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40 Fresh Cranberry Recipes to Cook With This Fall

This versatile berry is good for so much more than sauce.

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fresh cranberry recipespinterest
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Cranberries can do a whole lot more than make a delicious sauce. These sweet and tart little berries are just as delicious in a variety of side dishes, desserts, pies, and plenty of other Thanksgiving recipes.

They even dress up salads and savory dishes too! These juicy gems add a burst of fresh fall flavor to just about anything, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fresh cranberry recipes so you can enjoy them all season long, year after year.

1

Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries

cranberry fudge pie with candied cranberries
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chocolate? Fruit? When it comes to pie, why choose? The bright tart cranberry is tempered by dark fudge in this absolutely decadent holiday pie. Make it for Thanksgiving. Make it for Christmas. Make it because you can't stop eating slices.

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries.

2

Braided Cranberry-Orange Pie

cranberry orange pie in a white pie plate with a slice removed
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pairing tangy cranberries and orange liqueur, this crowd-pleaser features an intricate, cozy sweater-like crust. This delicious pie evokes the best of both things with a holiday pie worth saving room for.

Get the recipe for Braided Cranberry-Orange Pie.

3

Molded Cranberry Sauce

molded cranberry sauce on a serving plate with candied orange zest
Hector M. Sanchez

Skip the canned cranberry stuff this year, and make this impressive looking (and better tasting) version with fresh berries.

Get the recipe for Molded Cranberry Sauce.

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4

Cranberry-Cherry Cobbler Pie

cranberry cherry cobbler pie in a round baking dish
Brian Woodcock

Combine your favorite red berries, cranberries and cherries, for a festive Thanksgiving treat! This dessert is two in one: cobbler and pie at the same time!

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Cherry Cobbler Pie.

5

Cranberry Mulled White Wine

cranberry mulled white wine in glass mugs with a slice of lemon
Becky Luigart-Stayner

If you find traditional mulled wine to be a little too heavy, try this lighter, white-wine version. Flavored with fall spice, cranberries, and a touch of honey, it's every bit as warming as its counterparts, but with a tart, clean taste.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Mulled White Wine.

6

Cranberry-Grape Sauce

cranberry grape sauce in a white serving bowl
Brian Woodcock

This sweet spin on the time-honored Thanksgiving condiment combines fresh cranberries and grapes for a delicious and festive side.

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Grape Sauce.

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7

Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa

kale salad with pickled cranberries and crispy quinoa in a wooden bowl with serving utensils
Hector M. Sanchez

Looking for a healthy and delicious salad that's truly wow-worthy? This absolute cranberry crunch-fest has it all.

Get the recipe for Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa.

8

Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars

cranberry walnut shortbread bars cut into triangles and arranged on a silver serving tray
Hector M. Sanchez

These little cranberry bars are the perfect snackable treat for your Thanksgiving dessert table. If you make these, be warned: The family will start asking you to make them every year.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars.

9

Cranberry-Ginger Shrub

cranberry ginger shrub in a glass with ice
Brian Woodcock

Here's a pretty cranberry party drink that's adult enough to please the grownups, but without the headache-causing alcohol. It's ideal mixed with just a little club soda on its own—or mixed with a bit of gin for those who prefer to imbibe.

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Ginger Shrub.

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10

Cranberry Pâte de Fruit

cranberry pâte de fruit in squares and arranged on a white plate
Becky Stayner

These sweet jellied treats are as elegant as they are easy to make! Grab a bag of fresh cranberries and get to cooking!

Get the recipe for Cranberry Pâte de Fruit.

11

Cranberry and Dried-Cherry Sauce

cranberry and dried cherry sauce in a white serving bowl with a spoon
Marcus Nilsson

This simple cranberry sauce from the Beekman Boys' Thanksgiving menu is fresh take on the classic condiment.

Get the recipe for Cranberry and Dried-Cherry Sauce.

12

Sautéed Apples, Pear & Cranberries

sauteed apples pear cranberries in a bowl with a spoon
Brian Woodcock

Make this simple fruit salad for a light holiday breakfast, or use it to top yeasted waffles for something a little heartier. Fresh cranberries, apples, and pears are a delicious combination for an autumn brunch!

Get the recipe for Sautéed Apples, Pear & Cranberries.

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13

Cranberry Gin Fizz

cranberry gin fizz in a glass with ice and fresh cranberries and fresh thyme for garnish
Brian Woodcock

Fresh thyme and a homemade cranberry syrup make this drink as delicious as it is festive.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Gin Fizz.

14

Cranberry Tart

cranberry tart with whipped cream and candied orange zest on top
Brian Woodcock

Sweet custard pies like pumpkin and sweet potato can be heavy after a big meal, but a bright, tangy cranberry tart is a palette refresher.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Tart.

15

Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries

roasted squash with goat cheese and poached cranberries arranged on an oval serving plate
Brian Woodcock

This simple roasted squash with delicious toppings like goat cheese and poached cranberries makes an excellent appetizer, or an even better healthy weeknight side dish.

Get the recipe for Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries.

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16

Upside-Down Orange-Cranberry Cake

upside down orange cranberry cake on a white cake stand
Brian Woodcock

Bright citrus and fresh cranberries make this cake a stunning centerpiece.

Get the recipe for Upside-Down Orange-Cranberry Cake.

17

Citrus-Cranberry Sauce

citrus cranberry sauce in a glass bowl with a spoon for serving
Christopher Testani

Carrie Morey, the owner of Callie's Charleston Biscuits, spikes her cranberry relish with grapefruit juice.

Get the recipe for Citrus-Cranberry Sauce.

18

Spiced Cranberry Punch

spiced cranberry punch
Brian Woodcock

Spiced rum and tart cranberries make for one very festive holiday punch!

Get the recipe for Spiced Cranberry Punch.

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19

Cranberry-Apple Hand Pies

rectangle shaped cranberry apple hand pies in parchment envelopes
Brian Woodcock

These cranberry-apple hand pies are a new and decidedly different way of ending your Thanksgiving meal. Be warned though: The deliciously down-home dessert is bound to be gobbled up in a matter of minutes.

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Apple Hand Pies.

20

Cranberry Crumb Bars

cranberry crumb bars cut into squares and packaged in individual boxes with red string
Brian Woodcock

Rolled oats and cranberries are a timeless, unbeatable combo. Add toasted pecans and sweet apricot to the mix, and you've got yourself a new favorite recipe.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Crumb Bars.

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