Homemade Apple Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Apple Cranberry Sauce

No ratings yet

There's something special about homemade cranberry sauce on the Thanksgiving table, and this year I'm giving it a little twist by adding fresh Gala apples!

I love the combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, fresh orange, and warm holiday spices. The apples add wonderful flavor and texture, and everything comes together in one saucepan. It's such an easy way to make something homemade that feels a little extra special.

Best of all, you can prepare this apple cranberry sauce ahead of time, so there's one less thing to worry about when you're getting your holiday dinner ready. And if you have leftovers, don't put them away just for next Thanksgiving. They're delicious on toast, with cheese, or on a leftover turkey sandwich!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Favorite Favorited

Pinterest Facebook Share on X

Share Recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 3 medium Gala apples approximately 450 g prepared, peeled and diced
• 1 large navel orange zested and juiced (approximately 60–90 mL juice)
• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1¼ tsp (~ 3.25 g) ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp (~ 1 g) ground allspice

Method

 

1. Place the cranberries, diced apples, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and allspice in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil. As it heats, the cranberries will begin to burst.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for approximately 8–10 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use an immersion blender or potato masher to blend the sauce to your preferred consistency.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

This cranberry sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Serve it alongside your holiday meal, spread it on toast, pair it with your favorite cheese, or add it to a turkey sandwich. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged and kept refrigerated.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Why I Love Adding Apples to Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is one of those holiday dishes I look forward to every year. I love the tartness of fresh cranberries, but adding Gala apples gives the sauce another layer of flavor and a little natural sweetness.

The orange juice and zest brighten everything up, while the cinnamon and allspice add just the right amount of warmth. It’s a wonderful combination for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Smooth or Chunky? It’s Up to You!

One of the best things about making cranberry sauce from scratch is that you can make it exactly how you like it.

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after taking the saucepan off the heat. If you like a little more texture, use a potato masher instead. I love that you can decide how much of the fruit to leave in the finished sauce.

Make It Ahead for the Holidays

When I’m preparing a holiday meal, I appreciate anything I can make ahead of time.

This apple cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, so you don’t have to make it on Thanksgiving morning. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

It’s one less thing to prepare when you’re busy cooking the rest of your holiday dinner!

Five Ways to Enjoy Apple Cranberry Sauce

Of course, it’s delicious alongside turkey and gravy, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it.

• Serve it with your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Spread it on toast for breakfast.
• Pair it with your favorite cheese and crackers.
• Add it to a leftover turkey sandwich.
• Package it in a pretty jar as a homemade holiday gift, with instructions to keep it refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! I love making this recipe ahead of a holiday meal. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes! You can freeze this apple cranberry sauce for up to three months.

Do I need an immersion blender?

Not at all. A potato masher works beautifully if you prefer a chunkier cranberry sauce.

What kind of apples should I use?

I use Gala apples in this recipe. They add a lovely sweetness that balances the tart cranberries.

Can I serve this cranberry sauce with something other than turkey?

Definitely! Try it with cheese, on toast, or on your favorite sandwich. It’s too good to enjoy only once a year.

A Homemade Holiday Favorite

I hope you’ll give this apple cranberry sauce a try at your next holiday gathering. It’s easy to make, full of wonderful flavors, and a delicious way to add something homemade to your table.

And don’t forget to save some for those leftover turkey sandwiches!

Watch Dr. J Make Homemade Apple Cranberry Sauce

Want to see just how easy this recipe is? Watch me make homemade apple cranberry sauce, from cooking the fresh cranberries and apples to blending everything to the perfect consistency. You’ll see how simple it is to prepare this delicious holiday side dish!