Apple Cranberry Sauce

Applesauce is nostalgic for me. Growing up, my mom would always start dinner with a small bowl of homemade applesauce, fruit cocktail, or a salad. Now, I love a fruity start or end to a meal and this sweet-tart applesauce with cranberries is one of my go-to recipes.

 

What You’ll Need

The list is small, but mighty to make homemade apple cranberry sauce.

• Fresh Apples- use 2-3 large apples. Use all of one type or a blend for more complex flavors. See below for recommendations on the type of apple to use.
• Fresh Cranberries– adjust the amount up or down depending on how much tart flavor you like. I love the ruby red hue they give the sauce! You can use frozen cranberries too, just make sure to defrost them fully first.
• Apple Juice– a little liquid is needed to get a sauce instead of a paste. No sugar added apple juice best, but in a pinch, just use water.
• Sugar– sugar is optional, but keep in mind that most applesauce is sweetened. If you are intending to use this in baked goods, unsweetened is fine because presumably, the baked goods will have sugar. Sugar substitutes are good alternatives too. There are natural sugars in the apple, but since we are microwaving and not slow cooking, allowing them to caramelize, you won’t get the full sweetness.

Best Apples for Homemade Applesauce

The type of apple you use is actually very important and will play a role in both the taste and texture of the finished product. Use all one type or a variety to create a custom flavor blend.

• McIntosh- One of the most popular for baking, its sweet and soft flesh cooks down easily and is less fibrous than other varieties. It is also super juicy with just a hint of tart.
• Golden Delicious- Also a soft flesh and used frequently in baking, instead of a tart aftertaste, they are actually a tiny bit spicy. Not enough to notice off the bat, but close your eyes, and after you finish chewing a bite notice the way your tongue feels.
• Honeycrisp- Juicy and sweet, these are great for sweeter applesauce and the most kid-friendly.
• Gala- A milder apple flavor, these will be a great base, but let the cranberries shine.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Sauce

You are going to love how easy it is to make this fun and festive twist on applesauce!

1. Peel and core your apples. You can leave the skin on, but depending on the type of apple, it can be waxy or unpleasant in the finished product. Cube the apples into 1-inch pieces.
2. Add ingredients to dish and cover. Add them to a microwave-safe dish along with the cranberries and apple juice. Cover tightly plastic wrap. This will keep the heat and steam in, allowing the temperature to build faster and also steam the fruits.
3. Microwave for 3 minutes, open and stir and microwave for an additional 2 minutes. Some of the cranberries might explode a little. The fruit will be soft and fragrant.
4. Blend. Transfer the mixture, juices and all, to a food processor. Add your sweetener of choice, if using one, and then blitz it until your desired consistency. Alternately, you can use a ricer, potato masher or blender.

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Slow Cooker Applesauce

The benefit to using a crockpot is that you can add less or no sugar- the natural sugar in the apples will caramelize producing a naturally sweetened sauce. The texture will also breakdown and reduce the need for a food processor.

Add the apples, cranberries, juice and sugar to the crockpot, cover and cook for 4 hours. They should break down enough to not need a food processor unless you prefer a super-smooth blend.

Instant Pot Applesauce

The benefit to making applesauce in the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker is that you can make much larger batches. While it doesn’t allow sugars to caramelize, it will break down the fruits and reduce the need for a food processor.

Follow the same instructions, but place the lid on, seal the vent, and set for manual high pressure for 6 minutes. Do a quick release and then mash or blend, if desired.

Variations

While I don’t find this sauce needs much more than it already has, feel free to customize yours with spices. Here are the most popular flavor affinities.

• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Pumpkin Pie Spice

What to Serve it With

In my house we usually just eat the sauce. My kids love it and it is a nice antioxidant-rich snack for me. But is there anything more classic than pork chops and applesauce? Lucky for us, cranberries are a natural pairing with pork just like apples.

Applesauce is also fabulous in baked goods like cake, muffins or cookies. It can be used as an oil or butter substitute for other baked goods.

Storage & Freezing

How to Store Applesauce

Applesauce is one of the most perfect specimens for canning, however, I don’t know how to can, so check these instructions out.

Can I Freeze Cran Applesauce?

You sure can! Place applesauce in airtight containers- either plastic bags or containers- with the least amount of air possible. They will stay frozen for up to 6 months.

More Easy Apple Recipes

Apple might rival pumpkin as my favorite fall flavors. If you agree, check out our best apple recipes.