Easy Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce
Posted: 11/11/2015
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Don’t settle for cranberry sauce from a can – this flavorful cinnamon apple cranberry sauce is super simple to make and can even be made a day or two in advance!
I cannot, cannot, cannot believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s a little ridiculous, really. I mean, how is that even possible? Pretty soon it’s going to be summer again and then it will be fall again and I’ll be right back to whining about summer going too quickly.
What I meant to say is that I’ll be savoring every moment. And making cranberry sauce in July so I can share recipes with you guys.
Growing up, cranberry sauce was never my favorite thing on the table at Thanksgiving. It still doesn’t trump stuffing (obviously), but now I really love its tart flavor alongside all the other rich, savory dishes. This cinnamon apple cranberry sauce is complex and is the perfect thing to spoon over roasted turkey.
About this cinnamon apple cranberry sauce
This is SO easy to make, you guys! All you do is throw everything together in a pan and cook it down until it is nice and thick. Watch out for splatters and stir often and you’re all set.
The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the tart cranberries and the cinnamon gives that warm spiciness that goes so well with apples. If you prefer cranberry sauce with orange instead of apple, try my orange cranberry sauce with cardamom.
PS: If you’re looking for an easy Thanksgiving dinner for four, try a sheet pan Thanksgiving dinner with turkey breast, stuffing, potatoes, and asparagus all baked on one pan. You’ll love it! Or cook a turkey breast (even if it’s frozen solid, I kid you not) in your Instant Pot. Perfectly done, flavorful, and fast!
PPS: How cute is my assistant?
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes?
These recipes would be great for Christmas dinner, too.
- 20 Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes
- 5 Ingredient Maple Dijon Ham
- Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe
- Two Ingredient Cranberry Salsa
- Green Bean Casserole (no canned soup!)
- Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- Turkey Tenders with Cranberry Barbecue Dipping Sauce
- Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Marshmallow Topping
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Cranberries
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash Mash with Smoked Paprika
- Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheddar Bake
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
cups
Don’t settle for cranberry sauce from a can – this flavorful cinnamon apple cranberry sauce is super simple to make and can even be made a day or two in advance!
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh cranberries, washed and drained
- 3/4 cup apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cups small-diced apples (about two medium apples)
- 1 1/2 cups tightly packed brown sugar (light or dark, either is fine)
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot (choose an extra big one to prevent yourself from being a splatter-victim).
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium.
- Stir frequently and simmer for 15 minute or until apples and cranberries are soft and sauce is thickened.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Works best with a firmer apple like Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp. Softer apples like Macintosh will turn into mush.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1/4 cup, Calories: 93kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Sodium: 6mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 21g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
M. Rice says
DeLisssh… Even finicky cranberry eaters love it ! Thank You for the super easy receipe too. I make 3 batches at a time now & freeze it…
Rachel Gurk says
So great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Bridget Graham says
Made it without the apples and it’s delish.. And this is coming from someone who has always disliked cranberry sauce.. I only omitted the apples because I didn’t have any.. I’ll try them next time..
Happy Thanksgiving..
Rachel Gurk says
Thanks for letting me know! I’m so glad you liked it! Happy Thanksgiving!
Bridget Graham says
Would this recipe be still good without the apples?
Rachel Gurk says
I haven’t tested it that way, but I think it would be good for sure! As long as you still use the cider (or apple juice would work, too). Let me know how you like it!
Leah says
Do you peel the apples??
Rachel Gurk says
It’s up to you! For best results, I’d probably peel them, but if they don’t bother you in general, you can leave them on.
Jess says
Hello! You said you put this in the freezer for
Thanksgiving…how long did it take to defrost or do you suggest making it the day of ?? I’m all about cooking throughout the week to reduce stress on the big day! I’m excited :)
Rachel Gurk says
You could make it up to three days in advance and it would be fine in the fridge. If you’re making it further in advance, freeze it and put it in the fridge 24 hours in advance of when you plan to eat it. I hope you love it! So smart to plan ahead and prep as much as you can…I’m doing the same!
KVought says
Does this freeze well?
Rachel Gurk says
That should work fine!
Nikki says
just made it and I love it. Tastes nice and fresh. i cooled it in the fridge after letting it settle and everyone loved it! Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you. BTW no vinegar smell at al, house smells great!
Rachel Gurk says
Great! So glad you liked it! Thank you for your comment. :)
Amanda says
So I made this and was very disappointed. It was too acidic and my house now reeks of vinegar. I think the allspice mixed with it made the smell worse. My kids even commented on the smell. I will admit I made the apple pieces to small, but I don’t think larger pieces would have made it any better. I tried adding additional brown and granulated sugar, but it didn’t help. Hot or chilled it was awful so I just poured it down the disposal.
Rachel Gurk says
Did you accidentally use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider? The recipe has no vinegar in it so I’m not sure why it would be acidic/smell like vinegar.
Joe Crocker says
Great recipe, taste like pie filling. Hmm i think i am going to try a double crust pie with this for the filling. Maybe i’ll increase the apple content a bit,
Thanks !!!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you liked it! The pie idea sounds fabulous!
ellenk says
This looks good and easy! Do you think bit of orange peel would work out in the recipe? I have a relative who insists that cranberries be served with orange…
Rachel Gurk says
That would absolutely work! Or, stay tuned for another cranberry sauce recipe (this week most likely) that features oranges. :)
Susan says
I assume it doesn’t matter what kind of apples are used? Granny Smiths are likely what I’ll try, unless you suggest something else.
Rachel Gurk says
Granny Smiths would be great! I think firm apples would work best (such as a granny smith) rather than a softer apple like a macintosh. I’ll clarify! Thanks for the question!
Patty K says
Yes! I love how easy cranberry sauce is to make. Your assistant is SUPER cute! Training him young, I see :)
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Love homemade cranberry sauce but what I love most about this is your twist with apples. It’s like dessert during the meal. Yum!
denise says
cinnamon–not sure I’m into that with cranberry, but it has possibilities. I’ll stick with my tried and true cranberry relish recipe from Grandma. Sometimes, nostalgia wins out over change. :)
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
Anything is better than in a can! This is genius and looks so delicious! :)