Sweet-tart, spiced with orange and clove, and perfectly spreadable, this easy recipe for canning cranberry sauce brings real flavor back to the holiday table.

If you’ve only ever had the wobbly cylinder that slides out of a tin can, you’re in for a treat. Homemade cranberry sauce is worlds better. It's bright, citrusy, and gently spiced, and once you realize how simple it is to can, you’ll never go back.

I first hesitated to try making my own. If I didn’t like the canned stuff, would homemade be any better? Spoiler: it’s not even close. This cranberry sauce tastes like Christmas in a jar.

The best part? You can make it now and forget about it until the holidays. It’s shelf-stable, beautiful on your pantry shelves, and a thoughtful gift tucked into a basket of preserves.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy and reliable: No pectin or tricky steps, just real fruit and pantry staples.

Make ahead friendly: Can months in advance or make a few days before your meal.

Customizable: Choose between smooth jellied or whole-berry texture.

Perfect for gifting: A jar of ruby-red cranberry sauce looks stunning in a holiday basket.

Tools You’ll Need

Water bath canner – Ball 21-Qt Water Bath Canner

Canning jars – Wide-Mouth Pint Jars

Canning rack and lid lifter – Essential Canning Tool Set

Food mill or immersion blender – Variable Speed Immersion Blender

Jar funnel – Stainless Steel Funnel Set

Ingredients for Canning Cranberry Sauce

(Full amounts in the printable recipe card below.)

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Water
• Orange zest
• Cinnamon stick
• Whole cloves

How to Make Jellied Cranberry Sauce

Combine cranberries, water, and spices. In a large saucepan, bring cranberries, water, and a spice bag (cinnamon & cloves) to a boil over medium-high heat.

Simmer until skins burst. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, until berries pop (it sounds like popcorn).

Remove and puree. Discard the spice bag. Let cool slightly, then run the mixture through a food mill or blend until smooth.

Add sugar and zest. Return puree to the pot. Stir in sugar and orange zest. Simmer until sugar dissolves completely.

How to Make Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce

Make a syrup. Combine sugar, water, and spices in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar.

Add cranberries and zest. Add cranberries and orange zest. Return to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until most of the skins burst.

Canning Cranberry Sauce (Water Bath Method)

Prepare jars and lids. Wash in hot soapy water. Keep jars warm in the canner until ready to fill.

Boil to the gel stage. Increase heat to a hard boil, stirring often to prevent sticking. When the sauce sheets off a metal spoon or thickens on a chilled plate, it’s ready (about 15 minutes).

Ladle into jars. Fill hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and apply lids and rings fingertip-tight.

Process jars. Place in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring jars are covered by 1–2 inches of water.

• Process time: 15 minutes for pints or half-pints.
• Turn off heat, let jars rest 5 minutes, then lift to a towel-lined counter.

Cool and store. After 12 hours, check seals. Remove rings, label, and store in a cool, dark pantry for up to 18 months.

(If not canning, refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.)

How to Serve It

• Spread on dinner rolls or biscuits
• Glaze for roasted turkey, chicken, or venison
• Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
• Stir into baked brie or serve with sharp cheese

Tip: If you used straight-sided jars, jellied cranberry sauce can be unmolded easily. Just run warm water around the outside for a few seconds and slide it out in one satisfying swoosh.

🫙 Still feeling unsure? I’ve got you.
Grab your free copy of One Jar at a Time, my beginner’s canning guide with step-by-step safety basics and three starter recipes you’ll actually use.
👉 Download it here »

And if you’re ready to stock your shelves for the season, you’ll love my Holiday Canning for Gifts e-book... filled with festive recipes like Pear-Ginger Preserves and Spiced Pear Jam that make beautiful homemade gifts.