My new favourite Thanksgiving facet is a twist on two of my favorites: applesauce and cranberry sauce. This Cranberry Applesauce recipe is fast and straightforward and made within the microwave! Stovetop and gradual cooker strategies additionally included.
What You’ll Need
The listing is small, however mighty to make selfmade cranberry applesauce. A full listing of elements with measurements for this recipe is obtainable within the printable recipe card beneath.
- Fresh Apples- use 2-3 giant apples. Use all of 1 kind or a mix for extra complicated flavors. See beneath for suggestions on the kind of apple to make use of.
- Fresh Cranberries– alter the quantity up or down relying on how a lot tart taste you want. I like the ruby crimson hue they offer the sauce! You can use frozen cranberries too, simply be certain to defrost them absolutely first.
- Apple Juice– slightly liquid is required to get a sauce as a substitute of a paste. No sugar added apple juice finest, however in a pinch, simply use water.
- Sugar– sugar is non-compulsory, however understand that most applesauce is sweetened. If you’re intending to make use of this in baked items, unsweetened is okay as a result of presumably, the baked items may have sugar. Sugar substitutes are good options too. There are pure sugars within the apple, however since we’re microwaving and never gradual cooking, permitting them to caramelize, you received’t get the total sweetness.

Best Apples for Homemade Applesauce
The kind of apple you utilize is definitely crucial and can play a task in each the style and texture of the completed product. Use all one kind or a spread to create a customized taste mix.
- McIntosh- One of the preferred for baking, its candy and mushy flesh cooks down simply and is much less fibrous than different varieties. It can be tremendous juicy with only a trace of tart.
- Golden Delicious- Also a mushy flesh and used regularly in baking, as a substitute of a tart aftertaste, they’re truly a tiny bit spicy. Not sufficient to note off the bat, however shut your eyes, and after you end chewing a chew discover the way in which your tongue feels.
- Honeycrisp- Juicy and candy, these are nice for sweeter applesauce and probably the most kid-friendly.
- Gala- A milder apple taste, these might be an excellent base, however let the cranberries shine.

5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – You can add a pinch of nice sea salt for brightness and to carry out the opposite flavors of this cranberry applesauce.
- Seasonings – Feel free so as to add heat spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and even pumpkin pie spice.
- Swaps – Check the part beneath for different cooking strategies. I choose the short and straightforward microwave technique, however you may additionally make it in your gradual cooker, on the spot pot or stovetop.
- Senses – Tart and candy, cranberry applesauce shimmers with ruby shade, fills the air with a fruity, spiced aroma, and affords a {smooth}, tangy chew that wakes up the style buds.
Alternative Cooking Methods
I like how fast and straightforward this microwave makes this cranberry applesauce, however you too can make it within the gradual cooker, Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Stovetop Method
Making this cranberry applesauce on the stovetop permits so that you can make a bigger batch. It takes about twice so long as the microwave technique, however nonetheless very efficient.
Bring all elements to a boil, scale back to a simmer and permit to prepare dinner for about 25 minutes or till apples are very mushy. Then take a potato masher and mash to the consistency of your liking. You can even use a meals processor.
Slow Cooker Method
The profit to utilizing a crockpot is you could add much less or no sugar- the pure sugar within the apples will caramelize producing a naturally sweetened sauce. The texture may even breakdown and scale back the necessity for a meals processor. This technique additionally makes it tremendous simple to double and even triple the recipe to make a bigger batch for the vacations.
Add the apples, cranberries, juice and sugar to the crockpot, cowl and prepare dinner for 4 hours. They ought to break down sufficient to not want a meals processor except you like a super-smooth mix.
Instant Pot Method
The profit to creating applesauce within the Instant Pot or electrical strain cooker is you could make a lot bigger batches. While it doesn’t permit sugars to caramelize, it can break down the fruits and scale back the necessity for a meals processor. This technique additionally makes it tremendous simple to double and even triple the recipe to make a bigger batch for the vacations.
Follow the identical directions, however place the lid on, seal the vent, and set for guide excessive strain for six minutes. Do a fast launch after which mash or mix, if desired.

What to Serve it With
In my home we normally simply eat the sauce. My youngsters adore it and it’s a good antioxidant-rich snack for me. But is there something extra basic than pork chops and applesauce? Lucky for us, cranberries are a pure pairing with pork similar to apples.
Cranberry applesauce can be fabulous in baked items like cake, muffins or cookies. It can be utilized as an oil or butter substitute for different baked items.
Due to its vibrant hue and cranberry taste, it’s additionally nice for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas! Pair it with different Thanksgiving sides like juicy turkey, stuffing and candy potato casserole to finish your feast.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you possibly can, however I might add 2 to three minutes of microwave time. Check after every microwave increment to ensure the cranberries are softened.
You certain can! The sugar on this recipe is technically non-compulsory. If you used a sweeter apple selection, the extra sugar won’t be wanted in any respect.
You can actually add extra sugar should you discover your applesauce to be too tart. You can even add a splash of maple syrup for a heat taste too.
This is a simple repair! Simple add some heat water or apple juice a tablespoon at a time till you attain the consistency you’d like.

Microwave Cranberry Applesauce Recipe
In solely quarter-hour, you may have candy and tart selfmade applesauce good for baking, pork chops or simply consuming alone.
Prevent your display from going darkish
Servings: cups
Place the peeld, cored and chopped 2-3 apples, 1 cup recent cranberries and 1/2 cup apple juice in a microwave protected bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Microwave for 3 minutes. Remove, stir, and microwave for a further 2 minutes.
Remove the bowl and switch the combination, juice and all, to a meals processor or blender. Add the 2 teaspoons sugar after which give mix on excessive for 30-40 seconds or till it reaches your required texture.
Enjoy heat or to sit back earlier than serving.
If you’ve got tried this recipe, come again to tell us the way it was within the feedback or rankings!
Freezing: Place applesauce in hermetic containers- both plastic luggage or containers- with the least quantity of air doable. They will keep frozen for as much as 6 months.
Large batch: If utilizing the stovetop, gradual cooker or Instant Pot technique, you possibly can simply double or triple the elements to make a bigger batch for the vacations.
Stovetop Method
Bring all elements to a boil, scale back to a simmer and permit to prepare dinner for about 25 minutes or till apples are very mushy. Then take a potato masher and mash to the consistency of your liking. You can even use a meals processor.
Slow Cooker Method
Add the apples, cranberries, juice and sugar to the crockpot, cowl and prepare dinner for 4 hours. They ought to break down sufficient to not want a meals processor except you like a super-smooth mix.
Instant Pot Method
Follow the identical directions, however place the lid on, seal the vent, and set for guide excessive strain for six minutes. Do a fast launch after which mash or mix, if desired.
Calories: 108 kcal, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 4 mg, Potassium: 200 mg, Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 21 g, Vitamin A: 86 IU, Vitamin C: 10 mg, Calcium: 13 mg, Iron: 1 mg
More Easy Apple Recipes
Apple would possibly rival pumpkin as my favourite fall flavors. If you agree, take a look at our greatest apple recipes.




