Apple Cranberry Sauce

This orange apple cranberry sauce recipe comes together in 30 minutes with fresh cranberries, chopped apples, orange, ginger, and a little honey. Everything cooks in one covered saucepan until the fruit is tender and the sauce is thick, then it thickens a little more as it cools. It’s an easy homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

I prefer making cranberry sauce at home because so many versions are sweeter than I want. This one lets the tart cranberry flavor come through, with apples and honey adding just enough sweetness to balance it. The apple pieces also soften into the sauce without disappearing completely, so it has a little more texture than a plain cranberry sauce.

This cranberry sauce with orange and ginger has a bright, fresh flavor, while a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar adds a little more depth without making it taste like vinegar. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with turkey, ham, or the rest of your holiday sides.

Is This the Right Recipe for You?

• Tart, not sugary sweet: Choose this recipe if you want the cranberry flavor to stand out, with apples and honey adding just enough sweetness.
• Soft apple pieces throughout: This isn’t a completely smooth cranberry sauce. The apples soften as they cook but leave it with a little extra texture.
• Bright orange and ginger flavor: Fresh orange keeps the sauce lively, while ginger and cinnamon add a little warmth without overpowering the fruit.
• Naturally sweetened with honey: There’s no granulated sugar in this recipe, making it a good option if you prefer a fruit-forward sauce sweetened with honey.
• Easy to prepare ahead: Make the sauce 1 to 2 days before your holiday meal, then serve it chilled or bring it to room temperature.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this apple and cranberry sauce recipe, and what each thing is doing for it.

• Fresh cranberries: Two cups, and they’re the whole reason the sauce tastes tart instead of jammy.
• Apples: They add natural sweetness, small pieces of texture, and pectin that helps the sauce thicken as it cools.
• Honey: The only sweetener in the pot, it balances the tart cranberries while adding more flavor than plain granulated sugar.
• Fresh ginger: A small amount adds a noticeable little kick and keeps the sauce from tasting flat.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings warmth to the fruit without making the sauce heavily spiced.
• Orange: Both the zest and juice brighten the cranberries and add a fresh citrus flavor throughout the sauce.
• Balsamic vinegar: One tablespoon deepens the fruit flavor. You can leave it out, but I wouldn’t.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the fruit

Rinse the cranberries, then peel, core, and chop the apples into small, even pieces. Zest and juice the orange, and grate the fresh ginger.

Pro Tip: Keep the apple pieces close to the same size so they soften evenly. Smaller pieces will blend into the sauce more, while slightly larger pieces will leave more noticeable texture.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients

Add the cranberries, chopped apples, honey, ginger, cinnamon, orange zest and juice, and balsamic vinegar to a medium saucepan. Stir everything together, then cover the saucepan.

Step 3: Cook the cranberry sauce

Cook over medium-low heat for 18 to 20 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the liquid has thickened. The cranberries will soften and break down, while the apples should be tender but still leave small pieces throughout the sauce.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the sauce to look completely thick in the pan. It should still be slightly loose when you remove it from the heat because it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Cool and serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple cranberry sauce cool. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.

Expert Tips

• Choose the apple based on the flavor you want. Gala or Honeycrisp gives the sauce a balanced sweet-tart flavor. Use Granny Smith for a sharper sauce or Red Delicious if you prefer it a little sweeter.
• Peel the apples first. The skins don’t soften as much as the fruit and can leave chewy pieces in an otherwise tender sauce.
• Grate the ginger finely. Finely grated ginger blends into the sauce and spreads its flavor evenly without leaving behind noticeable fibrous pieces.
• Zest the orange before juicing it. Remove only the bright orange outer layer and avoid the white pith underneath, which can taste bitter.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the honey for maple syrup. Use pure maple syrup for a similar liquid sweetener with a slightly different flavor.
• Try lemon instead of orange. Use lemon zest and juice for a sharper, more tart citrus flavor.
• Leave out the ginger. The sauce will have a milder flavor without the little kick from fresh ginger.
• Skip the balsamic vinegar. You can omit it if needed, although the sauce won’t have quite as much depth.
• Make the sauce smoother. Blend some or all of the cooled cranberry sauce with an immersion blender or food processor until it reaches the texture you prefer.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Make it ahead: Prepare the apple cranberry sauce 1 to 2 days before serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then serve it chilled or let it come to room temperature.

Store leftovers: Keep any remaining cranberry sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze for later: Transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What to Serve With Apple Cranberry Sauce

Serve this apple cranberry sauce with a holiday main dish and a few savory sides to balance its tart, fruity flavor.

• Easy Turkey Tenderloin: A simple holiday main dish that’s easier than roasting a whole turkey.
• Easy Stuffing: Classic herb stuffing that pairs naturally with cranberry sauce.
• Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Rich, creamy potatoes that balance the tart fruit.
• Fresh Green Bean Casserole: A traditional vegetable side made with fresh green beans.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots: A colorful roasted vegetable option with a little crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can apple cranberry sauce be made ahead of time?

Yes, apple cranberry sauce can be made 1 to 2 days ahead of time. Let it cool completely, transfer it to a covered container, and refrigerate it until your holiday meal. Serve it chilled, or set it out before dinner so it can come to room temperature.

Is apple cranberry sauce served hot or cold?

Apple cranberry sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature. Chilling gives it a firmer, thicker texture, while room temperature softens it slightly and brings out more of the orange and ginger flavor. Let the sauce cool completely before serving either way because it continues to thicken as it cools.

Why is my cranberry sauce not thickening?

Apple cranberry sauce may look slightly loose when you first remove it from the heat. It continues to thicken as it cools, so let it cool completely before deciding it’s too thin. If it remains runny, return it to the saucepan and cook uncovered over medium-low heat until some of the extra liquid evaporates.

What are the best apples for cranberry sauce?

Sweet-tart apples such as Gala or Honeycrisp are best for apple cranberry sauce. They add natural sweetness and soften without disappearing completely. Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples also work, but the finished flavor and texture will vary slightly depending on the apple you choose.

Can you freeze apple cranberry sauce?

Yes, apple cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container with a little room for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and stir before serving it chilled or at room temperature.

Can you make apple cranberry sauce without granulated sugar?

Yes, you can make cranberry sauce with honey instead of granulated sugar. This apple cranberry sauce uses honey to balance the tart cranberries, while the apples add natural sweetness.

More Cranberry Recipes

Keep the tart cranberry flavor going with these appetizers, drinks, and holiday treats:

• Easy Cranberry Brie Bites: Use homemade cranberry sauce to make these easy puff pastry bites with melted brie.
• Cranberry Moscow Mule: A festive cranberry cocktail with ginger beer and fresh lime.
• Crockpot Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce: An easy slow-cooker appetizer made with cranberry sauce, orange, and honey.
• Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cranberry Buttercream: Spiced cupcakes topped with cranberry frosting and sugared cranberries.

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If you made this apple cranberry sauce, be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below. I love hearing how it turned out for you!