Cranberry Apple Sauce {Gluten Free, Top 9 Allergen Free}

Cranberry apple sauce is a tasty, allergy-friendly side dish perfect for the holidays. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, it's a versatile addition to any festive meal everyone can enjoy!

If you've never had cranberries alongside a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, then you've been missing out! The sweet and tangy flavor combo of cranberry and apple in this sauce complements a traditional turkey dinner perfectly.

But it's not just for Thanksgiving dinner! It's also delicious on turkey sandwiches, served alongside Swedish meatballs, spread on a cracker, or a slice of bread. It's seriously so good that I've seen people eat it by the bowlful (with a little whipped topping!) Once this sweet and tangy sauce graces your holiday table, it will become a regular staple.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Storage
• Serving ideas
• Allergens in this recipe
• Related
• 📖 Recipe

Ingredients

This cranberry apple sauce doesn't require a lot of ingredients, most of them will already be in your pantry. Here is what you'll need.

• Fresh cranberries
• Apples - anything you have on hand works but I typically use Granny Smith.
• Brown sugar - either light or dark works well.
• Apple juice - I like to use 100% juice.
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This apple cranberry sauce side dish is simple to make! It just takes four steps:

Substitutions

If you're missing an ingredient or want to change things up, there are some easy substitutions for this cranberry sauce. Here are some simple swaps:

Apples: If you are allergic to apples, try swapping pears for a similar texture.

Apple juice: You can swap the apple juice with any fruit juice you have on hand. White grape, cranberry, and orange are all good alternatives.

Brown sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar or substitute granulated sugar.

Spices: You can mix the flavor profile up a bit by adding other warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice.

Storage

Wondering how to store your cranberry apple sauce? Here are some easy tips to keep it fresh, whether you're making it ahead or storing leftovers.

Make Ahead: Cranberry apple sauce is a great make-ahead recipe! Preparing it a day or two ahead saves you time and actually allows the flavors to deepen. I pour it into a serving dish, cover it, and refrigerate until it's time to serve.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freeze: Cranberry apple sauce freezes well. If you won't be eating the leftovers within a week, just place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.

Serving ideas

Cranberry apple sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes—beyond just turkey! Try these creative serving ideas to make the most of this holiday staple.

Add to Cheese Boards: Use it as a tangy addition to a charcuterie board, perfect to spread on a cracker or flatbread.

Top Breakfast Dishes: Spoon into oatmeal, overnight oats, pancakes, waffles, or dairy free yogurt for a festive, flavorful start to your morning.

Use as a Sandwich Spread: Spread cranberry apple sauce on sandwiches, especially with turkey or ham, for a burst of flavor and a seasonal twist.

Allergens in this recipe

Good news! This recipe is free from the top 9 allergens (dairy, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame). Just be sure that the ingredients you use do not have any precautionary allergen labeling (made on shared lines with...) for your allergen.

If you are allergic to an ingredient in this recipe but would still like to make it, check out the substitutions section above for ideas on how to customize it for your needs.

Related

Looking for more recipes for your Thanksgiving holiday menu? These are a few of our favorites!

📖 Recipe