This cranberry apple sauce is the perfect mix of tart and sweet! Made with fresh cranberries and crisp apples, it’s a colorful addition to your meals.
The best part? It’s super easy to make. Just simmer everything together for a flavorful treat that brightens up any table—trust me, you’ll want to keep a jar handy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: They provide that bright, tart flavor. If you can’t find them, try frozen cranberries, as they work well too. Just thaw and use them without cooking first.
Granny Smith Apples: These apples are great for their tartness. If you’re looking for something sweeter, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can be good substitutes. Use whatever apples you prefer!
Sugar: Adjust the sugar based on your taste and the tartness of your fruits. If you want a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup in smaller amounts for sweetness.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is my go-to, but if you have cinnamon sticks, feel free to use those while cooking. Just remember to take them out at the end. You can also add allspice or ginger for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Sauce?
The texture of your cranberry apple sauce can be adjusted easily. If you like it smooth, mash it well with a potato masher. For a chunkier sauce, simply stir gently to leave larger pieces of fruit.
- Cook cranberries and apples until soft but not mushy.
- Use a fork or masher to break down fruits to your desired consistency.
- Remember, the sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first!
How to Make Cranberry Apple Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh cranberries and small herb sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry apple sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. Add some cooling time afterward, and you’re looking at a total of around 30-40 minutes before it’s ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, chopped apples, sugar, water, and cinnamon (you can use either ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks for this step).
2. Bring to a Simmer:
Turn the heat on medium and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to hear the cranberries pop!
3. Cook Until Tender:
Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the apples are soft. This will create a lovely sauce.
4. Finish Up:
Remove the saucepan from heat. If you used cinnamon sticks, take them out now. Stir in the lemon juice and ground nutmeg if you’d like to add that extra flavor.
5. Adjust Texture:
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the mixture with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses. For a chunkier texture, you can just stir it gently.
6. Cool and Serve:
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature—it will thicken as it cools. Once cool, transfer it to a serving bowl. You can garnish it with some whole fresh cranberries and small herb sprigs for a lovely touch, if you like!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the cranberry apple sauce chilled or at room temperature with your favorite meals. It pairs so well with turkey, ham, or even as a delicious topping for desserts!
Enjoy the vibrant, sweet-tart flavor of this homemade cranberry apple sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just be sure to thaw them first before cooking. No need to drain the water; add them straight to the saucepan for a delicious sauce.
How Do I Sweeten This Sauce Without Sugar?
If you want to avoid granulated sugar, you can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave. Start with about half the amount you’d normally use and adjust to taste as it cooks.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare cranberry apple sauce up to a week in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will be just as delicious when you’re ready to serve it.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Leftover cranberry apple sauce can be enjoyed in various ways! Use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, spread it on pancakes, or even pair it with roasted meats. Just reheat it gently on the stove or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
