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Combine a few simple ingredients in a saucepan to make this fresh homemade apple cranberry sauce recipe! This homemade cranberry sauce is packed with flavor and is paleo and naturally gluten free.
Cranberry sauce is a must on any Thanksgiving menu! I like my cranberry sauce thick, flavorful and slightly sweet. Homemade apple cranberry sauce is our favorite. This recipe includes fresh orange and ginger to make it even better. The healthy cranberry sauce is paleo and naturally gluten free. It also includes a small amount of honey for natural sweetness. Make this cranberry sauce recipe once and it will quickly turn into a family favorite.
How to make apple cranberry sauce
To make this easy apple cranberry sauce, combine fresh cranberries, apples, honey, fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, the zest and juice from an orange and balsamic vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes or until the fruit is tender and the liquid thickens.
How do you make the best homemade cranberry sauce?
The best cranberry sauce starts with fresh cranberries. Simmer the cranberries on a stove with other high quality ingredients like cinnamon, honey and citrus zest.
How do you make cranberry sauce with apples?
To make apple cranberry sauce, add chopped apples to a medium sauce pan with the fresh cranberries. Simmer over medium-low heat with honey, fresh ginger, cinnamon, orange juice, orange zest and balsamic vinegar. The combination of flavors creates the best apple cranberry sauce.
How do you sweeten cranberry sauce?
You can sweeten cranberry sauce with any sweetener. We like to use natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, but you can also use granulated or brown sugar, depending on your taste preference. Use a small amount of honey for a paleo cranberry sauce.
Can cranberry sauce be frozen?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be frozen. Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What do you eat cranberry sauce with?
Cranberry sauce is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving day menu. We love enjoying cranberry sauce throughout the year with our favorite dinner recipes.
Recipes to eat with cranberry sauce
- Mashed Red Potatoes
- Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Herb Roasted Turkey
- Broccoli, Chicken and Cheese Rice Casserole
We know that you’re going to love this homemade cranberry sauce as much as we do. Try it and then let us know what you think!
Apple Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 medium apples,, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- zest and juice from one orange
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 18 to 20 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the liquid has thickened. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Video
Notes
- You can make the cranberry sauce a day or two in advance, store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature just prior to serving.
- You can omit the ginger, if desired, but it won't be as flavorful.
- Freeze the cranberry sauce in a freezer safe container for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Cranberry and apples are 2 of my favorite flavors! Then on top of it, you brought orange and ginger into the mix, holy cow. I made this recipe for our family dinner on Thanksgiving and it was a hit! I had to double the ingredients tho, our family likes leftovers for a few days.
I made this for Thanksgiving without the ginger since I didn’t have it and we loved it!
I made this dish yesterday to be served today at Thanksgiving (2014). It turned out great. I ended up doubling the honey because it initially seemed too tart; I believe it was because of the cranberries I used and not the recipe. Overall, an outstanding dish!
I am so glad to hear that you loved it! Happy Holidays 🙂
Made this tonight for tomorrow’s thanksgiving meal. Good thing I made a lot because I couldn’t stop eating it. So good!! I probably only put about 1/3 of the honey called for in the recipe and added about 1/2 cup if frozen pineapples too and it was perfect. Thanks for the recipe and happy thanksgiving!!
Hi, Stephanie! I am so glad to hear that you loved it. The addition of the pineapple sounds amazing!
Would i be able to make this and keep stored in jars? Would it be fine as long as the jars are airtight? Wanting to try this recipe for a Christmas market in November.
Hi, Lisa! You can certainly use this sauce for canning. But, if you are only going to keep them in an airtight container I would store them in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!
I cooked this tonight….delicious! Have tried a variety of cranberry sauce recipes and like the flavors of this one the most. Thanks for sharing.
So glad to hear that you enjoyed it, Francesca!
Sounds delicious! I was just wondering if the balsamic vinegar is very noticeable? My mom isn’t a fan of balsamic vinegar, so I was wondering how much it cooks down?
Thanks 🙂
Emily, I don’t notice the balsamic vinegar at all. The cranberries, ginger and citrus flavors really shine in this dish. I don’t think your mom wouldn’t notice it at all.
Just made this today and it is delicious! I also segmented 3 oranges and put those in too because my husband adores oranges. Will be making again for sure! Thanks!
Lori, I am so glad that you enjoyed it! The addition of oranges sounds great, I might have to try that when I make it again.
I’ve never made homemade cranberry sauce, but I think that will have to change! I love the combination of flavors. This would be great for Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing!
You should definitely try making homemade cranberry sauce. It is so flavorful and easy!
This sounds delicious and looks amazing. I will give this a try. Fresh cranberry sauce will be a great change!
You should definitely try it, Sue. It is so delicious and incredibly easy!