A sweet, delicious dish, keto cranberry sauce is a staple recipe during the holidays. It’s also perfect as a pie and ice cream topping, too!
WHAT IS KETO CRANBERRY SAUCE?
Cranberry sauce is a thickened, sweetened sauce made of cranberries and sugar, among a few other ingredients.
The dish dates back to as early as the 17th century when Native Americans combined cranberries with sugar and water. It was often served alongside white meat, such as turkey.
The first “true” cranberry sauce recipe can be found in a 1796 cookbook entitled “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons. The book describes turkey as best served with “boiled onions and cranberry sauce.”
Modern day cranberry sauce recipes call for all kinds of added ingredients including orange juice, apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
This keto cranberry recipe, however, keeps everything pretty simple. Sugar is substituted for a keto-approved sweetener to keep the carb count in check.
Optionally, you can include a small amount of orange zest if you prefer your cranberry sauce to have a bit of an orange taste (usually from orange juice).
KETO CRANBERRY SAUCE INGREDIENTS
Before you try to make this recipe, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand first.
- 8 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- *optional* 1/2 tsp orange zest
After you have all of this, you’re set and ready to go!
HOW TO MAKE KETO CRANBERRY SAUCE
- Dice the cranberries
- You can also place them into a high-speed blender and blend for a smoother sauce; add a tbsp of water to help them blend better
- Place all ingredients into a skillet over medium-low heat
- Stirring regularly, simmer until mixture begins to thicken
- Remove from heat and enjoy!
CAN I USE XANTHAN GUM TO THICKEN CRANBERRY SAUCE?
It’s not exactly necessary, but you can.
In case you’ve never used it before, please keep in mind a tiny amount of xanthan gum can go a long way. Using too much can thicken something too much and ruin the recipe.
Use very small amounts (1/8 tsp or less) at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT SWEETENER?
Yes, of course you can.
As you know, we love to use Lakanto sweeteners in our recipes. They are simple, natural, and not filled with tons of added ingredients like most name brand sweeteners.
Having said that, using your own favorite sweetener in this recipe is certainly acceptable.
We always like to remind you that cooking is a very personal endeavor. Therefore, if you have a sweetener that you like to use and it works for you, feel free to use it.
CAN YOU FREEZE CRANBERRY SAUCE?
You sure can. This is especially great if you are of the food prep type that like to make as many things ahead of time as possible.
To freeze cranberry sauce, simply place it into a freezer safe container. One that comes to mind that is quick and easy is a Mason jar with a solid lid instead of the ring and vacuum lid.
Place the cranberry sauce in the jar, seal the lid well, and place into the freezer.
STORING KETO CRANBERRY SAUCE
Storing cranberry sauce is super easy! Simply place it into an air-tight storage container and place into the refrigerator. Voila! As simple as that!
The sauce will keep for several days in the fridge before needing to be thrown away. You might need to give it a quick stir before serving to fix any separation of liquids.
WHAT TO EAT WITH KETO CRANBERRY SAUCE
Cranberry sauce is a delicious sauce to eat with all kinds of different recipes. Even though it is a staple recipe for Christmas and Thanksgiving, it can easily be eaten any time of the year.
It’s also great as a topping for ice cream!
Here are a few recipe ideas for pairing with your keto cranberry sauce to get you started.
For more ideas, you can check out our recipe index.
TOOLS USED TO MAKE KETO CRANBERRY SAUCE
Click on the links to see the items used in making this recipe. You can also find these products linked in the recipe below.
- High-Speed Blender – Every kitchen definitely needs a high-speed blender. You can make do with a food processor, but a blender really helps up your blending game. If you don’t have a blender (regardless of size), one should quickly make its way onto your “to get” list.
Keto Cranberry Sauce
A sweet, delicious dish, keto cranberry sauce is a staple recipe during the holidays. It's also perfect as a pie and ice cream topping, too!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- *optional* 1/2 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Dice the cranberries
- You can also place them into a high-speed blender and blend for a smoother sauce; add a tbsp of water to help them blend better
- Place all ingredients into a skillet over medium-low heat
- Stirring regularly, simmer until mixture begins to thicken
- Remove from heat and enjoy!
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Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1 ozAmount Per Serving Calories 16Total Fat 0gCarbohydrates 3gProtein 0g
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from an online food database. All carbohydrate counts are calculated as net carbs instead of total. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
Leanne
Sunday 17th of November 2019
Cranberry sauce is terrific when mixed with cream cheese or homemade mayo and spread on a thin slice of turkey. The best way to eat is to roll the slice of turkey into a roll and secure with a toothpick. Delicious!
Suzanne
Saturday 16th of November 2019
You can also just put the berries, whether frozen or fresh, in a pot and let them pop over med heat. Make sure you cover the pot and watch it so it doesn't boil over and make a mess. Then add the other ingredients. It's delicious on full-fat ricotta cheese.
Logan Childress
Saturday 16th of November 2019
Suzanne,
Thanks for the suggestion!