Cranberry Applesauce
A vibrant, tangy cranberry applesauce blending sweet apples with tart cranberries, enhanced by ginger, cinnamon, and lemon zest—perfect as a side or dessert accompaniment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a large heavy saucepan and bring to a high heat.
- Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
- Add apples, cover, and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
- Add cranberries, cover, and cook until apples are very soft and cranberries have popped, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the mixture until chunky.
- Stir in grated ginger, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool, cover, and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter applesauce, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the mixture with an immersion blender instead of mashing. You can substitute fresh ginger with 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger if needed. Adjust the sugar based on your preference and the tartness of the cranberries. This recipe is versatile and can be used as a topping for Angel Bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cranberry applesauce warm or chilled as a side dish during holiday meals or alongside savory dishes like roasted turkey. It also pairs beautifully with breakfast items such as pancakes or oatmeal. For a delightful dessert, try it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or use it in recipes like a layer for Patriotic Cake (Easy, Delicious And Pretty).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Applesauce contains roughly 123 calories, with 1g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used in this recipe. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. They may take a minute longer to cook, but will still yield great flavor and texture.
How can I make this applesauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, decrease the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start with half the recommended sugar and taste as you cook, adding more if necessary. You can also opt for tart apple varieties to balance the sweetness.
What can I do with leftover cranberry applesauce?
Leftover cranberry applesauce is versatile! Use it as a filling for pastries, a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or mix it into smoothies. It can also be a great addition to savory dishes, enhancing the flavor in recipes like Cabbage Roll Casserole (Fast And Easy!).
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).