Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Almonds and Ginger in 20 Minutes

Bring a burst of color and flavor to your holiday table—or any meal—with this vibrant homemade cranberry sauce. In just 20 minutes, you can create a luscious ruby-red blend that balances tangy, sweet, and spiced notes in perfect harmony. Fresh cranberries simmer with orange juice and zest. Meanwhile, honey adds natural golden sweetness. A hint of cinnamon and candied ginger brings cozy warmth and a spark of zest.
The real surprise comes from the roasted almonds. Their subtle crunch and nutty depth elevate the sauce, giving it an irresistible texture. Moreover, a few finely chopped mint leaves add a fresh, aromatic finish that makes every spoonful shine.
This cranberry sauce is wonderfully versatile. You can serve it with roasted turkey, pork, or baked ham for a festive meal. Alternatively, spoon it over creamy yogurt, pancakes, or cheesecake for a delightful dessert twist. Because it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, you can make it ahead. As a result, the flavors meld into an even richer, more complex blend.
Whether you’re preparing a lavish holiday feast or a simple weekday dinner, this recipe shows that homemade can be easy and elegant. Its bold colors, natural ingredients, and layered textures make it as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious. Once you try this version, you may never go back to store-bought cranberry sauce again.

Mirjana

Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Almonds and Ginger in 20 Minutes

Fresh cranberries, orange zest, honey, and a hint of candied ginger create a perfectly balanced sauce with a nutty crunch and bright, festive flavor—ready in just 20 minutes.

I hope this Cranberry Sauce with Almonds and Ginger brings a burst of color and joy to your table, whether it’s part of a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal. It’s one of those little dishes that make everything feel more special. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it or what twist you added—share your version in the comments or tag @Delicious_Eclec

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: sauce

Cuisine: American, Eclectic

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz(340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 1 medium orange (juice and zest)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp candied ginger, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, cinnamon, and water.

   Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to pop and soften.

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the roasted almonds and candied ginger.
   
2. Simmer 5 minutes more, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

   Remove from heat and stir in the mint, if desired. Garnish with additional mint leaves before serving.

   Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

Notes

Serving Suggestions
This bright and flavorful cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, pork tenderloin, or baked ham, adding a sweet-tart balance that enhances rich, savory dishes. For a vegetarian twist, serve it alongside baked Brie, over roasted root vegetables, or as a glaze for lentil loaf. It also makes a lovely topping for yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, or pancakes. For dessert, spoon it over cheesecake or swirl it into vanilla ice cream for a festive touch. The toasted almonds and ginger give each spoonful a vibrant finish—perfect for both gatherings and cozy dinners.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare this cranberry sauce up to a week ahead—let it cool completely, then store in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen beautifully after a day or two. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, stir gently to restore its glossy texture, and brighten with a splash of orange juice if desired. Serve chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed for different nuances of flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving ≈ 6)
• Calories: 105
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 17 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on orange size and honey used. Organic ingredients are recommended for best flavor and nutrition.