Easy Homemade AIP Cranberry Sauce (Healthy, No Refined Sugar)

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Last Updated on November 14, 2023

Are you a cranberry sauce fan like I am? This AIP cranberry sauce is sure to hit the spot and will be a great side dish for your Thanksgiving table.

AIP Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce

I love Thanksgiving! It’s one of my favorite holidays.  We always have a crowd of friends, family and lots of food.  And my motto is “the more the merrier” on all three counts.

We make all-the-things one would expect on Thanksgiving, including cranberry sauce. In order to make the cranberries in a way that we could all eat them (not everyone is on the autoimmune protocol) I played around with the flavors to make sure it had the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

The Problem With Canned Cranberry Sauce

Unfortunately, some people still prefer canned cranberry sauce with the lines and jiggle because they just cannot get past what they are used to.

Store-bought cranberry sauces are full of high fructose corn syrup and white sugar, making it extremely bad for you.

But, I promise, this AIP cranberry sauce is not only a great side with lots of flavor, it’s so much better for you too!

AIP cranberry relish

AIP Cranberry Sauce

This healthy cranberry sauce is really delicious! I like to make it the night before Thanksgiving because it’s just one less thing to do on the massive day of cooking. The ingredients are comprised of whole foods and unrefined sugar, so it’s definitley a much healthier version of traditional cranberry sauce.

This fresh cranberry sauce uses whole berries and a paleo sweetener. The addition of orange and apple cider adds fall spices that will make this orange cranberry sauce a favorite side dish for the holiday season

What Is Cranberry Sauce Supposed To Taste Like?

Homemade whole berry cranberry sauce with unrefined sugar has a unique taste that combines the tartness of cranberries with the subtle sweetness and rich flavors of unrefined sugar. The natural molasses-like undertones in unrefined sugar add depth to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

AIP cranberry sauce

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Ingredients for AIP Cranberry Sauce

  • fresh whole cranberries
  • apple cider, no sugar added
  • coconut sugar
  • raw honey
  • pure maple syrup
  • orange
  • zest of orange
  • cinnamon

How to Make AIP Cranberry Sauce

This refined-sugar free cranberry sauce is super easy to make! You could delegate this task to one of your children who enjoy helping in the kitchen. Here’s the steps for this recipe.

  1. Place everything into a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Turn heat down and keep simmering until it thickens, 30-40 minutes. It will thicken more as it cools.
  4. Allow to cool completely and refrigerate.

fresh cranberries

Tips For Serving Cranberry Sauce

  • Start with fresh cranberries: Using fresh cranberries instead of canned ones will give your cranberry sauce a bold flavor and texture.
  • Use natural sweeteners: Instead of using refined sugar, opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to add sweetness to your cranberry sauce.
  • Add citrus zest: Adding the zest of an orange or a lemon can enhance the flavor profile of your cranberry sauce and provide a refreshing twist.
  • Experiment with spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to add warmth and depth to your cranberry sauce.
  • Let it cool completely before serving: Allowing your homemade cranberry sauce to cool completely will help it thicken up and develop its flavors even more.
  • Choose a serving dish: Cranberry sauce can be served in a bowl or dish alongside other dishes like turkey or ham during holiday meals.
  • Serving utensils: Use appropriate utensils such as spoons or ladles when transferring the cranberry sauce from its container onto individual plates or bowls.

Do I Serve Cranberry Sauce Warm Or Cold?

Both options of serving – warm or cold – have their own unique appeal and taste profiles.

  • Cold cranberry sauce: If you plan on serving the cranberry sauce cold, let it cool completely at room temperature. You can also transfer it to a container and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight if desired.
  • Warm cranberry sauce: If you prefer to serve the cranberry sauce warm, gently heat it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through but not boiling.

cranberry sauce for AIP

AIP Cranberry Sauce Variations

If you are looking for some different flavor variations, here are some ideas for inspiration.

  • Orange and Cinnamon: Add fresh orange zest and a sprinkle of cinnamon to your cranberry sauce for a warm and citrusy twist.
  • Ginger and Lime: Grate some fresh ginger into your cranberry sauce and squeeze in the juice of a lime for a zesty and aromatic flavor combination.
  • Maple Walnut: Stir in some maple syrup and chopped walnuts to give your cranberry sauce a hint of sweetness and nuttiness.
  • Spiced Apple: Dice up some apples, add them to your cranberries while cooking, along with spices like cloves, allspice, or nutmeg for an autumn-inspired taste.
  • Vanilla Bean: Split open a vanilla bean pod, scrape out the seeds, and simmer it with your cranberries to infuse the sauce with a subtle but delightful vanilla aroma.

How to Store AIP Cranberry Sauce

To store leftover cranberry sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It is best stored in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to keep the lid tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent any contamination.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze my healthy homemade cranberry sauce. Freezing extends its shelf life significantly, allowing you to enjoy it beyond the two-week mark.

To freeze cranberry sauce, transfer it into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving some headspace for expansion as it freezes. Label each container with the date and store them flat in your freezer for up to three months.

When ready to use frozen leftover sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Give it a gentle stir once fully thawed to restore its texture and consistency.

AIP Cranberry Sauce Recipe

The first time I made this paleo cranberry sauce recipe everyone raved about it. Now, it’s a for-sure dish for every holiday table. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

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Cranberry Sauce (Paleo, AIP, refined sugar free)

  • Author: Jen/ My BIG FAT Grain Free Life

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups fresh whole cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider, no sugar added
  • 3/4 cups coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • juice of 1 large orange
  • zest of 1 large orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Place everything into a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Turn heat down and keep simmering until it thickens, 30-40 minutes. It will thicken more as it cools.
  4. Allow to cool completely and refrigerate.

 

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