Apple Cranberry Sauce
Dairy-Free | Published Nov 19, 2020 | Updated Nov 19, 2020 | By Tawnie
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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.
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My mom has been making this cranberry sauce recipe for years now and it’s one of my favorite sides.

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:

- 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
- 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.
More Thanksgiving Recipes to love:

the goods
PS If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too!


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
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. 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Tawnie!
Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.
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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!
I love the hefty addition of the ginger to this classic. Cranberry sauce should be a year-round recipe!
It really should be! Thank you so much Liz!
I made this last Thanksgiving and am coming back to it again this year, the BEST I’ve ever made!
I’m so glad your family loved it! Thank you soo much!
Love the ginger addition!
Thank you so much! 🙂
This sauce was so easy to make and it tasted way better than any store bought cranberry sauce!
So glad you found it simple and delicious Meme! 🙂 Thank you!
Such great flavors!
thank you:)
Agree, cranberry sauce is always good, even after Thanksgiving. Love the ingredients you used in this one!
Love that ginger and the white wine!! Beautiful flavors!
Thank you Rebecca! 🙂