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orange apple cranberry sauce in a white bowl with a spoon.
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5 from 19 votes

Apple Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberries and chopped apples simmer with honey, fresh ginger, orange, and balsamic vinegar for a tart, fruit-forward holiday sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Katie G.

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

  • Chop the apples into small, even pieces so they soften at the same rate. Smaller pieces will blend into the sauce more, while larger pieces leave more noticeable texture.
  • The sauce should still look slightly loose when you remove it from the heat because it will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Make the sauce 1 to 2 days ahead. Let it cool completely, store it covered in the refrigerator, and serve it chilled or bring it to room temperature before serving.
  • Freeze the cooled cranberry sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Want more details? Scroll up for step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Sodium: 3.7mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 15.8mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.5mg