30-Minute Wayne's Chunky Cranberry Sauce

Prep: 15 minCook: 15 min6 servingsmedium
Wayne's Chunky Cranberry Sauce with Apples and Walnuts

A festive cranberry sauce beyond the traditional with chunks of crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and plump raisins. Brightened with fresh citrus juices and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, plus a splash of orange liqueur for depth. This chunky, fruit-studded sauce brings wonderful texture and complex flavors to holiday tables alongside turkey, ham, or roasted meats. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts creates a memorable side that guests will request year after year.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 16 oz bag fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup apple, chopped
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
    pecans1:1nut-allergy

    Pecans work wonderfully and maintain the crunchy texture

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup raisins
    dried cranberries1:1preference

    Adds extra cranberry flavor and maintains sweetness

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup orange liqueur
    orange juice1:1vegetarianalcohol-free

    Use equal amount fresh orange juice

  • ½ orange orange, juiced
    orange juice1:1vegetarianalcohol-free

    Use equal amount fresh orange juice

    Full guide →
  • ½ lemon lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine sugar and water in large saucepan and bring to a boil

  2. 2

    Add cranberries and return to a boil, then lower heat so liquid simmers

  3. 3

    Add apples, walnuts, raisins, orange liqueur, orange and lemon juices, cinnamon and nutmeg

  4. 4

    Cook for 10 to 15 minutes

  5. 5

    Remove pan from heat and let sauce cool

  6. 6

    Serve in side bowl with turkey or preferred holiday dish

Tips

Tip 1

Use fresh cranberries for best texture - they'll pop naturally during cooking to create the perfect chunky consistency

Tip 2

Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch

Tip 3

Let the sauce cool completely before serving as it thickens as it cools and flavors meld together

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Make up to 3 days ahead - flavors improve with time

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled in decorative bowl

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcook or cranberries will become mushy and lose their pop

Watch

Add nuts and fruits after cranberries have started to pop to prevent overcooking

Watch

Let sauce cool completely before serving to allow proper thickening

Substitutions

walnuts→
pecans1:1nut-allergy

Pecans work wonderfully and maintain the crunchy texture

Full guide →
orange liqueur→
orange juice1:1vegetarianalcohol-free

Use equal amount fresh orange juice

Full guide →
raisins→
dried cranberries1:1preference

Adds extra cranberry flavor and maintains sweetness

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes, substitute the orange liqueur with an equal amount of fresh orange juice for the same citrus flavor without alcohol.

How long will this cranberry sauce keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after a day or two.

Can I freeze this cranberry sauce?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.