This Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce brings a sweet and tangy twist to your table. With juicy apples, tart cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s bursting with flavor!
It’s the perfect topping for turkey or a warm muffin. Trust me, I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl. You will too! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key here for that bright tartness. You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available; just adjust the cooking time slightly since they’re already frozen.
Apple: I recommend using a sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you prefer a tart flavor, a Granny Smith works well. You can swap apples for pears for a delicious twist!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is great for sweetening the sauce, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Ground cinnamon is a must for warmth, and nutmeg adds a nice touch, but it’s optional. If you don’t have nutmeg, a pinch of allspice is a good alternative. Use it sparingly!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Cranberries for a Sauce?
The cooking technique is simple yet effective! Cooking cranberries helps release their natural pectin, thickening the sauce. Here are some tips:
- Start with medium-high heat to get the mixture boiling quickly.
- Once boiling, reduce to medium-low and simmer gently. This allows flavors to blend well without burning.
- Keep an eye on the cranberries; their popping is a good sign they’re cooking properly!
- Let the sauce cool before serving; it thickens as it cools, giving you the perfect consistency.
Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks (for garnish and infusing, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes gathering your ingredients and prepping them, and then just 10-15 minutes on the stove cooking until everything is perfectly soft and flavorful. Easy-peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the fresh cranberries, diced apple, sugar, water, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir to combine.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep stirring it occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom!
3. Simmer the Sauce:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cranberries have burst open and the apples are tender. The kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Add Lemon Juice:
After simmering, stir in the lemon juice. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will brighten the flavors even more.
5. Cool It Down:
Take the saucepan off the heat. If you used cinnamon sticks for infusing, remove them now. Allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature; it will thicken as it cools. Don’t rush this step!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your delicious sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, garnish with fresh cinnamon sticks for a decorative touch. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish for turkey, pork, or any holiday feast.
Enjoy your flavorful Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce! It’s bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well; just be sure to use them without thawing. You may need to extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes to ensure they cook through properly.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can add a splash of extra lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Alternatively, if you prefer it sweeter, simply stir in a bit more sugar until you reach your desired sweetness.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this sauce a few days in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Leftovers are perfect for topping pancakes, yogurt, or even on oatmeal! You can also reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy the burst of flavors anytime!