There is no reason to use the canned stuff when you can enjoy Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apples for a Thanksgiving side dish. We combine fresh cranberries with sweet apples to make a delicious homemade version.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
I have never been much of a fan of canned cranberry sauce. But, I love cranberry juice, Cranberry Butter, Cranberry Salad, and this Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe sweetened with apples. I believe it may be the texture of the store-bought sauce that I dislike.
Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without some variation of Cranberry Sauce on the dinner table. When I serve the canned stuff, there are always leftovers. But when I serve Homemade Cranberry Sauce sweetened with apples, my family gobbles it up.
I am quite positive you have family members who refuse to eat cranberry sauce too. This recipe is so very different. The sweetness from the cooked apples makes this version so much better. Everyone will find it delicious.
Making cranberry sauce from scratch is super easy. It requires so very little work, and you can make it ahead of time. I typically make it the day before Thanksgiving or holiday meal.
Go ahead and serve this Cranberry Sauce warm or at room temperature. We think it is best when it is warm. It’s also delicious on leftover turkey sandwiches. The sweetness pairs well with turkey.
Ingredients to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh Cranberries
- Apples
- Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Lemon Juice
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
First, core, peel, and slice the apples. I used Red Delicious apples, but granny smiths or most any variety will work.
Then, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook and stir until sugars dissolve. Next stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Now add cranberries and sliced apples. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. After the mixture has reached boiling, drop the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Remove from the heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 4 Red Delicious Apples peeled cored and sliced
- 12 oz Fresh Cranberries
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan add water, lemon juice, brown sugar and sugar.
- Stir over medium heat until sugars are dissolved.
- Add cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
- Add cranberries and apple slices.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Sauce will thicken as it cools.
The cinnamon is a fantastic addition!