My new favorite Thanksgiving side is a twist on two of my favorites: applesauce and cranberry sauce. This Cranberry Applesauce recipe is quick and easy and made in the microwave! Stovetop and slow cooker methods also included.
What You’ll Need
The list is small, but mighty to make homemade cranberry applesauce. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- 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.
Best Apples for Homemade 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.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – You can add a pinch of fine sea salt for brightness and to bring out the other flavors of this cranberry applesauce.
- Seasonings – Feel free to add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or even pumpkin pie spice.
- Swaps – Check the section below for alternative cooking methods. I prefer the quick and easy microwave method, but you could also make it in your slow cooker, instant pot or stovetop.
- Senses – Tart and sweet, cranberry applesauce shimmers with ruby color, fills the air with a fruity, spiced aroma, and offers a smooth, tangy bite that wakes up the taste buds.
Alternative Cooking Methods
I love how quick and easy this microwave makes this cranberry applesauce, but you can also make it in the slow cooker, Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Stovetop Method
Making this cranberry applesauce on the stovetop allows for you to make a larger batch. It takes about twice as long as the microwave method, but still very effective.
Bring all ingredients to a boil, reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for about 25 minutes or until apples are very soft. Then take a potato masher and mash to the consistency of your liking. You can also use a food processor.
Slow Cooker Method
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. This method also makes it super easy to double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch for the holidays.
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.
Instant Pot Method
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. This method also makes it super easy to double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch for the holidays.
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.
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.
Cranberry 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.
Due to its bright hue and cranberry flavor, it’s also great for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas! Pair it with other Thanksgiving sides like juicy turkey, stuffing and sweet potato casserole to complete your feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can, but I would add 2 to 3 minutes of microwave time. Check after each microwave increment to make sure the cranberries are softened.
You sure can! The sugar in this recipe is technically optional. If you used a sweeter apple variety, the additional sugar might not be needed at all.
You can certainly add more sugar if you find your applesauce to be too tart. You can also add a splash of maple syrup for a warm flavor too.
This is an easy fix! Simple add some warm water or apple juice a tablespoon at a time until you reach the consistency you’d like.
Microwave Cranberry Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 apples peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries , or frozen thawed
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
Instructions
- Place the peeld, cored and chopped 2-3 apples, 1 cup fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup 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 2 teaspoons 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!
Notes
Stovetop Method
Bring all ingredients to a boil, reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for about 25 minutes or until apples are very soft. Then take a potato masher and mash to the consistency of your liking. You can also use a food processor.Slow Cooker Method
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.Instant Pot Method
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.Nutrition
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Yum! We love homemade applesauce and the cranberries really kick up the flavor.
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!