Last Updated on October 11, 2022 by Ellen Christian
This delicious chunky applesauce recipe is super easy to make, and it’s also a great way to use up any apples you have that are starting to look a little bit too wrinkly to eat as is.
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This recipe is also healthy and vegan, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious snack!
Chunky Applesauce Recipe with Cranberries
Applesauce is a delicious and healthy snack that people of all ages can enjoy. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your applesauce, try adding dried cranberries and mint.
This combination gives the applesauce a tart and sweet flavor that will please your taste buds. Plus, the added dried cranberries provide a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the applesauce.
And the best part? This recipe is super easy to make! Read on for tips and tricks on how to make chunky applesauce with dried cranberries and mint.
If you have a lot of apples, I highly recommend you get this apple peeler / corer. It makes things so much easier.
Best apples for applesauce
Applesauce is a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. But not all apples are created equal when it comes to making applesauce. In this section, I’ll tell you which apples are the best for applesauce and why. Keep reading to find out more!
Three main types of apples are good for applesauce: Macintosh, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious. You can use one or combine all three.
- Macintosh apples are tart and have a deep red color. They’re grown in many parts of the United States, making them widely available.
- Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, with a light greenish-yellow color. They’re also grown in multiple states but may be more difficult to find depending on where you live.
- Golden Delicious apples are sweet and have a yellow-gold color. They’re not as widely available as the other two types of apples but can usually be found in most grocery stores.
So, what makes these three types of apples the best for making applesauce? It all has to do with their flavors and textures.
Macintosh apples have a tart flavor that helps balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients in the sauce. honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch, while Golden Delicious apples add sweetness and creaminess.
Making applesauce with fresh apples
Combined, these three types of apples create a delicious and flavorful sauce that will please everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for some homemade applesauce, make sure to use Macintosh, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious apples!
While there are many apples you could use for this chunky applesauce recipe, Macintosh, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are the best.
Each type of apple brings its unique flavor and texture to the sauce, resulting in a tasty dish sure to please everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for some homemade applesauce, make sure to use one (or all) of these types of apples!
How can I add cranberries to applesauce?
You can add dried cranberries or fresh to applesauce when you begin cooking it. If you do this, the applesauce will turn pink from the cranberries.
Or, you can add them at the end of the applesauce recipe, so they just add flavor. It’s up to you.
More apple recipes
Finally, you may enjoy these apple recipes.
Chunky Applesauce with Cranberries and Fresh Mint
This delicious chunky applesauce recipe is super easy to make, and it's also a great way to use up any apples you have that are starting to look a little bit too wrinkly to eat as is.
Ingredients
- 4-6 lcrisp apples
- ground cinnamon to taste
- granulated sugar to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, lightly steamed (or dried)
- fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Peel and core apples and cut into small cubes. Put into a heavy pan with 1/2 inch water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- When the apples start to soften, add cinnamon to taste. If the apples need sweetening, add sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
- Remove from heat when the apples are soft but still retain their shape. Cover and let stand for one hour before refrigerating until ready to serve.
- To serve, top the applesauce with cranberries and snippets of mint. Garnish with a spring of fresh mint.
Notes
I substituted dried cranberries for fresh.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 102Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 5gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
Yumm! Amazingly simple– we will be doing this–thanks!
my grandma made applesauce every year and I remember eating it at Thanksgiving, especially when I was younger and picky about other foods. I bet those dried cranberries really added a nice tart flavor and a bit of texture.
It really was a delicious combination!