This cranberry apple sauce is a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any meal! With juicy apples and tart cranberries, it adds a touch of freshness to your table.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just cook everything down until it’s nice and saucy. Oh, and it’s so versatile—I even enjoy it on pancakes sometimes! 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries bring a tart flavor to the sauce. If they’re not in season, frozen cranberries work just as well! Just thaw them ahead of time.
Apples: I recommend sweet apples like Fuji or Golden Delicious for balance. If you prefer a bit of tartness, Granny Smith apples can be a great choice too!
Sugar: You can adjust the sugar amount to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup. Just remember these can affect the flavor slightly.
Water or Orange Juice: Using orange juice adds a refreshing citrus note. If you want to skip the juice, just stick with water—it’s simple and effective!
Cinnamon: This spice can enhance the flavor beautifully. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with nutmeg for a different twist!
How Do You Make Sure the Sauce Has the Right Texture?
Getting the right texture for your cranberry apple sauce is key to enjoying it! There are a couple of methods you can use:
- Cook the mixture until cranberries burst and apples soften, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or an immersion blender after cooking. For a chunkier sauce, simply mash lightly with a fork or potato masher.
Don’t rush this step—allow the sauce to cool, as it will thicken further when chilled!
How to Make Cranberry Apple Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 2 medium apples (preferably sweet varieties like Golden Delicious or Fuji)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water (or orange juice for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. Altogether, plan for about 30-35 minutes to make your delicious cranberry apple sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or damaged berries. Then, take your apples, peel them, core them, and chop them into small pieces. This will help them cook down evenly.
2. Mix It Up:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, chopped apples, sugar, and water (or orange juice). Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Cook the Mixture:
Put the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Check for Doneness:
Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the apples are tender. You’ll start to see the sauce thickening!
5. Add Flavor:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). Taste your sauce and see if you’d like to add a bit more sugar—everyone’s sweetness preference is different!
6. Finish and Cool:
Once your sauce is done cooking, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Remember, it’ll continue to thicken as it cools. If you like it smoother, you can blend it at this point.
7. Serve It Up:
Transfer your cranberry apple sauce to a serving bowl. If you want, garnish it with a fresh rosemary sprig and a few whole cranberries for a beautiful presentation. Serve it warm or chilled—it’s perfect for any meal!
Enjoy your vibrant, tangy cranberry apple sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just fine in this recipe! Just thaw them before using, and there’s no need to adjust the cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Sugar?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Just adjust the amount to your taste, as these sweeteners can be sweeter than granulated sugar!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This sauce also freezes well for up to three months—just thaw in the refrigerator before serving!
Can I Use Different Apples for This Sauce?
Absolutely! While sweet varieties like Golden Delicious or Fuji work best, you can experiment with other types. Just keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith may change the overall sweetness of the sauce, so adjust the sugar accordingly!