This cranberry apple sauce combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples. It’s a bright and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners!
Making this sauce is so easy! Just boil the ingredients together, and you’ll have a tasty treat in no time. I love serving it with turkey, but it’s great on pancakes too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for that tart flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Apples: Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness. However, you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for sweetness if you prefer a less tangy sauce.
Sugar: The amount of sugar can vary based on your taste and the sweetness of the apples. For a healthier version, try using honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the quantity to make it more to your liking.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but I find it adds a lovely warmth. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can skip it or try other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure Your Cranberries Burst Perfectly?
Getting the cranberries to burst is key for the right consistency. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a nice medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. This allows the cranberries to simmer gently without burning.
- Keep an eye on the sauce and stir occasionally. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Cook until you hear the cranberries popping—that’s when they’re bursting open and releasing all their flavor.
Be patient, as this process takes about 15-20 minutes, and it’s worth it for the great flavor and texture!
Cranberry Apple Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a delightful cranberry apple sauce ready in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Make sure to pick out any soft or damaged berries. Peel, core, and dice the Granny Smith apples into small pieces for even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, diced apples, granulated sugar, water, and ground cinnamon (if you like). Stir everything together until the sugar begins to dissolve.
3. Cooking the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes. The cranberries will burst and the apples will soften, creating a lovely sauce.
4. Finishing Touches:
Once the apples and cranberries are nicely cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright flavor. Let the sauce sit at room temperature; it will naturally thicken as it cools down.
5. Serving and Storing:
You can serve the cranberry apple sauce chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with turkey, can be enjoyed on toast, or even as a topping for desserts. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week!
Enjoy this vibrant and tart cranberry apple sauce, perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your meals!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before use. You can use them directly from the freezer, but keep an eye on the moisture levels and adjust the water slightly if needed.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too tart, simply add more sugar to taste while it’s simmering. Start with an additional tablespoon and adjust as necessary. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Apple Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Spices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that these may alter the overall flavor profile, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
