve this cold from the fridge or heat it up? I notice a lot of recipes tell you to heat it before serving.

    Thanks, Beth

    Reply
    • felicia | Dish by Dish says

      November 21, 2016 at 8:02 am

      Hi Beth, I served this cold from the fridge, but it depends on how you like it. If you prefer a warm sauce to go with your meats, simple add a bit of water and heat it up in a small sauce pan before serving. Hope that helps Beth!

      Reply
      • Beth S says

        November 21, 2016 at 8:23 am

        Hi, yes thanks.
        Just made a batch. It is in the refrigerator and ready to go for Thanksgiving. My first ever attempt at homemade cranberry sauce and it tastes great!

        Thanks, Beth

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • felicia | Dish by Dish says

          November 25, 2016 at 6:44 pm

          So glad it worked out fine for you!! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

          Reply
  3. Grace Lim says

    November 10, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    Hi Felicia,

    It is amazing how you can so easily whip up such wonderful recipes in such short time to share them on your blog to bless all your readers.

    Be encouraged my Darling. You are indeed moving toward your dream – closer each day as you take each step doing the stuff your heart desires. Continue to be who God has made you to be and live your life of purpose with passion.

    Always cultivating an attitude of thankfulness for everything that comes your way, God will, in His sovereign will, bring more wonderful things for you to be grateful for.

    I am thankful and rejoice for the month of November which is also a special month for both you and Juan.

    Have a wonderful time this November 🙂

    As always, lots of love and blessings from home in Sunny Singapore,
    Mum

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Wee-Lim says

      November 11, 2015 at 12:08 am

      hi Felicia
      I hope many would be inspired by your sharing. You stated the reality of life and situation. Staying positive, nimble to adjust and persevere determine one’s direction towards the goal. Ultimately it is the personal satisfaction of seeing thing coming into fruition. And even it does not turn out the way it was intended, at least one tries.learns and continues to move on from there – just as one learns to cycle on two wheels till it balances itself.
      Love
      Daddy

      Reply
      • felicia | Dish by Dish says

        November 11, 2015 at 10:28 am

        Daddy!!! Thanks for your love and support and belief in me! Really really appreciate everything you do. Love you!

        Reply
    • felicia | Dish by Dish says

      November 11, 2015 at 10:27 am

      Thank you mummy..! Thank you for your constant prayers and love and support – I think being able to count on your encouragement as I chase my dreams is such a privilege 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jane says

    November 10, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    beautifully written my dear. yes, your life is wonderfully real now, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! go towards that beautiful dream of yours – if we want something hard enough, the universe will open doors. sending hugs and kisses from Bs As! <3

    p.s. i love your photos!! they are wonderfully taken, and you're me hungry with every post!

    Reply
    • felicia | Dish by Dish says

      November 11, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Babe, thank you so much for your encouragement..! And yes, the universe will open doors, wide and welcoming for you and for me and for all those who dare to fight for their dreams! 🙂 And yay!! I’m glad the photos make you hungry :))

      Reply

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Hello & welcome!

I’m Felicia: a girl from Singapore who moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina for love. My husband is Celiac so I test and share gluten-free recipes on my blog! I help people with food intolerances and allergies cook and eat delicious, healthy food! Stay a while, and let's be friends! ♥

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