Healthy Cherry Cranberry Sauce

Name: Healthy Cherry Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups fresh organic cranberries {frozen is fine}; 1 cup frozen organic sweet cherries; 1 medium-size organic apple {I use Fuji}, peeled and finely diced; Zest of organic orange; 1 organic orange {I use Valencia}, halved and juiced; 2 organic cinnamon sticks {I always buy these in bulk to save money}; ½ cup honey {make sure to use a lighter honey like clover - not wildflower honey}

Published: Nov 20, 2012 · Modified: May 12, 2021 by Emily Criswell · I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article · 64 Comments

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Healthy Cherry Cranberry Sauce is a must for the holidays. Skip the canned stuff and make this instead! It's easy to make, naturally sweetened, chock-full of cranberries, cherries and apples, with a hint of orange and cinnamon.

The holidays are not the same without healthier, homemade cranberry sauce!

This healthy cherry cranberry sauce is one of my favorite things to make for the holidays. I love how it fills the house with its sweet aroma.

Mason jar full of cranberry sauce surrounded by cinnamon sticks, apple slices and cranberries.

I have been making this healthy cherry cranberry sauce for many years.

It reminds me of the one that my mom made {with apples and orange juice} when I was growing up. I love the flavor combination and the addition of the extra fruit.

Mason jar full of cranberry sauce surrounded by cranberries, cinnamon sticks and apple slices.

I’ve tried to mix it up over the years and add different things like fresh ginger, cloves, fresh apple juice, more honey, etc. but I always come back to this recipe, it’s my all time favorite.

Mason jar full of cranberry sauce, cinnamon sticks, apple slices and cranberries.

Make this sauce the day before your holiday meal. It keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day.

Mason jar full of cranberry sauce surrounded by cinnamon sticks, cranberries and apple slices.

Healthy Cherry Cranberry Sauce

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Skip the canned cranberry sauce and make this amazing Healthy Cherry Cranberry Sauce for the holidays instead. It's easy to make, naturally sweetened, chock-full of cranberries, cherries and apples, with a hint of orange and cinnamon.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups fresh organic cranberries {frozen is fine}
1 cup frozen organic sweet cherries
1 medium-size organic apple {I use Fuji}, peeled and finely diced
Zest of organic orange
1 organic orange {I use Valencia}, halved and juiced
2 organic cinnamon sticks {I always buy these in bulk to save money}
½ cup honey {make sure to use a lighter honey like clover - not wildflower honey}

Instructions

Wash the cranberries, apple and orange. Peel and finely dice the apple. Zest the orange with microplane zester/standing grater zester. Cut orange in half to juice.
Place the cranberries, frozen cherries, diced apple, orange zest, cinnamon sticks and honey in saucepan. Squeeze/juice the orange halves over the fruit, any pulp that falls into the saucepan is fine.
Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it's boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. [Note: Sauce will thicken more when cooled/refrigerated.]
If you prefer a chunkier cranberry sauce, remove the cinnamon sticks and leave as is. If you prefer a smoother sauce, remove the cinnamon sticks and add contents to a food processor - pulse to combine until smooth {or use an immersion blender}.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a glass storage dish, cover and refrigerate for later {you can serve immediately if you prefer a warm/hot cranberry sauce}. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Note: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add another ¼ - ½ cup honey. I use Valencia oranges because they tend to be sweeter than Navel oranges this time of year, they also tend to be juicier – Navel oranges tend to be more tart and have less juice. I prefer using a sweeter apple, Fuji is usually the least expensive at my local co-op, but any sweet apple would work fine.

Vegan-Option: Coconut palm sugar or organic maple syrup grade B could be substituted instead of honey.

Storage: Make this sauce the day before your holiday meal. It keeps well, up to 3 days, in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 164Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 4gSugar: 37gProtein: 1g

This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Are you on Pinterest? I pin lots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Fall Inspired + Thanksgiving and Winter Favorites too! Come follow along.

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About Emily Criswell

Emily Criswell is a chocolate- and sweet treat-loving, holistic-minded, work-at-home, single mom of 4. She's a 4-time cookbook author - The Art of Great Cooking with Your Instant Pot (ranked as an Amazon top 10 new release in gluten free recipes), The Big Book of Instant Pot Recipes (which has sold over 23,900 copies so far), Amazing Mexican Favorites with Your Instant Pot (ranked as an Amazon #1 New Release Best Seller), Low-Carb Cooking with Your Instant Pot , food photographer, homeschooler and the founder of Recipes to Nourish, a gluten-free blog focusing on real food and natural living. Her passion is to make healthy, natural living as uncomplicated and enjoyable as possible. Find Emily’s latest recipes and natural living tips at Recipes to Nourish. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X Twitter and YouTube plus grab her free eBook Holistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy. Read more >> About Emily.

Comments

April @ The 21st Century Housewife

December 03, 2012 at 9:59 pm

I like the addition of the cherries to your cranberry sauce - what a delicious seasonal treat! I've pinned this recipe 🙂

Reply
- Emily Sunwell
  
  December 03, 2012 at 10:39 pm
  
  Thank you April! I LOVE the cherries, they add such a wonderful flavor.
  
  Reply
Alea Milham

December 04, 2012 at 4:08 am

This looks amazing! I love the combination of flavors. I am sharing this in my highlights on the Hearth and Soul Hop tonight.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell
  
  December 23, 2012 at 4:44 pm
  
  Thanks Alea! I don't know why I just saw this so late, sorry. Hope all is well.
  
  Reply
Pat @ Elegantly GF

December 07, 2012 at 5:32 pm

Sounds like a wonderful combination for cranberry sauce -- I'm sure I'd love it!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell
  
  December 23, 2012 at 4:44 pm
  
  Thank you 🙂
  
  Reply
andrea

October 30, 2014 at 12:06 pm

Okay, this looks amazing! I am spending thanksgiving with my mom this year, and I will definitely add this to our list. Pinning!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 30, 2014 at 2:05 pm
  
  Thanks so much! It's so delicious. I look forward to it every year. I hope you get to make some. Enjoy your time with your mom.
  
  Reply
linda spiker

October 30, 2014 at 12:49 pm

I make a very similar one! Looks amazing and easy!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 30, 2014 at 2:06 pm
  
  It's so good, right?
  
  Reply
Megan Stevens

October 30, 2014 at 1:30 pm

This looks just great. Wonderful flavor combinations. Our family would love this. I can heal the cries of pleasure if I make this for Thanksgiving!!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 30, 2014 at 2:06 pm
  
  🙂 Thanks Megan! I love the flavor combos too. There's something about the cherries that takes it to a different level.
  
  Reply
Dina-Marie @ Cultured Palate

October 30, 2014 at 1:54 pm

What a surprise adding cherries - great idea and sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 30, 2014 at 2:07 pm
  
  Thanks! The cherries really add a delicious flavor. I love this version so much.
  
  Reply
Jacquelyn @ LittleOwlCrunchyMomma

October 30, 2014 at 3:13 pm

This sounds divine! I went ahead and added it to my Fresh Cranberries Recipe Collection. Hope that was okay! Let me know if not.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 30, 2014 at 3:19 pm
  
  Thanks so much! Totally fine, I appreciate it.
  
  Reply
Anni

October 30, 2014 at 6:18 pm

Cranberry + Cherry... you know, I never put those two flavors together (mentally or physically)!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 01, 2014 at 10:22 am
  
  It's so delicious! They really do complement each other.
  
  Reply
Renee Kohley

November 09, 2015 at 3:28 pm

This looks amazing!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 09, 2015 at 5:42 pm
  
  Thank you! 🙂
  
  Reply
Tiffany

November 14, 2015 at 8:39 am

Hi, Emily ~ This sounds yummy, and I'll bet it smells great, too. Thanks for sharing with us at the Merry Monday Link Party. Hope to see you again on Sunday night!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 14, 2015 at 9:30 am
  
  Thanks so much Tiffany! It does smell delicious 🙂
  
  Reply
Megan Stevens

October 23, 2017 at 8:24 am

This makes my mouth water! Plus that texture! SO yummy, sure to be POPULAR at any holiday table!! 🙂

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 23, 2017 at 2:50 pm
  
  xo thank you so much Megan! 🙂 It's so nice to have good ole classic favorites for the holidays.
  
  Reply
Lindsey Dietz

October 23, 2017 at 9:53 am

Wow! Cranberry, cherry, orange, apple... heavenly flavor combo! I'm not typically a cranberry sauce fan, but I just *might* LOVE this recipe!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 23, 2017 at 2:51 pm
  
  🙂 it's pretty yummy! The cherries add a really nice flavor.
  
  Reply
Yang

October 23, 2017 at 10:07 am

The flavour combination you have going in this sauce is amazing! This is going to complement well with many meat entrees.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 23, 2017 at 2:51 pm
  
  Thanks so much! It's so yummy with meat dishes. 🙂
  
  Reply
Joni Gomes

October 23, 2017 at 12:27 pm

Omg why have I never thought to add cherry before? Genius! Plus that gorgeous color 🙂

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 23, 2017 at 2:52 pm
  
  You totally have to! 🙂 It's so good!
  
  Reply
linda spiker

October 23, 2017 at 1:41 pm

This sauce looks and sounds amazing! Love that you added cherries!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 23, 2017 at 2:53 pm
  
  Thanks Linda! 🙂 It's so yummy.
  
  Reply
Renee Kohley

October 23, 2017 at 4:38 pm

We have so many cherries in the freezer from picking this summer! I"m definitely using them for the cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving! Thanks for the great recipe idea!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 23, 2017 at 8:03 pm
  
  I love that you have all of those beauties left from your cherry picking! Enjoy them! I hope you get to use some in some cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving. 🙂
  
  Reply
Jean

October 23, 2017 at 11:40 pm

The color of this sauce is so vibrant and beautiful! What a great recipe for the holidays.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 24, 2017 at 9:30 am
  
  Thanks Jean! I love the color too. 🙂
  
  Reply
Tina | The Worktop

October 24, 2017 at 6:41 am

Yes! It's time for cranberry sauce season 🙂 Loving this with the cherries!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  October 24, 2017 at 9:31 am
  
  It's that time of the year, so quickly approaching.
  
  Reply
Carol Little R.H.

October 24, 2017 at 2:33 pm

I've never had cherries with cranberry before but I will try it next time for a change!
I tend to make the same one ---and it's renowned -- but hey-- it's good to try new ideas!
Pretty too!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:49 pm
  
  Thanks Carol! I think you'd love this. 🙂
  
  Reply
Carrie

October 24, 2017 at 3:33 pm

What a gorgeous and healthy recipe, Emily!!! I am going to buy extra cranberries this year so I can make this after the holidays. Yum!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:50 pm
  
  Thanks so much Carrie! 🙂
  
  Reply
Cristina Curp

October 24, 2017 at 4:04 pm

Yum! I'n usually not a fan of cranberry sauce, but you have won me over with this recipe.

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:50 pm
  
  Thanks Cristina! 🙂 It's a nice twist on the traditional one.
  
  Reply
Jessica DeMay

October 24, 2017 at 4:41 pm

This looks a million times better than any canned cranberry sauce. I love the addition of cherries and apples- yum! This would be so perfect for Thanksgiving!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:51 pm
  
  LOL thank you! 🙂 It's so yummy with the extra fruit.
  
  Reply
Kari

October 24, 2017 at 6:26 pm

I'm so excited to try this one for Thanksgiving because my mom is a huge fan of cherries, and she's going to flip for this!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:51 pm
  
  Love that! I hope she enjoys it Kari 🙂
  
  Reply
Tina

October 25, 2017 at 7:49 am

I'm normally not a huge cranberry sauce fan but DANG this one I am definitely trying!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:51 pm
  
  It's a fun option with the cherries in there, I love the flavor it adds. 🙂
  
  Reply
Melissa

October 25, 2017 at 10:16 pm

This is beautiful and looks delicious! I make one I love but the berries sound fun!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:52 pm
  
  Thank you Melissa! Enjoy yours for the holidays 🙂
  
  Reply
ChihYu

October 29, 2017 at 6:46 pm

This sauce looks so gorgeous and delicious ! I'm going to make this for my holiday party !

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:52 pm
  
  Thanks so much! I hope everyone enjoys it. 🙂
  
  Reply
Carrie Forrest

October 29, 2017 at 7:36 pm

I love the color of this sauce. I want to make it for my holiday table. Thanks!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:47 pm
  
  Thanks! Hope you get to make some. 🙂
  
  Reply
Katja`

October 30, 2017 at 8:44 am

Perfect! Just in time for the holidays. I love that you added cherries. YUM!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:45 pm
  
  Thanks! It's such a fun holiday side. 🙂
  
  Reply
Becky Winkler

October 30, 2017 at 9:01 am

This looks so good! I don't love traditional cranberry sauce, but bet I'd love this one because I'm a huge cherry fan!!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 06, 2017 at 3:45 pm
  
  Thanks so much Becky! It's so yummy 🙂
  
  Reply
Stephanie

November 21, 2018 at 5:02 pm

Oh man, I made this cranberry sauce this afternoon and it is amazing! I’m a huge fan of cranberry sauce, I skip the gravy at thanksgiving and just have cranberry sauce with my turkey. This is going to be my new go-to recipe. With the cherries, orange, apple and cinnamon sticks it tastes like the holiday season. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  
  November 23, 2018 at 10:17 am
  
  I'm so thrilled to hear you enjoyed it! 🙂 I love that cranberry sauce is your preference over gravy. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
  
  Reply
Laura

November 15, 2022 at 2:06 pm

This sounds really good, but I need a substitute for the LEMON. I'm allergic to all citrus products.

Reply
- Emily Vidaurri
  
  November 20, 2022 at 12:53 pm
  
  Hi Laura, there's no lemon in my recipe - however there is fresh orange juice. I've never made it without, so I don't have a substitute. You could probably replace the orange juice with apple juice if you need an alternative.
  
  Reply

The holidays are not the same without healthier, homemade cranberry sauce!

Healthy Cherry Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Recommended Products

Nutrition Information:

Are you on Pinterest? I pin lots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Fall Inspired + Thanksgiving and Winter Favorites too! Come follow along.

MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

About Emily Criswell

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