Cran Applesauce

Applesauce is nostalgic for me. Growing up my mom would always start dinner with a small bowl of applesauce, fruit cocktail or a salad. I always thought it was to get us to eat more fruits and veggies and I only later found out that it was really a ploy to get my dad to meet his quota.

overhead of cran applesauce in a copper dish


 

Could he really say no with our judging eyes watching him? But I never made my own until I was an adult. In fact, I probably didn’t even eat applesauce for a good decade- not until I had kiddos myself.

Homemade Applesauce

Simple, homemade and delicious; just the way I like things. This quick applesauce recipe is based on my original, basic recipe has the sweet hints of fall apples with the tart of fresh cranberries. And the best part? The ingredient list is only 4 items long and the time to make it is only 15 minutes from start to spoon-in-mouth.

How? The microwave! Many applesauce recipes use an Instant Pot, CrockPot or the stovetop, but in just 5 minutes you can achieve similar results. If you are looking for the other versions, I do list them below.

cran applesauce on a gold spoon

What You’ll Need

The list is small, but mighty!

  • Fresh Apples- use 2-3 large apples. Use all of one type or a blend for more complex flavors. See below for recommendations on the type of apple to use.
  • Fresh Cranberries– adjust the amount up or down depending on how much tart flavor you like. I love the ruby red hue they give the sauce! You can use frozen cranberries too, just make sure to defrost them fully first.
  • Apple Juice– a little liquid is needed to get a sauce instead of a paste. No sugar added apple juice best, but in a pinch, just use water.
  • Sugar– sugar is optional, but keep in mind that most applesauce is sweetened. If you are intending to use this in baked goods, unsweetened is fine because presumably, the baked goods will have sugar. Sugar substitutes are good alternatives too. There are natural sugars in the apple, but since we are microwaving and not slow cooking, allowing them to caramelize, you won’t get the full sweetness.
ingredients to make apple cranberry sauce

Best Apples for Applesauce

The type of apple you use is actually very important and will play a role in both the taste and texture of the finished product. Use all one type or a variety to create a custom flavor blend.

  • McIntosh- One of the most popular for baking, its sweet and soft flesh cooks down easily and is less fibrous than other varieties. It is also super juicy with just a hint of tart.
  • Golden Delicious- Also a soft flesh and used frequently in baking, instead of a tart aftertaste, they are actually a tiny bit spicy. Not enough to notice off the bat, but close your eyes, and after you finish chewing a bite notice the way your tongue feels.
  • Honeycrisp- Juicy and sweet, these are great for sweeter applesauce and the most kid-friendly.
  • Gala- A milder apple flavor, these will be a great base, but let the cranberries shine.
picture of an apple

How to Make Applesauce

  1. Peel and core your apples. You can leave the skin on, but depending on the type of apple, it can be waxy or unpleasant in the finished product. Cube the apples into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Add them to a microwave-safe dish along with the cranberries and apple juice. Cover tightly plastic wrap. This will keep the heat and steam in, allowing the temperature to build faster and also steam the fruits.
  3. Microwave for 3 minutes, open and stir and microwave for an additional 2 minutes. Some of the cranberries might explode a little. The fruit will be soft and fragrant.
  4. Transfer the mixture, juices and all, to a food processor. Add your sweetener of choice, if using one, and then blitz it until your desired consistency. Alternately, you can use a ricer, potato masher or blender.
step-by-step images of how to make homemade applesauce in the micorwave

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Slow Cooker Applesauce- The benefit to using a crockpot is that you can add less or no sugar- the natural sugar in the apples will caramelize producing a naturally sweetened sauce. The texture will also breakdown and reduce the need for a food processor.

Add the apples, cranberries, juice and sugar to the crockpot, cover and cook for 4 hours. They should break down enough to not need a food processor unless you prefer a super-smooth blend.

close up angle of cran applesauce in a copper pot

Instant Pot Applesauce– The benefit to making applesauce in the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker is that you can make much larger batches. While it doesn’t allow sugars to caramelize, it will break down the fruits and reduce the need for a food processor.

Follow the same instructions, but place the lid on, seal the vent and set for manual high pressure for 6 minutes. Do a quick release and then mash or blend, if desired.

Variations

While I don’t find this sauce needs much more than it already has, feel free to customize yours with spices. Here are the most popular flavor affinities.

What to Serve it With

In my house we usually just eat the sauce. My kids love it and it is a nice antioxidant-rich snack for me. But is there anything more classic than pork chops and applesauce? Lucky for us, cranberries are a natural pairing with pork just like apples.

Applesauce is also fabulous in baked goods like cake, muffins or cookies. It can be used as an oil or butter substitute for other baked goods.

overhead of cran applesauce with serving spoons and fresh fruit

Storage & Freezing

Applesauce is one of the most perfect specimens for canning, however, I don’t know how to can, so check these instructions out.

Can you freeze applesauce? You sure can! Place applesauce in airtight containers- either plastic bags or containers- with the least amount of air possible. They will stay frozen for up to 6 months.

cran applesauce recipe for pinterest

Check out these other easy apple recipes:

Crispy apple fritters on a white serving dish

Homemade Apple Fritters

Homemade Apple Fritters have never been easier than with this apple fritter recipe! Surrounded by a cakey batter and drizzled with glaze, they're perfectly sweet and delicious!  
See The Recipe!
overhead plate of applesauce cookies

Applesauce Cookie Recipe

These soft and moist Applesauce Cookies are perfect as a sweet snack. They're also healthier than full-sugar cookies, so eat up!
See The Recipe!
This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is one of the best recipes using boxed cake mix! With tons of apples, and cinnamon, this from scratch apple cake will become an instant family favorite! #pokecakerecipes #recipesusingboxedcakemix #applecake #easypokecakerecipes #savoryexperiments www.savoryexperiments.com

Caramel Apple Poke Cake

This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is one of the best recipes using boxed cake mix! With tons of apples, and cinnamon, this from scratch apple cake will become an instant family favorite! 
See The Recipe!
close up of cran applesauce in a copper pot
overhead of bowls of cran applesauce

Cran Applesauce Recipe

5 from 3 votes
In only 15 minutes, you'll have sweet and tart homemade applesauce perfect for baking, pork chops or just eating alone.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the apples, cranberries and apple juice in a microwave safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Microwave for 3 minutes. Remove, stir, and microwave for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Remove the bowl and transfer the mixture, juice and all, to a food processor or blender. Add the sugar and then give blend on high for 30-40 seconds or until it reaches your desired texture.
  • Enjoy warm or to chill before serving.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back to let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Nutrition

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
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 108
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple sauce recipe, applesauce recipe
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    I love the color! This is going to look so beautiful on our Thanksgiving table. I keep cranberries in the freezer, so i can make this all year long!