Cranberry Apple Tangy Sweet (Printable)

Tangy-sweet blend of cranberries and apples, ideal as a bright, flavorful side.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

02 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar, adjustable to taste

04 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

05 - 1/4 cup water

06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional

08 - Pinch of salt

01 - In a medium saucepan, mix cranberries, diced apples, sugar, orange juice, water, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and salt.

02 - Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.

03 - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and apples become soft.

04 - Remove from heat. Mash with a fork or briefly blend for a smoother consistency, or leave chunky as preferred.

05 - Allow to cool to room temperature; the sauce will thicken upon cooling. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

01 -

It comes together in just thirty minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday tables or weeknight dinners when you want something homemade that tastes like you've been cooking all day.
The natural tartness of cranberries balances beautifully with apple sweetness, creating a sauce that brightens heavy roasts, transforms plain yogurt, or elevates simple oatmeal into something special.
It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, which means everyone at your table can enjoy it without compromise or complicated substitutions.

02 -

Don't skip the fresh orange juice if you can help it. The difference between fresh and bottled is subtle but significant—it's the difference between a sauce that tastes good and one that tastes unforgettable.
The sauce will be thinner than you expect when hot, but thickens considerably as it cools. If you make it ahead and it seems too thick when you reheat it, simply add a splash of water and stir it in gently.
Taste it before serving and adjust the sweetness if needed. You can always add a touch more sugar, but you can't take it out, so go slowly if you feel it needs adjusting.

03 -

If you find cranberries too tart even after adding sugar, don't just add more sweetener—add a small pinch more salt instead. It's counterintuitive, but salt actually balances tartness better than additional sugar, making the whole sauce taste more complex.
Use a medium saucepan rather than a small one; the wider surface area allows the mixture to reduce gently and evenly, preventing scorching on the bottom while keeping the flavors bright.