Are you looking to take the traditional cranberry sauce and very easily create an incredibly delicious gourmet cranberry sauce that will be the talk of your next holiday meal?
Trust me when I tell you that this is the best cranberry sauce recipe I have ever tasted and the easiest thing to make!
The Best Cranberry Apple Sauce With Grand Marnier
This easy homemade cranberry sauce is full of wonderful flavor.
The sauce has just the right balance of tart fresh cranberries, granny smith apples, brown sugar, citrus zest and taken to the next level with a splash of Grand Marnier.
Now I know that the canned stuff is still popular with Thanksgiving dinner but why not impress everyone this holiday season and make this Grand Marnier cranberry sauce recipe?
I’ve become somewhat of a fresh cranberry sauce lover! It’s just a perfect side dish as well as on a leftover turkey sandwich this time of year.
Ingredients for The Best Cranberry Apple Sauce With Grand Marnier
- Whole fresh cranberries
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- White granulated sugar
- Brown Sugar
- 1 Orange
- 1 Lemon
- Grand Mariner
Helpful Tools
- Zester
- Juicer
- Peeler
Six Easy Steps To Make This Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
1 – Rinse and drain cranberries, discarding any bad ones
2 – Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apple into small pieces
3 – Grate and juice the orange and lemon
4 – Cook the cranberries, both sugars and water until the juicy berries begin to pop open
5 – Add the apple, zests, juices, and the Grand Marnier liqueur to the cranberry mixture
Step 6 – Cook all ingredients for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature
Tips
- Any orange-flavored cognac liqueur can be used instead of Grand Marnier liqueur
- You can substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar
- Toss in a cinnamon stick while cooking the cranberries for a little extra spice
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cranberry Sauce Get Thicker As It Cools?
Yes, the sauce will thicken as it cools.
How Can I Make My Cranberry Sauce Thicker?
To make cranberry sauce thicker, cook the sauce down a little longer so more of the liquid cooks off. If that doesn’t work, add a little cornstarch that has been whisked into some fresh squeezed orange juice or water.
Can You Make This Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe Ahead?
Yes, you can make cranberry sauce in advance. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours to completely set bringing its sweet flavors to their highest.
You can make the sauce up to a week ahead. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
When Are Cranberries In Season?
Fresh berries are harvested in the fall and are usually only available in the grocery store from October through December.
Can Cranberries Be Frozen?
Cranberries can be frozen for up to a year which is a great way to enjoy cranberries throughout the year.
Tart cranberries make a great fruit juice and can be made into a jammy sauce that is great as a sandwich spread.
Where Are Cranberries Grown?
There are only 5 states that grow most of the country’s supply of the tart berries with most cranberries grown in Wisconsin and Massachusetts. New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington round up the five states.
Looking For A Sweet Snack? Try One Of These Treats
Can’t get enough of the tart flavor and crunchy texture of cranberries? Try these Cranberry Brie Bites.
How To Make The Best Cranberry Apple Sauce With Grand Marnier
This easy homemade cranberry sauce is full of wonderful flavor with the right balance of tart fresh cranberries, granny smith apples, brown sugar, citrus zest and taken to the next level with a splash of Grand Marnier.
Ingredients
- One 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries, cleaned
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- Zest and juice of 1 whole orange
- Zest and juice of 1 whole lemon
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Cook the whole cranberries, both sugars, and water in a medium saucepan over low heat until the skins begin to pop open. Approximately 4 to 7 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients, chopped apple, zests, juices, and orange liqueur and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool for at least 2 hours to room temperature or chill over night in the refrigerator.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Any orange-flavored cognac liqueur can be used instead of Grand Marnier liqueur
- You can substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar
- Toss in a cinnamon stick while cooking the cranberries for a little extra spice
- I highly recommend to do so! Cranberry sauce requires at least 2 hours of cooling in the refrigerator to completely set and bring its sweet flavors to their highest.
- You can make the sauce up to a week ahead. Just be sure to store it in an air-tight container.