This Cranberry Apple Sauce is a sweet and tangy blend of tart cranberries and juicy apples. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or anytime you want to bring a pop of flavor to your meal!
Making this is a breeze! Just simmer the ingredients until they burst with flavor, and you’re good to go. I like to enjoy it on everything from turkey to my morning toast! 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If unavailable, frozen cranberries work too. Just thaw them first! I prefer using fresh for the best taste.
Apples: I like the combination of sweet and tart apples. Fuji or Gala provide sweetness, while Granny Smith adds a nice tartness. Feel free to use whichever apples you enjoy, like Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
Sugar: 3/4 cup is a good sweet spot, but you can adjust this based on your preference. If you want a healthier option, consider honey or maple syrup. Just remember to reduce the water a bit if using liquid sweeteners.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the flavor, but they’re optional. If you want a different twist, try ginger or allspice!
How Do You Get the Perfect Consistency for Your Sauce?
The key to a great cranberry apple sauce is cooking it until the cranberries burst and the apples soften. Here are some important tips:
- Make sure to simmer the mixture rather than boil it aggressively. This ensures even cooking.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cranberries break down.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, mash it with a potato masher or use an immersion blender once it’s cooled a bit.
- Let it cool before serving, as it will thicken further.
Take your time, and taste your sauce before serving! Adjust the sweetness to your liking—it’s all about personal preference.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 2 medium apples (one red apple like Fuji or Gala, one green apple like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty cranberry apple sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. After cooking, give it some time to cool, and it’s ready to serve! Total time, including cooling, is about 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water to clean them. Pick out any that look soft or discolored and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Base:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the water and granulated sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved into the water.
3. Add Fruits:
Next, add the chopped apples and the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan with the sugar water. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Season It Up:
If you like, stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg at this point for some extra flavor. These spices add warmth and richness to the sauce, but they are completely optional.
5. Cook the Mixture:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst open and the apples have softened. The sauce will thicken and become syrupy.
6. Final Touches:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. This will help brighten the flavors!
7. Cool and Adjust:
Allow the sauce to cool down. As it cools, it will thicken even more. Once it’s at room temperature, taste it to see if you want to add more sugar to suit your preference.
8. Serve and Store:
Serve your cranberry apple sauce chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and can also be spread on toast. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a great alternative. Just ensure they’re fully thawed before using and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be colder to start with.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar after cooking. Start with a teaspoon or two and stir until fully dissolved. Remember to taste it before serving to find your ideal balance!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cranberry apple sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep well. The flavors often deepen as it sits!
What to Serve with Cranberry Apple Sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, pork, or chicken. It can also be enjoyed as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even on toast for breakfast. Get creative!
