Have you ever stared at your holiday table and thought, something’s missing?
Let’s be real:Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce is like a pumpkin pie without whipped cream. It’s the zingy, sweet-tart burst that balances every bite of your holiday feast. But traditional recipes?
Loaded with sugar and anything but keto-friendly. That’s where this Keto Cranberry Sauce comes in—delivering all the flavor, none of the sugar, and endless possibilities to wow your guests.
Why Homemade Keto Cranberry Sauce Is Worth It
Store-bought cranberry sauce might be convenient, but let’s face it—those sugary cylinders don’t exactly scream “holiday magic.” Making your own sauce not only ensures it’s low-carb and keto-friendly, but also packs in fresh, bold flavors like zesty orange and warm cinnamon. Bonus? It’s incredibly easy and ready in just 10 minutes.
Ready to transform your Thanksgiving spread?
Say goodbye to sugar-laden sauces and hello to the bold, fresh flavors of this Keto Cranberry Sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Low-Carb and Sugar-Free This cranberry sauce skips the sugar but keeps all the flavor, making it perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles.
Quick and Easy to Make Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is a breeze to whip up—even on a busy holiday morning!
Bursting with Flavor The tangy cranberries, warm spices, bright orange zest, and a hint of vanilla create an irresistible flavor combo.
Healthy and Festive Packed with antioxidants and holiday vibes, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Versatile Perfect as a side for turkey, a topping for desserts, or even swirled into yogurt—this sauce does it all!
Family-Approved Tested and loved by picky eaters, this sauce is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients Needed
Frozen cranberries
Swerve or preferred keto-friendly sweetener
Ground nutmeg
Cinnamon stick
Orange zest
Pure vanilla extract
Water
How to Make Keto Cranberry Sauce
This keto cranberry sauce comes together in just a few simple steps:
Combine the cranberries, sweetener, spices, orange zest, and water in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Stir in the vanilla extract, allow to cool, and let it thicken further as it sets.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
Refrigerate for Up to 10 Days Pop your leftover cranberry sauce into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps fresh for up to 10 days, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday leftovers.
Freeze for Later Got extras? Freeze your sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use it again.
Portion It Out Freeze in small portions using an ice cube tray. That way, you can thaw just enough for a single serving when a craving strikes.
Reheat with Care Warm your sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Serving Tips
Classic Pairing Serve this keto cranberry sauce alongside turkey, ham, or roasted chicken—it’s a holiday essential for a reason!
Top Your Favorites Spoon it over keto-friendly desserts like cheesecake or use it as a topping for low-carb pancakes and waffles. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Swirl It In Stir a dollop into plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a sweet and tangy breakfast or snack.
Make It Fancy Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a slice of orange for a picture-perfect presentation.
With this versatile sauce in your arsenal, the possibilities are endless. Who knew cranberry sauce could be the star of the show?
Tips & FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries work just as well. If using fresh, there’s no need to adjust the cooking time.
2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce is perfect for meal prep! It can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
3. What other keto-friendly sweeteners can I use?
Erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or allulose are great substitutes for Swerve. Adjust to taste, as sweetness levels may vary.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
5. Is this sauce suitable for non-keto eaters?
Yes, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Its tangy sweetness will appeal to everyone, keto or not.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Cranberry Sauce
This sugar-free cranberry sauce is:
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Festive and Flavorful: The perfect balance of tart cranberries, warm spices, and sweet citrus.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this easy keto cranberry sauce is a must-have dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even keto bread!
More Keto Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
Keto Pumpkin Pie
Low-Carb Stuffing
Sugar-Free Pecan Pie
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the Keto Cranberry Sauce—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨
This Keto Cranberry Sauce is sweet, tangy, and sugar-free! The perfect addition to your keto Thanksgiving or Christmas table that everyone will love.
Ingredients
10Cranberries Frozen Cranberries (bags of tart cranberries serve as the star ingredient.)
1/4cup Swerve Sweetener (– to add sweetness without the carbs.)
Ground Nutmeg (– A pinch brings warm, festive spice.)
Cinnamon Stick (– A must-have for that holiday flavor.)
Orange Zest (– Use the zest from one orange to brighten the sauce with citrus notes.)
1tablespoon Vanilla Extract (– for a smooth, rich finish.)
1/4cup Water (– Just to help the cranberries cook down.)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, Swerve, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, orange zest, and water. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberries
Place the saucepan over medium heat. As the cranberries cook, they’ll begin to burst and release their juices. Continue cooking for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cool
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool to room temperature—it will thicken even more as it sets.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories25kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate5g2%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Points per serving 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
When I first made this Keto Cranberry Sauce, I wasn’t sure how my family would react. My husband, a die-hard traditionalist, was skeptical, and my kids were convinced cranberry sauce only came in a can! But the moment they tried it, their plates were cleaned, and they were asking for more. My youngest even declared, “This tastes like Christmas!” Now, it’s become a holiday tradition in our house. The kids love how sweet and tangy it is, my husband appreciates that it’s healthier, and I love that it’s easy to make. Trust me, this recipe’s a keeper!
Hi, I'm Kristy Cook, A passionate food enthusiast and recipe creator. I love crafting delicious, healthy meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare. My goal is to inspire you to embrace wholesome cooking in your everyday life, making it simple and enjoyable.