Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This Low Carb Cranberry Sauce is the perfect addition to your holiday meal! Ready in 15 minutes, it's so much tastier than store-bought cranberry sauce. Made with only 5 ingredients!

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (1)

Note: This recipe was originally published in November 2018, but has been improved and re-photographed. We hope you enjoy the new look!

There's nothing like homemade keto cranberry sauce. Make sure you have some on your Thanksgiving table this holiday season!

Looking for more keto recipes to serve at your Thanksgiving meal? Be sure to try this keto green bean casserole, these mashed turnips, these keto pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting!

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  • ❤️Why we love this recipe
  • 🍊Ingredients
  • 🔪Prep work
  • 📋Instructions
  • 💭Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Recipes To Consider
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Community

❤️Why we love this recipe

  • Simple ingredients - You can find what you need for this recipe at any grocery store during the holiday season!
  • Much healthier than a traditional cranberry sauce recipe - Whether you follow a keto diet or not, this is a great recipe! In our opinion, there's just no need for a ton of added sugar, when you can make something just as tasty with a fraction of the sugar, and no blood sugar spike! Our version has 4 grams of total carbs, and 1 gram of fiber, making 3 net carbs per serving.
  • Make ahead - This recipe is great to make ahead of time to save time on the big day. It also freezes really well if you want to enjoy long-past Thanksgiving dinner.
  • Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low carb - It's not hard to make a low sugar cranberry sauce with just a few swaps, considering cranberries themselves are very low in carbs and sugar naturally.

🍊Ingredients

Here are the ingredients we used for this easy keto cranberry sauce. You can find more information for substitutions below.

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (2)
  • Frozen or fresh cranberries
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Orange zest - Optional. Use an organic orange if possible since you're consuming the orange zest.
  • Sugar-free sweetener - Use your keto-friendly sweetener of choice. We used allulose sweetener as it doesn't crystallize as it cools unlike other keto sweeteners. If using anything other than allulose, we recommend using powdered sweetener like Swerve confectioners (affiliate link) to reduce the amount of crystallization.
  • Water

Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.

✨Substitutions & variations

Here's a few suggestions on additional flavors to try, or simple variations to this sauce.

  • Swap the citrus - Feel free to swap orange juice for fresh lemon juice and lemon zest like we did in this cranberry ice cream recipe.
  • Use orange extract - If you want the orange flavor without any added carbs, use a little orange extract (about ¼ of a teaspoon) in place of orange juice. You will need to add a few tablespoons of extra water if you omit the orange juice.
  • Spiced - Add a cinnamon stick or two, or your favorite ground spices to the mix for extra flavor! Some of our favorite additions include nutmeg, allspice, cloves and cinnamon.
  • Herbed - To lean into some of the savory flavors that are found on your holiday table, you can always add a little bit of fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage.
  • Vanilla notes - Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract once you take the cranberry sauce off the heat.
  • Use any natural sweetener - If you prefer different sweeteners, that's totally fine. Other options like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener will begin to crystallize in the fridge, but you could also opt for sugar-free maple syrup. For those not tracking carbs, use regular maple syrup, honey, agave, or sugar.
  • Pureed - If you don't like lumps in your cranberry sauce, feel free to add the cooked cranberry sauce to a food processor for a luxurious and silky smooth texture.

🔪Prep work

  • Zest and juice an orange.
  • Measure out all ingredients.

📋Instructions

In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, water, and orange zest. (Image 1) Add to the stove over medium heat, and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until cranberries begin to pop. (Image 2)

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (3)
Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (4)

Add in the sweetener (Image 3), and orange juice. (Image 4)

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (5)
Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (6)

Stir to combine (Image 5) and return to the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sweetener, and thicken the mixture. This should take about 5 minutes. (Image 6)

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (7)
Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (8)

Serve with more orange zest, and fresh thyme if desired. (Image 7)

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (9)

✨Tips & tricks

  • Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
  • Sweeten to taste.
  • Make this up to 10 days in advance and store in the fridge to save time on the day of your gathering.

💭Frequently Asked Questions

How to store the leftovers?

Allow to cool at room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Can I freeze leftovers?


Freeze for up to 6 months, but be sure to transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Glass can burst when it freezing so don't store in glass.

More Recipes To Consider

  • Instant Pot Apple Butter (No Peel Recipe)
  • Keto Mac and Cheese (Southern Baked)
  • Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole (Sugar Free, Low Carb)
  • Mashed Turnips Recipe (Keto)

Did you try this recipe? Make sure to leave a 5-star review below! 🌟 This helps other readers find our recipes and encourages them to try them. Also, be sure to leave a comment with your experience. Follow along, and tag @AFullLiving on Instagram with your photos!

📖 Recipe

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (14)

Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Briana

This delicious Keto Cranberry Sauce is the perfect sugar-free addition to your Thanksgiving table. Made in 15 minutes or less with just a few ingredients.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 15 kcal

Equipment

  • sauce pan

  • Rubber Spatula

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 ounces water
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (zest of 1 orange)
  • 162 grams allulose sweetener (about ¾ cup, or to taste)
  • 1 ounce orange juice, fresh squeezed

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, water, and orange zest.Add to the stove over medium heat, and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until cranberries begin to pop.

  • Add in sweetener, and freshly squeezed orange juice, and stir constantly with a rubber spatula to dissolve the sweetener. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken.

  • Serve with more orange zest, and fresh thyme if desired. Serve and enjoy!

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Allow to come to room temperature before freezing, and store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Notes

  • Keep in mind that the cranberry sauce will thicken more as it cools.
  • Sweeten to taste. add more or less sweetener if desired.
  • Use your preferred sugar-free sweetener, but be aware that sweeteners other than allulose will crystallize when they cool.
  • To freeze, allow to cool completely at room temperature, then freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Feel free to food process or blend the cranberry sauce for an ultra-smooth texture.
  • Add in lemon juice and zest instead of orange juice and zest if you like. You can also add things like fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, cinnamon or other warm spices, vanilla, or even orange extract.

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.04gSaturated Fat: 0.003gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg

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Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe - A Full Living (2024)

FAQs

How many cranberries can I eat on keto? ›

Answer: Cranberries fit the keto diet in moderation. Each serving of cranberries (1 cup, chopped) contains 9.2 g of net carbs. That's on the high side, but you can still squeeze in small amounts if you've got a strong craving for this tasty fruit.

What takes the bitterness out of cranberry sauce? ›

Try A Softer Sweetener

If you don't have maple syrup (pancake syrup WILL NOT do, y'all), try honey or a more neutral sweetener like agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or even simple syrup. All of these syrupy ingredients are a perfect quick fix for bitter cranberry sauce.

How do I thicken my homemade cranberry sauce? ›

Try reducing the sauce down even further so more of the liquid cooks off and the mixture thickens. If that doesn't work, add a thickener like gelatin, pectin or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked into juice or water). Let the sauce cool before refrigerating to completely set.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last in a mason jar? ›

When to Toss Cranberry Sauce. Cranberry sauce will last for two hours at room temperature. Homemade cranberry sauce will last in the fridge for 10 to 14 days. Canned cranberry sauce that has been opened will last up to a week in the fridge.

Can you eat too much fruit on keto? ›

Fruits lower in sugars and higher in fiber may be suitable on a keto diet, but a person should eat them in moderation. Fiber is an important factor in the keto diet. A person's body cannot digest this substance.

What foods can you eat unlimited amounts of on keto? ›

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

How to jazz up cranberry sauce? ›

Adding a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or orange zest, a tablespoon of chopped candied peel, or even a splash of juice to your canned sauce will brighten flavors and bring in some homemade flavor.

Why is my homemade cranberry sauce runny? ›

You must cook the sauce for at least 10 minutes at a full boil for the pectin to react with the sugar and create the proper gelled texture. It is also important to let the cranberry sauce cool at room temperature. Moving it to the refrigerator too soon may also affect the gel.

How to take the tartness out of cranberries? ›

Anything from a drizzle of honey to agave, maple syrup, or molasses will also fare well. After a few minutes of maceration, the sour fruit juices will mix with the sugar and alleviate some of the cranberries' natural tartness.

What if I put too much water in my cranberry sauce? ›

If you inadvertently added too much water, simply bring the cranberry sauce back to the stove top and bring it to a low boil, cooking it down just a bit to help thicken it up.

Does homemade cranberry sauce thicken when it cools? ›

The sauce will thicken as it cools. If you want a cranberry mold that holds its shape, continue to boil the mixture so that more pectin is released from the fruit, additional water evaporates, and the sauce becomes thick enough to set into a firm gel.

Does homemade cranberry sauce thicken as it cools? ›

Reduce heat to a low boil and cook for 10 minutes, until the berries have all burst. Remove from heat. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

Can you freeze leftover homemade cranberry sauce? ›

Yes, you can freeze homemade cranberry sauce—and it works well. It's best to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months; the taste may be affected due to its water content if frozen longer. Keep this in mind when putting away your leftover sauce and use it during this optimal period as part of an easy weeknight dinner.

Can you cook cranberry sauce too long? ›

If your cranberry sauce is too thick, it's most likely overcooked. When you cook cranberries (or any berries), they burst, releasing pectin—a natural thickener. The key to a perfect consistency is to allow some but not all of the cranberries to split open—something you'll achieve with less time on the stove.

How do you know if cranberry sauce has gone bad? ›

After a few years, if the can is undented, the cranberry sauce's texture, color, or flavor may change, but it likely won't be dangerous. Again, use your senses to test whether the cranberry sauce is still good. Signs of spoilage include cans that are leaking, rusting, bulging, or severely dented.

How much cranberries to eat per day? ›

HOW MUCH CRANBERRIES TO EAT DAILY? Studies confirming the health-promoting properties of cranberries have typically used doses of 100-300 g of fresh cranberries, equivalent to 7-10 g of dried cranberries, and 100-150 ml of 100% cranberry juice.

Are cranberries good for the keto diet? ›

"A cup of chopped cranberries has about eight grams of net carbs, so this tart, colorful berry can be included on a ketogenic diet," says Hultin.

Can I eat dried cranberries on a keto diet? ›

Anywho, the question is are dried cranberries keto and, if you are talking about the store-bought kind, no they are not. Regular store-bought dried cranberries are made using sugar, sugar syrup, concentrated juice, etc. All of these contain a lot of sugar which of course equals a LOT of carbs.

How many berries can I eat and stay in ketosis? ›

A one-cup serving of blueberries is around 18 grams of net carbohydrates, much higher than the other berries on the list. However, you could most likely fit one-quarter to one-half of a cup into your daily menu while staying in ketosis.

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