Healthy Cranberry Applesauce

This healthy cranberry applesauce brings a festive touch to any fall table, especially around Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings. It combines fresh apples and tart cranberries with a touch of maple syrup and warming spices, delivering a naturally sweet and vibrant side dish that complements a variety of meals.

I first made this sauce during a cozy autumn weekend and was amazed how such a simple mix could brighten up breakfast and dinner alike. Now it’s a staple in my kitchen every fall season.

Ingredients

• Three medium Fuji apples: peeled cored and chopped for sweetness and soft texture
• Three medium Gala apples: peeled cored and chopped contribute a balanced mild flavor and juiciness
• Two medium Granny Smith apples: peeled cored add tartness and structure to keep the sauce vibrant
• One and a half cups fresh cranberries: bring sharp tartness and rich color that make the sauce festive
• Half a cup water: to gently cook the fruit without diluting the flavors
• Two tablespoons pure maple syrup: provide natural sweet warmth and depth
• Quarter cup brown sugar: adds caramel notes and enhances the richness of the sauce
• One teaspoon ground cinnamon: complements the fruit with a warm aromatic spice
• Quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg: imparts subtle earthiness to round out the flavor
• Two teaspoons fresh lemon juice: boost brightness and balance out sweetness
• One teaspoon lemon zest: intensifies citrus notes for a fresh finish
• One teaspoon pure vanilla extract: softens acidity and adds a comforting scent
• A pinch of sea salt: to heighten flavor contrast and bring all ingredients together

Instructions

Prepare the Apples and Cranberries:

Peel core and chop all apples into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking. Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any that look shriveled or damaged to ensure freshness.

Combine Ingredients in a Pot:

Place the prepared apples cranberries water maple syrup brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg lemon juice lemon zest vanilla and sea salt in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir well to distribute all flavors evenly.

Cook the Applesauce:

Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes stirring occasionally. Cook until apples are very soft and cranberries have just burst to retain bright color without bitterness.

Mash or Puree to Desired Texture:

Remove the pot from heat. For chunkier sauce use a potato masher or fork to gently mash the mixture in the pot. For smoother sauce use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender and blend until you reach your preferred consistency.

Finish and Serve:

Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more maple syrup or lemon juice as needed. Let it cool to room temperature or serve warm. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Among the ingredients my favorite has to be the fresh cranberries. Their tart burst and vibrant color transform this sauce into a festive jewel and remind me of the fun family tradition of berry picking each early fall. Watching the cranberries pop as they cook always feels like a little celebration in the kitchen.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to tweak the sweetness you can replace maple syrup with honey if you are not vegan or use agave syrup for a mild flavor. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar which offers a subtle caramel tone and lower glycemic impact. For a different fruit twist try substituting one variety of apples with ripe pears for a softer floral nuance in the sauce.

Storage Tips

Store this applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain its fresh flavors. To keep it longer freeze portions in freezer-safe containers leaving some space for expansion and thaw in the fridge before serving. Always stir well after thawing to reincorporate any separated liquids.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry applesauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or pork as a seasonal side. It also makes a delicious topping on warm oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast. For added texture and flavor try sprinkling some toasted chopped walnuts or a pinch of ground ginger on top for a festive variation.

This applesauce recipe is one I return to each fall not only for its bright flavors but also for the cheerful memories it helps create around the table. It’s a simple way to make the season feel extra special.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How can I reduce tartness in the sauce?

Stir in extra maple syrup or brown sugar gradually, tasting until the desired sweetness balances the tartness.

→ Can this sauce be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to a week. Flavors often deepen after a day or two.

→ How to prevent a watery consistency?

Simmer uncovered during the last few minutes to let excess liquid evaporate, especially with juicy apples.

→ Is freezing this sauce possible?

Yes, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers leaving space for expansion, then thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ Should I peel the apples before cooking?

Peeling creates a smoother texture. Leaving skins adds fiber and rustic charm but may require extra blending for smoothness.