Spiced Pineapple and Apple Sauce

Prep: 10 minCook: 30 min8 servingsmediumAmerican
Spiced Pineapple and Apple Sauce

Warm, fruit-forward sauce combining diced Red Delicious apples, crushed pineapple, and plump raisins sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon. The apples soften into the mixture while the pineapple juice becomes a light syrup. Serve alongside ham, pork chops, or sausage for holiday dinners and special occasions. This version balances tart pineapple with sweet apples and raisins for a classic accompaniment that works year-round.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 3 medium Red Delicious apples, peeled and diced
    Granny Smith or Honeycrisp1:1flavor_profile

    tart or sweeter

  • 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 ½ cups raisins
    dried cranberries or diced dried apricots1:1texture_fruit

    tart or more complex

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup brown sugar
    white sugar or honey1:1 or 0.75:1sweetener

    honey adds floral note

    Full guide →
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. 1

    Peel and dice apples into medium pieces

  2. 2

    Combine apples, crushed pineapple with juice, raisins, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan

  3. 3

    Simmer until apples are soft, about 30 minutes

  4. 4

    Serve hot

Tips

Tip 1

Taste before serving and adjust cinnamon to preference, as ground cinnamon intensity varies by brand.

Tip 2

Make this sauce a day ahead and reheat gently; flavors meld overnight for deeper taste.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days. Freeze up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Prepare 1 day ahead; refrigerate covered. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave before serving.

Serve With

Serve warm alongside baked ham, grilled pork chops, sausages, or at Christmas and holiday dinners. Also pairs with roasted poultry.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Substitutions

Red Delicious apples
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp1:1flavor_profile

tart or sweeter

raisins
dried cranberries or diced dried apricots1:1texture_fruit

tart or more complex

Full guide →
brown sugar
white sugar or honey1:1 or 0.75:1sweetener

honey adds floral note

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes. Use about 2 cups fresh diced pineapple plus 0.5 cup pineapple juice or water to replace the canned version. Fresh fruit will cook down more, so check apple softness around 25 minutes.

How long can I keep this sauce?

Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container. Freezer-safe for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

What if my sauce is too thick or thin?

If too thin, simmer uncovered longer to reduce liquid. If too thick, stir in water or pineapple juice 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.