Chunky Cranberry Applesauce

Chunky Cranberry Applesauce

You will be amazed how fresh and sweet this homemade applesauce tastes with just the addition of a bit of honey as compared to many commercial varieties which are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup.

Yield: 4 to 5 cups
Author: Linda Shapiro, © Meal Planning Maven

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 9 small-medium apples I like a mix of Honeycrisp, Jazz and Fuji
  • 3/4 cup 100% unsweetened apple juice
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch dried ginger optional

Instructions

  • Peel and core apples. Cut each into chunks.
  • In a 4-quart saucepan over high setting, heat all ingredients to boiling. Reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have popped and apples are very tender.
  • Mash cranberry-apple mixture coarsely with a fork or puree to desired consistency in a food processor or blender.
  • Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Make ahead and Storage Tips: may be made up to 1 week ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
For quick clean-up, puree the applesauce in the saucepan using a hand-held (immersion) blender! Fast and easy!
As cranberries are usually only available seasonally, stock up when you can and freeze. Many supermarkets frequently offer sales, especially after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

9 Responses

  1. This applesauce with a cranberry twist looks especially perfect for the fall holidays. Love the warmth and comfort of this one!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks so much! This applesauce is super-easy to make and is a festive addition to Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas menus!
  2. This looks delicious. Thank you for showing me how easy this can be to make!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      My pleasure! I hope you have the chance to try it some day!
  3. This sounds wonderful Linda. I think young mothers will love making this for the kiddos.
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thank you so much Patty. I have made this applesauce for my grandkids and they love it!
  4. Such a wonderful combination for an applesauce! I love the cranberries in it!!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks Kecia! I love all kinds of flavorful mix-in's in homemade applesauce and when I noticed I had a bunch of extra cranberries, a brand new applesauce was born!
  5. G'day I love this and wish I could come through the screen and try some now! Cheers! Joanne