This vibrant cinnamon apple cranberry sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors! The juicy apples and tangy cranberries come together with a cozy sprinkle of cinnamon to brighten any meal.
It’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought stuff! I love serving it on turkey or toast, and it’s great for leftovers, too—who doesn’t love a spoonful of this yumminess on their breakfast? 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for their tartness. If they’re off-season, you can use frozen cranberries. Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing.
Apple: Gala and Honeycrisp apples are great choices for sweetness and firmness. If you want a more tart flavor, try Granny Smith apples instead.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Cinnamon: A cinnamon stick gives a lovely aroma, but you can use ground cinnamon instead. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
Apple Juice: If you don’t have apple juice, other fruit juices like white grape juice can work well. It’ll keep the sweetness balanced.
How Do You Make the Sauce Thicker?
To achieve the perfect thickness, simmering is key. As the cranberries burst, they release pectin, which helps the sauce thicken naturally. If your sauce is still thin after cooking, consider these tips:
- Let it simmer a bit longer—sometimes an extra few minutes make a difference!
- If it’s still too runny, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while simmering until thickened.
- Remember that the sauce thickens more as it cools, so don’t rush to serve it hot!
Keep these tips in mind to create a deliciously thick and flavorful cinnamon apple cranberry sauce. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 large apple (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 star anise pod (optional, for garnish and subtle flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and roughly 20 minutes for cooking and simmering the sauce until it’s just right. It can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge to enhance the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt. Set them aside in a colander. Next, peel the apple and dice it into small cubes. This will help the apple cook down nicely with the cranberries.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Take a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add in the rinsed cranberries, diced apple, granulated sugar, water, and apple juice. Toss in the cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so that the sugar starts to dissolve.
3. Cook the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat so it simmers. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch as the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens to a lovely consistency.
4. Final Touches:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce is thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and ground cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to take out the cinnamon stick and star anise pod if used. If you love the look, feel free to add a star anise for garnish!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and garnish with extra cinnamon sticks and a star anise pod. Let it cool to room temperature, or pop it in the fridge to chill before serving. The sauce thickens further as it cools, making it perfect for topping turkey, pork, toast, or as a delightful breakfast spread!
Enjoy this warm, sweet, and tangy cinnamon apple cranberry sauce with your favorite meals! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still work beautifully.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just taste and adjust according to your preference!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and improve as it sits!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover cinnamon apple cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving!
