Fresh Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry sauce with fresh apples, oranges, pineapple, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for holiday tables or festive gatherings requiring a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Cook on low for 15 minutes.
- Stir until the mixture thickens, about 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1 1/2 cups. If you're short on time, you can use pre-peeled apples or canned cranberry sauce as a base, adjusting the sugar accordingly. This recipe can also be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This fresh cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey or as a vibrant addition to a charcuterie board. Serve it alongside dishes like Kristina'S Little Hot Dogs for a delightful contrast. It also complements sweet desserts like Fresh Blueberry Pie Filling, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 794 calories, with 12g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 12g 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the pot. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the consistency as it cooks.
How can I make this sauce less tart?
To reduce tartness, you can increase the sugar to taste or add more chopped apples or pineapple. Both ingredients add sweetness and help balance the flavors. Adjust gradually and taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness.
Is it possible to make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made several days in advance. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just follow the storage instructions and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
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).