Cranberry Applesauce is a flavorful twist on a classic Thanksgiving recipe. The apples add texture to the sauce while the cranberries cook down into a tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, or even pork for that matter.
Are you a traditionalist with your holiday recipes, or do you like to experiment a little? While I definitely love traditional family recipes, I can’t help but add my own spin on some of those classics. I have a classic Cranberry Sauce recipe that I love, but I wanted to try something with a little more texture this year. BUT, the recipe still had to have those classic vibes to it. That is how this cranberry applesauce recipe came to be.
Warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom make this cranberry applesauce addicting. They’re not overpowering, but they definitely add interest to what can sometimes be a bland sauce. While it’s traditional in spirit, this spin definitely jazzes the classic up a bit.
FAQs:
You can use either for this recipe. I like to use fresh when I can find them, but frozen works just as well. You’ll just need to simmer them a little longer when cooking the sauce, no need to thaw them first.
I used Granny Smith apples because I like the tart flavor, and they hold their shape when cooked—they become soft, but not mushy. If you want something with a softer texture, or that cooks down more, try using McIntosh or Braeburn. If you want a sweeter apple, Fuji or Golden Delicious would be a good choice. Choose your apple based on the texture and level of sweetness you desire.
Yes, the cranberries do actually make a popping noise when they’re cooked. As the cranberries heat up, they “pop” open, releasing their pectin. This pectin is what actually helps to thicken the sauce. For more about the science behind this process, check out the Science Buddies article From Sauce to Solid.
Always taste your sauce before removing from the heat. If it’s not sweet enough for you, simply add a little more sugar, about a tablespoon at a time. Cook for a few more minutes to completely dissolve the added sugar. I prefer a sauce that’s not too sweet, so you may opt to add more sugar.
This is a matter of personal preference. Some like it warm, some like it room temperature. I prefer mine at room temperature, but feel free to heat it up before serving if you like it warm.
Absolutely. In fact, this is one dish that I always make the day before. I find the flavor has more time to develop when it sits for a day in the fridge. Simply take it out of the fridge at least a half hour before serving to bring it to room temp. Or, if you prefer it warm, simply reheat it.
If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
How to Prepare Cranberry Applesauce:
- Preparation for this recipe is simple. First prep your ingredients. Zest the lemon, and set aside. Peel, core, and dice the apple. I diced mine into chunks about the same size as the cranberries. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then add the cranberries and diced apple. Stir occasionally, until the the cranberries cook down, the apples soften, and the sauce thickens—about 20-25 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the juice of half the lemon, and half the lemon zest. Reserve the remaining zest for garnish at the table.
- Remove from the heat, and allow to cool before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Applesauce:
- Serve as a condiment with Air Fryer Turkey Breast, pork chops, or Pork Loin, or Pork Tenderloin.
- Top yogurt with Cranberry Applesauce and granola for a delicious parfait.
- Use as an ingredient in muffins, breads, or cakes.
- Top toasted pound cake, and add Maple Glazed Walnuts for some extra crunch.
- Use as a topping for oatmeal along with those crunchy walnuts.
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Recipe Notes:
- I used my Lodge Dutch oven for this recipe because I like the way it conducts heat, but you can use any heavy bottomed pan that is large enough to comfortably hold all the ingredients.
- You can usually find coconut sugar in well-stocked grocery stores, or even Trader Joe’s.
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More Holiday Side Dishes to Love:
Explore all the Holiday Recipes from Inspired Fresh Life.
Cranberry Applesauce
This Cranberry Sauce with Apples is a delicious twist on a holiday classic. It’s super easy to make, lightly spiced, and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 4 cups)
- 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¾ cup apple cider
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
Instructions
- Preparation for this recipe is simple. First prep your ingredients. Zest the lemon, and set aside. Peel, core, and dice the apple. I diced mine into chunks about the same size as the cranberries. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then add the cranberries and diced apple. Stir occasionally, until the the cranberries cook down, the apples soften, and the sauce thickens—about 20-25 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the juice of half the lemon, and half the lemon zest. Reserve the remaining zest for garnish at the table.
- Remove from the heat, and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- I used Granny Smith apples because I like the tart flavor, and they hold their shape when cooked—they become soft, but not mushy. If you want something with a softer texture, or that cooks down more, try using McIntosh or Braeburn. If you want a sweeter apple, Fuji or Golden Delicious would be a good choice. Choose your apple based on the texture and level of sweetness you desire.
- Always taste your sauce before removing from the heat. If it’s not sweet enough for you, simply add a little more sugar, about a tablespoon at a time. Cook for a few more minutes to completely dissolve the added sugar. I prefer a sauce that’s not too sweet, so you may opt to add more sugar.
- If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size ½ cupAmount Per Serving Calories 128Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 68mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 4gSugar 25gProtein 1g
Note: Nutritional information is an approximation. Different brands and/or quantities will change the nutrition profile.
Cathy
Love the serving suggestions you included with this recipe. I can't wait to try the sauce on walnuts !!. Also interesting science about the pop noise
Inspired Fresh Life
I hope you enjoy the cranberry applesauce! I was wondering why they popped, so I thought others might be as well.