This Keto Cranberry Sauce is a tasty, sugar-free twist on a holiday classic! Made with fresh cranberries and a touch of sweetener, it’s tangy and bright.
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up! Just simmer the cranberries and watch them pop. Perfect for your turkey or even on a low-carb biscuit. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These are the stars of the show! Make sure to choose fresh, bright cranberries for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen cranberries work well, but don’t thaw them before cooking.
Erythritol: This sugar substitute is great for keeping the sauce keto-friendly. You can swap this with other keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia, but adjust the amount to taste as some are sweeter than others.
Lemon Zest & Juice: This adds a lovely brightness! If you’d like a different flavor, you can substitute orange zest and juice for a more citrusy touch. Just be mindful that it will add some carbs.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds a warm flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. If you’re not a cinnamon fan, you can skip it, or try a pinch of allspice instead.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Cranberry Sauce?
Getting the right texture is all about simmering! Start by combining your cranberries, water, and sweetener in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on them!
- Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sweetener.
- When you reduce the heat to low, let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will burst and release their natural pectin, helping thicken your sauce.
- After adding the lemon zest and juice, simmer for another 2 minutes for a nice blend of flavors.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature—this is when it thickens even more! Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with turkey or as a sweet treat on low-carb biscuits!
Keto Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 small rosemary sprig (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making this Keto Cranberry Sauce is super quick! It takes about 5 minutes to gather the ingredients and prepare, plus another 10-15 minutes to cook on the stove. After that, let it cool for about 30 minutes to thickening up a bit before serving. So, you can have this delicious sauce ready in just around 30-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and add your fresh cranberries, water, and granular erythritol. Stir them together so the sweetener gets mixed evenly with the cranberries.
2. Bring to a Gentle Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. You want to bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this helps the cranberries pop and release their juices!
3. Simmer to Thicken:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir frequently so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. You’ll notice the cranberries bursting and the sauce getting thicker!
4. Add Citrus and Flavor:
Next, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Let everything simmer for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
5. Cool the Sauce:
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken up. This is the perfect moment to clean up your kitchen while the sauce sets!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, transfer your lovely sauce to a serving bowl. Garnish it with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. Serve it with turkey, use it as a dip, or enjoy it on low-carb treats!
Enjoy your delicious Keto Cranberry Sauce—it’s a perfect addition to any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute frozen cranberries for fresh ones. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the consistency.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with the recommended 1/3 cup of erythritol, taste during cooking, and add more if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Remember that the flavor will deepen as it simmers!
How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It maintains its flavor well! You can reheat it gently on the stove or enjoy it chilled.
Can I Add Other Flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even a splash of vanilla extract for a unique twist. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors to keep it delicious!