Apple Cranberry Sauce
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Basic cranberry sauce essentially contains cranberries, a liquid (usually water) and a sweetener but this apple cranberry sauce is nothing but basic!
Cranberry sauce is a low-maintenance side and will probably be the easiest thing you make for the Thanksgiving table in my opinion.
My mom has been making this cranberry sauce recipe for years now and it’s one of my favorite sides.
Some of my other favorite recipes using cranberries include my Cranberry Orange Bread (perfect for breakfast!), Cranberry Bliss Bars (a holiday fave!), and Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs (easy appetizer!).
It’s a classic homemade cranberry sauce recipe but with a few secret ingredients that make it next level.
I love that this recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, tart and has a citrusy kick from the orange. I know you guys will love it too!
Ingredients You Will Need:
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
- Cranberries: you can opt for fresh or frozen
- Sugar: Any granulated white sugar
- Orange Juice and Zest: freshly squeezed is best. If you purchase some make sure it is pulp free!
- White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- Cinnamon or Cinnamon Stick: 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, if using
- Granny Smith Apples: The sweetness of the apples perfectly the tart cranberries!
- Fresh ginger: some fresh spicy ginger adds a subtle yet wonderful flavor.
- Chili flakes (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Sauce
Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe instructions.
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, white wine and cinnamon. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Add in the cranberries, diced apple, ginger and chili flakes (if using).
- Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop/burst and break down. You’ll notice the sauce thicken and get syrupy.
- Remove from heat, stir in orange zest and allow to cool.
Ways to Use Up Leftover Cranberry Sauce
Just about every year we have leftover cranberry sauce and I get excited because it can be used in so many ways! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it up:
- Top on your pancakes or waffles.
- Add to your morning yogurt bowl or stir into a steaming bowl of oatmeal.
- Stir or top on your favorite overnight oats.
- Add it to meatballs for a quick and easy appetizer.
- Spread it on your grilled cheese or leftover turkey sandwich.
- Dollop it on top of your favorite cheesecake or pound cake.
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Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice (fresh)
- 1/2 cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
- 1 stick cinnamon or 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 (12 oz.) package fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper chili flakes, optional
- 1 Tbsp. orange zest
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, white wine and cinnamon. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.1 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup Orange Juice, 1/2 cup white wine, 1 stick cinnamon or 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Add in the cranberries, diced apple, ginger and chili flakes (if using).1 (12 oz.) package fresh cranberries (about 3 cups), 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced, 1 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced, 1/8 tsp. red pepper chili flakes, optional
- Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop/burst and break down. You'll notice the sauce thicken and get syrupy.
- Remove from heat, stir in orange zest. Transfer to a shallow dish or bowl and allow to cool before serving. Remove cinnamon stick prior to serving. Can be made 2 days in advance.1 Tbsp. orange zest
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
This is hands down my families favorite cranberry sauce! We make it every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Thank you so much Hannah! I am so glad. I made it twice this year and have been eating leftovers on my oats, so good!
Absolutely delicious! Easy to make and was a crowd pleaser. Printed and saved this recipe for Thanksgiving. I will add more red pepper next time.
At what point do you recommend taking the cinnamon stick out? Or do you keep it in the whole time?
Hi! You can remove the cinnamon stick prior to serving 🙂 Hope you love it! Happy Thanksgiving! xo, Tawnie
This looks amazing! I can’t wait to give this a try! My family is going to love this recipe!
This cranberry sauce looks so damn awesome.n really an easy quick recipe. I hv bookmarked this.
I never would’ve thought to add ginger to cranberry sauce, but that sounds delicious! Can’t wait to give this a try 🙂
The addition of the apple pares so well. I have always done cranberry orange, but I love the addition of apple!
I love that you added apples to cranberry sauce. This recipe is definitely a keeper! thank you for sharing
The ginger is hands down where it’s at on this one!!!
It makes a huge difference! Thank you Lorie! 🙂
Adding ginger is such a great idea!!
Thank you – gives it such a great flavor!