Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Nothing compares to a fresh cranberry sauce with apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, walnuts, and bursting with tart little berries!

As the leaves turn brown and fall to the ground, the warm glow of candles and bulb lights fill the early evening hours. This is the time for cozy and comforting meal topped with the bounty of the late Summer harvest. A fresh cranberry sauce recipe sauce is the perfect accompniantment to any hearty late Autumn or Winter meal.

Combines with apples, cinnamon, maple syrup and walnuts this sauce is simple to make and comes together in minutes. Once you have tasted the sweet and tart of the berries mixed with the added familiar apple and cinnamon you won't want to go back to the canned cranberry sauce again!

Cozy Tips for Fresh Cranberry Sauce

• Adding the apple adds a depth of texture to the sauce. Any variety of apple would do in this recipe, my favorites though are the Honey Crips, Pink Lady, and Gala.
• Walnuts are completely optional, but they add a subtle texture difference and flavor that pairs well with the maple syrup.
• Try to use a decent quality maple syrup in this sauce as it is the main sweetener.
• Make this sauce ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• Pair with any holiday meal or cozy winter dinner!

Ingredients for Fresh Cranberry Sauce

• 12 oz. Bag of Fresh Cranberries
• Apple Peeled and Chopped, Finely
• Walnuts Chopped
• Maple Syrup
• Ground Cinnamon
• Fresh Orange Juice and Zest

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Medium Pot ( I use this pot on a daily basis, a great kitchen investment)
• Wooden Spoon

Do I Need to Add Walnuts?

The walnuts certainly do not have to be added, however they do add a great level of diversity to the flavor and the texture of the cranberry sauce.

Can I Use Sugar Instead of Maple Syrup?

If you use sugar instead of maple syrup, I would add brown sugar to keep with the flavor notes. Use 1 cup brown sugar instead of the maple syrup.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

Frozen cranberries can definitely be used in this recipe, just add a few minutes to the cook time to allow for the extra thawing and the liquid that will need to reduce down.

The Cozy Details

Step 1: Place all of the ingredients into a pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Stir together and bring to a simmer to reduce the liquid. This will take about 5 to 10 minutes. Gently mash the cranberries to the consistency you prefer for your sauce.

Step 3: Once the mixture is slightly thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Serve while cool with any holiday or cozy dinner!