Cranberry Apple Sauce: A Festive Fall Delight

Cranberry sauce is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but it doesn’t have to be relegated to holiday feasts. This cranberry apple sauce recipe elevates the classic cranberry sauce with the sweet and tart addition of apples, creating a versatile condiment that’s perfect for everything from roasted meats to breakfast parfaits. This recipe is simple to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to become a new family favorite. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions, offer variations, and explore exciting ways to use this delicious sauce.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Balance:** The tartness of cranberries is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of apples, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting.
* **Texture:** The combination of cranberries and apples provides a delightful texture – the cranberries pop in your mouth, while the apples soften into a tender sauce.
* **Versatility:** This cranberry apple sauce is incredibly versatile. It complements savory dishes like turkey, pork, and chicken, and it can also be used in sweet applications like desserts and breakfast items.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can easily make this sauce a few days in advance, which is perfect for holiday meal prep.
* **Simple Ingredients:** The recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Fresh Cranberries:** 12 ounces (about 3 cups), rinsed and picked over.
* **Apples:** 2 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced.
* **Water:** 1 cup (or apple juice for a richer flavor).
* **Sugar:** ¾ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener to taste).
* **Orange Zest:** 1 teaspoon (adds a bright, citrusy note).
* **Orange Juice:** 2 tablespoons (enhances the orange flavor).
* **Cinnamon:** ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth).
* **Pinch of Salt:** Enhances the flavors.
* **Optional additions:** Chopped walnuts or pecans, fresh ginger, star anise, cloves, or a splash of bourbon or orange liqueur.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delightful cranberry apple sauce, step-by-step:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and pick out any stems or bruised berries.
* Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
* Zest the orange, being careful to avoid the white pith, which is bitter.
* Measure out all the other ingredients: water, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan**

* In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced apples, water (or apple juice), sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon (if using), and salt.

**Step 3: Cook the Sauce**

* Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the apples are tender.
* Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.

**Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Flavor**

* Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken.
* If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender and pulse until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful when blending hot liquids; vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking. You can add more sugar, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of salt.

**Step 5: Cool and Store**

* Allow the cranberry apple sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
* Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The flavors will meld and deepen as it sits.

## Tips for the Best Cranberry Apple Sauce

* **Use Fresh Cranberries:** While you can use frozen cranberries in a pinch, fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture.
* **Choose the Right Apples:** The type of apple you use will affect the sweetness and tartness of the sauce. Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp and Fuji apples offer a sweeter taste. You can also use a combination of apples for a more complex flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the sauce can result in a mushy texture. Cook just until the cranberries have burst and the apples are tender.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of sugar you need will depend on the tartness of the cranberries and apples. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your liking.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of ginger can add warmth and depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Use Apple Juice for a Richer Flavor:** Substitute apple juice for water to add a deeper apple flavor to the sauce.
* **Add Citrus Zest:** Orange or lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries and apples perfectly.
* **For a Smoother Sauce:** Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to create a smoother sauce. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
* **Make it Ahead:** Cranberry apple sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and deepen over time.

## Variations and Additions

Here are some ways to customize this cranberry apple sauce recipe:

* **Spiced Cranberry Apple Sauce:** Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the sauce.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Walnuts or Pecans:** Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans after the sauce has cooled.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Ginger:** Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce while it’s cooking.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Orange Liqueur:** Add 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau) after the sauce has cooled.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Dried Fruit:** Add ¼ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots to the sauce while it’s cooking. Rehydrate dried fruit for about 10 min in warm water, before adding to the mixture.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Pears:** Substitute one of the apples with a pear for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Star Anise:** Add 1-2 star anise to the sauce while it’s cooking and remove them before serving for a subtle licorice flavor.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce with Jalapeño:** For a sweet and spicy kick, add a finely minced jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat) to the sauce while it’s cooking.

## Serving Suggestions

This cranberry apple sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

* **As a Condiment:** Serve it alongside roasted turkey, chicken, pork, or ham.
* **On Sandwiches:** Use it as a spread on turkey or ham sandwiches.
* **With Cheese:** Serve it with a cheese board alongside brie, goat cheese, or cheddar.
* **On Crackers:** Spread it on crackers with cream cheese or brie.
* **With Yogurt or Oatmeal:** Top yogurt or oatmeal with a spoonful of cranberry apple sauce for a flavorful breakfast.
* **In Desserts:** Use it as a filling for pies, tarts, or pastries.
* **As a Glaze:** Use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork.
* **With Pancakes or Waffles:** Top pancakes or waffles with cranberry apple sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.
* **In Cocktails:** Add a spoonful to cocktails for a festive twist.
* **Cranberry Apple Brie Bites:** Top baked brie with cranberry apple sauce and chopped pecans for an easy and elegant appetizer.
* **Cranberry Apple Grilled Cheese:** Add cranberry apple sauce to a grilled cheese sandwich with turkey or ham for a flavorful twist.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Cranberry apple sauce is a great make-ahead dish, especially during busy holiday seasons. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

* **Make it 1-3 Days Ahead:** Prepare the sauce according to the recipe instructions. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen as it sits.
* **Freezing for Longer Storage:** If you want to store the sauce for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Recipe

**Yields:** About 3 cups
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
* 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
* 1 cup water (or apple juice)
* ¾ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener to taste)
* 1 teaspoon orange zest
* 2 tablespoons orange juice
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Ingredients:** Rinse the cranberries, peel and dice the apples, and zest the orange.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, apples, water (or apple juice), sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
3. **Cook the Sauce:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and apples are tender.
4. **Adjust Consistency and Flavor:** Remove from heat and let cool slightly. For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender or regular blender (vent the lid!). Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
5. **Cool and Store:** Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Serving Size:** ¼ cup
* **Calories:** Approximately 80-100 calories (depending on the type and amount of sweetener used)
* **Sugar:** Approximately 15-20 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.* These values do not account for any variations.

## Conclusion

This cranberry apple sauce is a delightful twist on a classic condiment. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a flavor that’s both festive and versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday meal or using it in a creative new way, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cranberry apple sauce!

Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and variations to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!