This Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce brings a sweet and tart twist to your meals. Made with fresh apples, tangy cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s a real treat!
You can serve it warm or cold, but let’s be real—spooning it directly from the jar is always an option! 🍏❤️ I love having it with turkey or on my morning toast.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are a must for this sauce. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them before use for even cooking!
Apples: Any crispy variety works beautifully. I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji adds sweetness. If you’re out of apples, try using pear chunks for a different flavor.
Sugar: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your preference. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup. Just remember that these alternatives are sweeter, so start with a little and add more to taste.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. If you enjoy a spicier touch, try adding a pinch of cloves or cardamom alongside for a unique twist!
How Can I Make Sure My Cranberries Don’t Burst Too Much?
To control how much your cranberries burst, it’s all about the cooking time. Stir your cranberry sauce gently while it simmers. You want to cook it long enough for the cranberries to pop but not so long that they lose their texture. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat to quickly boil the mixture.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, and stay right around medium-low. A gentle simmer helps.
- Let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the cranberries to burst gradually without turning to mush!
Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water (or apple juice for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. After that, you’ll chill your sauce for a bit, which will make it even more delicious! Overall, plan for around 30 minutes to enjoy this tasty side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, toss in the fresh cranberries, chopped apple, sugar, and water (or apple juice). Add in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg if you’re using it. Stir everything together so the ingredients are well mixed.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Put the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up. You want to bring it to a boil, so be patient—it’ll happen!
3. Lower the Heat:
Once it’s boiling, turn down the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll hear the cranberries popping as they burst! Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. You want the apples to soften but not mushy.
4. Brighten It Up:
When it’s reached the right thickness, stir in the lemon juice to add a bit of brightness. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if you like it sweeter.
5. Finish Off:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you added any whole cinnamon sticks, you can take those out now. Transfer the sauce to a beautiful serving bowl.
6. Let It Chill:
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature or pop it in the fridge to chill. It will thicken up even more as it cools, making it perfect for serving!
Enjoy this tangy and warmly spiced cinnamon apple cranberry sauce as a perfect side for turkey, pork, or as a festive condiment to brighten up any meal! 🍏❤️
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Unfortunately, dried cranberries won’t work well in this sauce. They lack the moisture and tartness of fresh cranberries, which are key to the recipe’s flavor. Stick with fresh or frozen cranberries for the best results!
How Can I Thicken My Sauce If It’s Too Runny?
If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, you can simmer it for a bit longer to help it reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it simmers until thickened.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully in that time! Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using, and give it a stir!