This easy, homemade Apple Cranberry Sauce is filled with cranberries, Granny Smith Apples and citrusy orange juice and zest. Add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table with this gem!
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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.
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:
This Apple Cranberry Sauce is filled with fresh orange juice, fresh ginger, Granny Smith apples and a touch of cinnamon. Your guests will love this 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. 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
Store in the fridge in an air-tight container for 10-14 days. If you don’t like a chunky cranberry sauce, you can use a potato masher to smooth it out or even blitz in your blender until smooth.Sauce thickens as it cools.
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! 🙂