Perfectly sweet and tart, this homemade cranberry applesauce is so much better than anything you can buy in the store! Made with cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon, my easy cranberry applesauce recipe is a great side dish for any fall or festive meal.
If you’ve never made homemade applesauce, you’re in for a treat! My applesauce cranberry recipe is much easier than you might think, and the results are amazing. Plus, there’s just something about the combination of cranberries and cinnamon that just screams festive seasonal flavor!
Whether you’re looking for a fun alternative to serve with Thanksgiving dinner or a tasty topping for your morning oatmeal, this applesauce with cranberries is sure to please. And since it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s also effortless to make. You’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the jarred stuff!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Applesauce
- A twist on a classic. My recipe for cranberry applesauce is a yummy take on the traditional dish. The addition of cranberries makes it perfect for fall and winter, while the cinnamon, apple juice, and lemon give it a deliciously mouthwatering flavor.
- The perfect way to use seasonal fruit. There is usually an abundance of apples and cranberries in the stores come fall, and this is an ideal way to use them up! Or if you’re lucky enough to have your own apple tree or cranberry bush, this is an amazing recipe to put them to good use.
- So quick to make. Literally, the hardest part is chopping your apples! The beauty of making cranberry applesauce is that once you’ve got your apples prepped, the cooking is practically done for you.
Ingredients For Applesauce Cranberry
- Fresh cranberries
- Apples
- Apple juice
- Lemon
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon sticks
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
Instructions For Applesauce With Cranberries
- Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the apples are softened, mashing periodically.
- Remove the lemon rind and cinnamon sticks.
- Let cool before serving.
My recipe for cranberry applesauce pairs amazingly with so many dishes, no matter if they are sweet or savory. Pile this applesauce with cranberries on top of my roasted pork tenderloin or as a side dish for some delicious smoked turkey breast and roasted veggies (ideal for seasonal celebrations!).
And it’s not just for dinner; cranberry applesauce is also great as a topping for ice cream or even on some hearty instant pot oatmeal or fluffy buttermilk pancakes for breakfast. So many possibilities!
My applesauce with cranberries stores really well in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just pop it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 10 days.
Cranberry applesauce also freezes well, so if you want to make a big batch to enjoy later, go ahead! Pour it in some freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 6 months.
Applesauce is an excellent item to can, and this cranberry applesauce recipe is no exception! Canning is a great way to preserve food for later, especially if you want to save freezer space or have your own fruit trees or bushes.
Don’t worry too much about getting the perfect apple for this recipe, any type of cooking apple will work just fine. That being said, I would go with a nice mix if you have the option to choose.
The combination of tart and sweet apples will give your cranberry applesauce the perfect flavor. Just make sure they are nice and ripe! I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji apples, but you can really use any type you want.
Yes, you can! When using dried cranberries, make sure to rehydrate them in some water first. And if you’re using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them before adding them to the pot.
Please note when using frozen or dried cranberries, you may need to cook the applesauce for a minute or two longer to ensure the cranberries are nice and soft.
Instant pots are great for making all sorts of sauces and jams, so of course, you can make cranberry applesauce in the instant pot! Add all of the ingredients to your instant pot, set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then switch to vent to release the steam (please be careful, the steam will be hot!)
Then follow the rest of the recipe as shown, and then you’ll have instant pot cranberry applesauce!
Cranberry Applesauce
Ingredients
- 10 ounces fresh cranberries one bag
- 2 1/2 pounds apples peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- rind from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the apples are softened, mashing periodically.
- Remove the lemon rind and cinnamon sticks.
- Let cool before serving.
Alli says
Great twist on a classic!