Homemade Applesauce With Cranberries Recipe

Making applesauce with fresh cranberries is the perfect combination of sweet and tart (no added sugars)! And it’s easy to make in the instant pot, crock pot or on the stovetop.

Homemade applesauce is one of my kids’ favorite snacks, so we’re always looking to switch it up from time to time by adding other fruit flavors to it!

We make strawberry applesauce in Summer and add cranberries in the Fall. Cranberry applesauce is probably my favorite flavor combination that we’ve tried. It’s tangy and sweet with just the right amount of tartness.

After this recipe, you need to try making our classic cinnamon applesauce!

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what you need for homemade cranberry applesauce

ingredients

• Apples – Any apples will work for making homemade applesauce, but tart and sweet apple varieties are best.
• Whole Cranberries – Fresh cranberries, don’t use dried!
• Water – You need a 1/4 cup of liquid to build up pressure in the instant pot. For extra flavor, use cranberry or apple or orange juice in place of the water.

Optional Add Ins

• Orange – Orange zest really compliments the cranberries and adds a great fresh citrus flavor.
• Cinnamon – Adding a cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon adds another delicious, layer of flavor that works with the orange zest as well.

how to make Applesauce with cranberries

in the instant pot

Prep – Wash and dry the apples and cranberries. Remove the apple cores and stems and chop them into about 1 inch pieces.

Combine – Add the apples, cranberries, and water or juice to the instant pot.

Pressure Cook – Replace the lid with the vent open. Secure the lid and close the vent. Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

Release – When the time is up, open the vent and quick release the steam.

in the crockpot

Prep – Wash and dry the apples and cranberries. Remove the apple cores and stems and chop them into about 1 inch pieces.

Combine – Add the apples, cranberries, and water or juice to the crockpot.

Cook – Cover and cook over low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours.

on the stovetop

Prep – Wash and dry the apples and cranberries. Core apples and chop them into about 1 inch pieces.

Combine – Add the apples, cranberries, and water or juice to a large cooking pot.

Cook – Cover and cook over low heat for 30-45 minutes or until the apples are very soft.

tips for success

To Serve – Homemade applesauce can be enjoyed chunky, or smooth. For a smooth applesauce, puree the cooked applesauce with an immersion blender or process it through a food mill. Use a potato masher if you like some large chunks.

To Store – Homemade applesauce is good in the fridge for 1 week, or frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Variations – For extra flavor, add the zest of one orange and a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.

If you prefer your applesauce on the sweeter side, add pure maple syrup, honey or brown sugar to taste.

Substitutions – In place of water, use orange, apple or cranberry juice for extra flavor.

about homemade cranberry applesauce

• With just a few minutes of prep, it’s super easy to throw together!
• You can make applesauce in the instant pot, crockpot or on the stovetop.
• No need to peel the apples if you don’t want to!
• Applesauce with cranberries can be enjoyed chunky or smooth.
• Homemade applesauce is a great healthy snack.
• This recipe has no added sugar!
• It’s a great way to use up extra cranberries leftover from the holidays.
• makes a great side dish for pork chops or served with Thanksgiving dinner!

FAQ about applesauce with cranberries

can you make cranberry applesauce in the instant pot?

You sure can! It’s super quick and easy. It takes just 8 minutes to pressure cook several pounds of apples until they are soft enough to mash with a fork.

can you leave the skins on when making applesauce?

No need to peel apples when you make applesauce. The cooking process softens the peels enough to be soft and tender.

If you want to remove them for a smoother applesauce, just press the cooked apples through a fine mesh strainer. Or you can blend the apples, skins and all in a blender or food processor.

what are the best apples to use for homemade applesauce?

Any apples will work to make homemade applesauce. But the best type of apples to use are tart, sweet and juicy. Using sweeter apples, you won’t have to to add as much sugar (or any at all!)

Johnathon, Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, Fuji and Gala are my favorites for a flavorful, naturally sweet applesauce.

For no peel instant pot applesauce, avoid Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples because their peels are too tough and won’t be as easy to chew after being cooked.

Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries in applesauce?

You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. Cranberries freeze really well, so I like to stock up when they go on sale around Thanksgiving and just toss them in the freezer to use later.

how to store homemade applesauce?

You can store applesauce in several different ways:

• In an airtight container in the fridge for a week.
• In the freezer in a gallon sized zip lock bag for up to 6 months.
• Homemade applesauce can last up to 18 months if you can it. Here’s a step by step tutorial on canning applesauce.

more from scratch recipes

• Marshmallows Without Corn Syrup
• Chocolate Milk With Cocoa Powder
• Marshmallow Fluff Without Corn Syrup
• Thick and Creamy Hot Chocolate
• Dye Free Berry Jello

Pin these steps to try later. Tag @athomeontheprairie on Instagram to share what you’ve made with us!