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–+ servings
Cranberry Apple Butter
Cranberry Apple Butter is a deliciously tangy and sweet spread perfect for the fall season. With the tartness of cranberries balanced by sweet apples and warming cinnamon, it's a festive addition to toast, biscuits, or charcuterie boards. Its vibrant color and bold flavor make it a favorite around the holidays, especially Thanksgiving. Simple to make and easy to preserve, this fruit butter embodies the cozy essence of homemade comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ⅓ cups cranberries (about ½ lb)
  • 9 apples (medium , peeled, cored, and cut into small chunks)
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

  • Grind cranberries in a food processor or blender.
  • Peel, core, and chop apples into small chunks.
  • Grind apples separately. You should have approximately 6 cups of pulp.

Step 2: Cook the Fruit Mixture

  • In a large pot, combine the ground cranberries and apples with water.
  • Stir and quickly bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Simmer the Mixture

  • Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until fruit is soft and steaming.

Step 4: Sweeten and Flavor

  • Stir in sugar and cinnamon.
  • Continue cooking uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 5: Finish and Store

  • Remove from heat, let cool slightly.
  • Transfer to jars or containers.
  • Cool completely, refrigerate, and enjoy. Yields about 4 cups.

Tips

  • Add a splash of orange juice or zest for brightness.
  • Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a warmer profile.
  • Reduce sugar for a tarter spread.
  • Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for deeper spice.
  • Cook longer for a thicker, more caramelized butter.
  • Blend smooth after cooking for a silky texture.
  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
  • Store in airtight jars up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
  • Spread on toast, pancakes, oatmeal, or roasted meats.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword Apple, comfort food, cranberry, fall, fall recipes, holidays, preserves, spread, vintage recipes
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