Make this homemade sweet-tart apple cranberry sauce in three easy steps.
Made with fresh apples and cranberries simmered with aromatic spices and brown sugar, this twist on fresh cranberry sauce is a keeper!
Apple Cranberry Sauce is a Holiday Must Because…
- Cranberry apple sauce is so easy to make and can be frozen for months.
- This recipe has the perfect blend of sweetness and spice with a creamy texture and a tart undertone.
- Make this cranberry applesauce recipe in just 3 easy steps!
- Versatile ingredients mean you can customize the recipe to use what’s available.
Ingredients
Apples: Use whatever apples are on hand, they don’t need to be from the same variety. You can leave them unpeeled or you can peel half if you like.
Sugar: Sugar balances the flavors in this recipe. You can use all white or all brown, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or any non-sugar sweetener.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work in this recipe. No need to thaw if using frozen.
Spices: This recipe is all about the aromatic spices that add body to apple cranberry sauce. Besides cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, add a pinch of allspice or cardamom.
Variations: Instead of water, try using orange juice or apple juice for more depth of flavor. You can even add a splash or two of brandy, rum, or Kahlua if you like.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Sauce
- Cook water, lemon juice, sugars, and seasonings until sugar is dissolved.
- Add apples and cranberries and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 30 minutes or until thickened (recipe below).
Storing The Sauce
Keep leftover apple cranberry sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Ways to Use Apple Cranberry Sauce
Serve apple cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, Easter, or any Sunday supper because it goes with any protein! It also tastes great on a leftover turkey sandwich or in turkey pinwheels.
Dress up a grilled cheese sandwich, or swirl it into a creamy dip for chips and fresh veggies! As a dessert sauce, spoon it over cheesecake cups.
More Festive Side Dishes
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Apple Cranberry Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 apples peeled*, cored and sliced
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Peel and core apples, cutting them into ½ inch slices. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine water, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add cranberries and apple slices, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
Notes
- *Apples can be peeled, or leave the peels on if preferred.
- Refrigerate cranberry sauce in a covered container or about a week.
- Freezer sauce in a zippered bag or container for about 3-4 months.
- Thaw sauce in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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