This Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce is a tasty mix of tart cranberries and sweet apples, spiced perfectly with cinnamon. It’s a colorful and delicious side for any meal!
Plus, it’s so easy to make! Just simmer everything together and watch it transform into a yummy sauce. I love having it on toast or as a topping on pancakes—super yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen ones; just let them thaw first. Canned cranberries can work too, but they’ll be sweeter.
Apples: A crisp apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp adds great texture and flavor. If you want a sweeter sauce, consider using Fuji or Gala apples.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but you can swap it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Maple syrup or honey are good alternatives too, just adjust the amount to taste.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon makes the sauce warm and inviting. If you want a twist, try adding some allspice or even ginger for a little zing.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Cranberry Sauce?
The key to great cranberry sauce is careful simmering. Here’s how you can make sure it turns out just right:
- Start with medium heat to bring the mixture to a boil. This helps the sugar dissolve and the cranberries to burst.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. This allows flavors to meld without overcooking.
- Keep an eye on the sauce; stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking and burning at the bottom.
- As the sauce simmers, taste it! Adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking before finishing.
Letting the sauce cool off after cooking is also important; it’ll thicken up nicely and flavors will deepen. Enjoy your cranberry sauce with confidence!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish and optional infusion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 10-15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect tart-sweet addition to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the fresh cranberries, diced apple, granulated sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients so they can mix together nicely while cooking.
2. Heat It Up:
Set the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This will help the cranberries start to burst open and release their juices.
3. Simmer Away:
Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when the cranberries have burst, the apples are tender, and the sauce looks thick and syrupy.
4. Finish with Lemon Juice:
Take your saucepan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. This will brighten up the flavors, making your sauce taste fresh and vibrant.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the sauce cool for a bit. It will thicken as it cools. Once it’s cooled down, transfer it to a serving bowl. If you like, you can garnish it with a cinnamon stick and a few small pieces of fresh apple for a lovely presentation.
6. Enjoy:
Your Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce can be served warm or chilled. It’s a perfect side for holiday meals, roasted meats, or just as a delightful snack!
Enjoy this sweet and tangy homemade Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce as a festive addition to your meals!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can either leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re still somewhat frozen when you start.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftover Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What Can I Substitute for Sugar in This Recipe?
If you want a healthier option, you can substitute granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar replacement like stevia. Just remember to adjust the amount, as these alternatives can be sweeter than sugar. Start with about 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup and taste as you go!
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like pears or orange zest for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sugar levels based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose.