Healthy Cranberry Applesauce (Printer-Friendly)
Bright apples and tart cranberries melded with maple and spices for a vibrant seasonal side.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Fruits
01 -
3 medium Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
02 -
3 medium Gala apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
03 -
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
04 -
1½ cups fresh cranberries
→ Liquids and Sweeteners
05 -
½ cup water
06 -
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
07 -
¼ cup brown sugar
→ Spices and Flavorings
08 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 -
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 -
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
11 -
1 teaspoon lemon zest
12 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 -
pinch of sea salt
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Peel, core, and chop all apples into uniformly sized pieces. Rinse cranberries thoroughly, discarding damaged ones.
02 -
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine apples, cranberries, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir to mix evenly.
03 -
Cover the saucepan and heat over medium until simmering. Reduce to medium-low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and cranberries burst.
04 -
Remove from heat. For chunky texture, mash with a potato masher or fork. For smooth texture, use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree until desired consistency.
05 -
Adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more maple syrup or lemon juice if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store refrigerated in airtight container for up to one week.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Use a mix of apple varieties for balanced sweetness and acidity.
02 -
Avoid overcooking cranberries to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.
03 -
Serve chilled for tartness or warm for a comforting side.