9 Cranberry-Apple Recipes Ripe With Fall Flavor

Cranberry-Apple-Pumpkin Bundt
Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

We've been gathering the best fall recipes to share with our readers, and this festive pairing is a stand-out of holiday flavors. Southerners have celebrated the sweet and tart flavor combination of cranberries and apples for years. Yet, it's still so unexpected that your guests will be wondering why they don't enjoy the two ingredients together more often.

From cocktails to baked goods, we've included various cranberry and apple recipes in this collection to get your fall flavor fix. Who needs two different desserts on Thanksgiving when you can combine them into an irresistible Apple Cranberry Pie instead? Switch out the same old apple cider recipe for a Cranberry-Apple Cider that will make your tastebuds sing. Go on. These 12 cranberry-apple recipes are ripe for the picking.

01 of 09

Cranberry-Apple Cider

Cranberry-Apple Cider
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Cranberry-Apple Cider

The best part about a holiday batch of cider—other than drinking it—is the aroma that spreads throughout the house while it simmers on the stovetop. Kick your traditional apple cider up a notch by adding festive, colorful cranberry to the mix. This generously spiced drink works both with or without alcohol included.

02 of 09

Apple-Cranberry Coleslaw

Apple-Cranberry Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Living

Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Coleslaw

This crunchy slaw is the ideal topping for your barbecue or roasted turkey sandwich when tailgating or watching the game on television. This crunchy, autumnal coleslaw will be your new favorite side dish in only ten minutes of hands-on time. Gala apples and sweet, dry cranberries make the perfect pairing in this recipe.

03 of 09

Cranberry-Apple-Pumpkin Bundt

Cranberry-Apple-Pumpkin Bundt
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Recipe: Cranberry-Apple-Pumpkin Bundt

If those three flavors don't sound like the ultimate fall cake to you, then maybe the addition of a crunchy pecan and maple glaze drizzled on top will do the trick. Not only is this bundt cake filled with flavor, but it makes a beautiful presentational centerpiece for your autumn tablescape. Make extra sugared pecans and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for future recipes.

04 of 09

Cranberry Sangria Punch

Cranberry Sangría Punch
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Cranberry Sangria Punch

This winter sangria does pack a punch. Pun intended. Make the beautiful ruby red cocktail a day before your guest's arrival. This sangria is one you'll want to make all season long.

05 of 09

Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Cranberries, and Pecans

Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Cranberries, and Pecans
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

Recipe: Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Cranberries, and Pecans

Wake your holiday guests with the sweet, spiced smell of this baked oatmeal wafting through the house. Firm, sweet apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work best in this recipe to help it retain its texture. Assemble this baked oatmeal dish the night before.

06 of 09

Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich

Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich

Upgrade your post-Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. You already have cranberry sauce and turkey, so slice a few crisp apples and add a nutty, soft cheese, like brie, to make this flavorful combination. Enjoy this sandwich, warm or cold.

07 of 09

Apple-Cranberry Salad

apple cranberry salad
Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Salad

Dried cranberries and sliced apples are just two ways to add some extra autumnal flavors to a traditional salad. This recipe calls for a sweet potato base, feta cheese, and chopped and roasted pistachios, increasing the heartiness of this dish. We almost forgot to mention the incredible vinaigrette, made from Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, and sorghum syrup.

08 of 09

Chewy Apple-Cran-Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy Apple-Cran-Oatmeal Cookies
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Chewy Apple-Cran-Oatmeal Cookies

Upgrade your oatmeal cookies by adding chopped Granny Smith apples, sweetened dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Applesauce helps make these cookies deliciously soft, topped with a glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice. This citrusy flavor complements the autumnal spices and hearty oats.

09 of 09

Pear-Apple-Cranberry Crisp

Apple and Pear Crisp
Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Vanessa Rocchio; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Recipe: Pear-Apple-Cranberry Crisp

Start by mixing the brown sugar topping, filled with oats and pecans. This crisp filling combines fall-favorite flavors like apples, pears, and cranberries into a sweet golden brown dessert. Complement this sweet and fruity dish with fresh orange juice zest.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles