This Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat! It combines tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a dash of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
You can serve it with turkey or just enjoy it on toast. Honestly, I sometimes eat it straight from the jar—it’s that good! 😋
This sauce is super easy to make. Just simmer the ingredients together and let the magic happen. You’ll love how the flavors come alive in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for a bright flavor, but frozen ones work just as well. They’re usually just as tasty and convenient!
Apples: I suggest using Fuji or Gala apples for their sweetness. If you want something tart, Granny Smith apples are a fantastic choice. They complement the cranberries nicely!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but you can use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Just adjust the amount since they’re sweeter than sugar.
Cinnamon: A cinnamon stick adds a wonderful depth, but if you only have ground cinnamon, that’s totally fine! You can stir it in for flavor towards the end.
Lemon Juice: This is optional but helps brighten the flavors. If you don’t have lemon, a splash of orange juice is a tasty alternative!
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberries Burst Perfectly?
To make the perfect cinnamon apple cranberry sauce, pay attention to the cooking time! You want the cranberries to burst without becoming mushy.
- Start by boiling the water and sugar until dissolved.
- Once you add the cranberries and apples, keep it simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes; cranberries will begin to pop. When they do, that’s a sign they are ready!
- Remove from heat once they have burst and the apples are tender but not mushy.
Let the sauce cool before serving—this helps it thicken up nicely, creating a great texture! Enjoy making your sauce!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced (such as Fuji or Gala)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra cinnamon flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 15 minutes cooking. Allow some cooling time afterward before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Place it over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves and you have a clear syrup.
2. Add the Good Stuff:
Add the cranberries, diced apple, and the cinnamon stick to the saucepan filled with syrup. Stir everything gently to combine.
3. Get Cooking:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want to see the cranberries pop and the apples soften—this is where the magic happens!
4. Finish It Up:
Once the cranberries have burst and the apples are nice and tender, remove the cinnamon stick. If you’d like to boost the cinnamon flavor, stir in the ground cinnamon and add the lemon juice now. A pinch of salt can really enhance the flavors, so don’t forget to add that too!
5. Cool and Serve:
Allow your sauce to cool. As it does, it will thicken up a bit. You can serve it warm or put it in the fridge to chill. Store any leftovers in an airtight container—this sauce lasts about a week.
This delicious Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce is perfect for holiday dinners, or even just to enliven your breakfast toast. Enjoy this delightful blend of flavors any time of year!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great in this recipe! Just make sure not to thaw them before cooking—they can go straight into the saucepan from the freezer.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or more, depending on your taste. Remember that the natural tartness of the cranberries will shine through more with less sugar!
How Long Does This Sauce Last?
Stored in an airtight container, this sauce can last up to one week in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken up a bit while sitting.
What Can I Serve This Sauce With?
This sauce is fantastic with turkey or chicken, but it’s also delicious on toast, pancakes, or even yogurt. It’s a versatile dish that can add a festive touch to many meals!