This Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat, perfect for holidays or just a tasty side. The mix of apples and cranberries creates a lovely tartness, while cinnamon adds a warm hug of flavor!
Honestly, it’s super easy to make and smells like fall in your kitchen. I love spooning it over turkey, but it’s also great on pancakes. You can put it on anything, really! 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key here for that tart flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen cranberries as a substitute. Just remember not to thaw them before cooking; they work perfectly from frozen!
Apple: I recommend Granny Smith for its tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar. Fuji or Honeycrisp are great too if you prefer something sweeter. You can also use a mix of apples for different flavors.
Sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead. Start with a little less than a cup, since these sweeteners can be a bit sweeter than sugar. You might need to adjust to taste!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. If you don’t have any, you could use pumpkin pie spice as an alternative. It has the same warm notes and works beautifully.
How Do I Get My Sauce to Thicken Perfectly?
Thickening the sauce is all about timing and technique. The secret lies in cooking the cranberries long enough for them to burst and release their juices. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. You’ll see the cranberries pop open, which is your cue!
- You can mash a few cranberries with a spoon if you want a thicker texture, or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel!
Let it cool before serving, as it will continue to thicken. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together into a deliciously thick sauce!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish and optional simmering)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time. After that, you’ll let it cool, which takes about 30 minutes. So, all in all, you’re looking at just under an hour to have this delicious sauce ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Prep the Cranberries:
Start by giving your cranberries a good rinse under cold water. While rinsing, check for any stems or shriveled berries and remove them to ensure a perfect sauce.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together the rinsed cranberries, diced apple, granulated sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg if you’re using it. The apples add a nice sweetness that complements the tart cranberries!
3. Add Cinnamon Stick:
If you’d like an extra hint of cinnamon flavor, drop a cinnamon stick into the mixture before cooking. It will enhance those warm spice notes!
4. Boil the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir it occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and ensure everything mixes well.
5. Simmer to Thicken:
As soon as it reaches a full boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries start bursting and the sauce thickens up beautifully. Stir every now and then to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
6. Add Lemon Juice:
Once the sauce has thickened and the cranberries look nice and soft, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor that will really bring the sauce to life.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Take out the cinnamon stick if you used one, and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools. Once it’s not too hot, transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cinnamon sticks if desired.
8. Serve:
Your Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce is ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes, whether it’s turkey, pancakes, or even yogurt. It adds a delightful burst of flavor to just about anything!
Enjoy this festive and delicious sauce any time of the year! 🍏🍂
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones. Just add them directly from the freezer without thawing, and they will work perfectly in the recipe!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or even less. You can also add a touch more lemon juice to balance the flavors. Taste as you go until you find the perfect sweetness for your palate!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken more as it sits.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like pears or raisins. You can also spice it up with additional flavors like ginger or cloves for an extra kick. Just keep in mind to balance the flavor so it doesn’t overwhelm the cranberries!
