Microwave Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant microwave cranberry sauce combining tart cranberries, sweet apple, raisins, and warm cinnamon, perfect as a festive side or topping for holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a deep, 1 1/2-quart casserole, combine cranberries, chopped apple, raisins, apple juice, ground cinnamon, and shredded lemon peel.
- Cover loosely with waxed paper.
- Microwave on High for 5 to 7 minutes, or until skins on cranberries pop, stirring once during cooking.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Cool.
- Cover and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves alongside the cinnamon. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar or substitute with honey or maple syrup. Fresh cranberries are best, but thawed frozen cranberries work well. Remember to stir the mixture halfway through microwaving to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, making it a perfect addition to holiday meals. It can also be served alongside *Graham Wafer Toffees for a unique dessert twist. Consider using it as a spread on sandwiches or as a topping for yogurt to elevate your breakfast or snack options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until warmed through, or serve it chilled for a refreshing taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 204 calories, with 2g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 17g 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 dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While dried cranberries are sweeter and have a different texture, you can use them in a pinch. Soak them in warm water or apple juice for about 15 minutes before adding them to the recipe to help rehydrate and soften them.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that the apple juice you use is 100% juice and does not contain any added sugars or animal products. The use of Equal or another sugar substitute is also a great way to keep it plant-based.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or sugar substitute you add. Start with less sugar, taste the sauce, and gradually add more until it reaches your desired sweetness level. Remember that the natural sweetness of the apples and raisins contributes to the overall flavor.
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).