Get ready to elevate your holiday table with the most irresistible Easy Spiced Apple Cranberry Sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds! This isn't just another boring condiment – it's a magical blend of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon that transforms any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a show-stopping sauce that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any day you want to add a touch of culinary magic to your plate.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Wash the fresh cranberries thoroughly and pick out any stems or damaged berries.
- Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small, roughly 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar, stirring until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Add the fresh cranberries and diced apples to the sugar water mixture.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the fruit, and gently stir to distribute the spice evenly.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
- Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash some of the cranberries to help create a more cohesive sauce texture.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm cranberries with a bright red color for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't walk away while cooking – keep an eye on the sauce to prevent burning and ensure perfect consistency.
- For a smoother sauce, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the fruits more.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
- The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools, so don't worry if it seems slightly runny while cooking.
- For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or orange zest.
- This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
