Go Back
+ servings
Overhead view of a bowl of slow cooker cranberry sauce with orange zest as garnish.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

This simple slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe comes together so easily with only 5 basic ingredients. Set the slow cooker and let it work its magic while freeing up stovetop space for your other side dishes! It's perfect for making ahead of time too for a stress-free holiday.
4.98 from 39 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries 1 package
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • cup water
  • ½ to ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 teaspoon orange zest while cooking or after
  • 1 splash vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, orange juice, and water in a bowl. Add orange zest, if using.
  • Add the cranberries into the slow cooker.
  • Pour the liquid over the cranberries.
  • Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce is bubbly. Stir once every hour to prevent scorching. 
  • Taste and stir in any extra sweetener or add-ins if desired, such as vanilla extract, more sugar, or more orange zest.
  • Mash the cranberry sauce if you desire.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Course: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Author: Carmy