Okay, so you wanna enjoy all those amazing holiday flavors without, you know, *all* the sugar? I get it! It’s like, you want that cranberry sauce tang, but not the sugar crash that follows, right? Well, good news! Sugar-free alternatives are seriously having a moment, and trust me, this sugar free cranberry sauce recipe? It’s a total game-changer.
I used to think cranberry sauce *had* to be loaded with sugar to taste good. My grandma always made it super sweet. But honestly? This sugar free version is just as delicious, maybe even *more* so! The cranberries really shine, and you don’t feel guilty going back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s seriously quick to whip up – we’re talking done in under 30 minutes! And if you’re watching your sugar intake, or need diabetic-friendly options, this is your new go-to. Seriously, you gotta try this!
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Seriously, what’s not to love? This sugar free cranberry sauce is:
- Super tangy and delicious – it actually lets the cranberry flavor shine!
- Way healthier than the sugary stuff – you can totally indulge without the guilt.
- Crazy easy to make – even I can’t mess it up (and that’s saying something!).
The Benefits of Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Okay, let’s talk health! Obviously, it’s amazing for anyone watching their sugar. But even if you aren’t, cutting out the refined sugar is always a win! Plus, it’s naturally lower in calories, so you have more room for, uh, pie? And it’s totally diabetic-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients for Your Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 12 ounces of fresh *or* frozen cranberries (either works!), a half cup of water, and a quarter cup of erythritol (or whatever sugar substitute you like best!). Don’t forget a teaspoon of orange zest, a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. That’s it! Easy peasy!
How to Make Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, get ready, because this is where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s not complicated at all. I promise! Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have amazing sugar free cranberry sauce in no time. Seriously, you can’t mess this up!
Preparing the Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
First things first, grab a saucepan – medium-sized is perfect. Dump in your cranberries (fresh or frozen, remember!), then add the water, erythritol (or your fave sweetener), orange zest, cinnamon, and that little pinch of salt. That’s it! Easy prep, right?
Cooking the Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Now, turn that burner to medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to low – we want a nice, gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries have burst open (they’ll make a little “pop!” sound – so fun!), and the sauce has thickened up a bit.
Cooling and Serving Your Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Alright, take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool down. This is important! The sauce will thicken up even *more* as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little thin at first. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature – totally up to you! And seriously, that’s it! You just made amazing sugar free cranberry sauce!
Tips for the Best Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your sugar free cranberry sauce to the *next* level? Here are a few of my favorite tricks! First, taste as you go! Sweeteners can be tricky, so adjust the amount of erythritol (or whatever you’re using) to your liking. Some people like it super tangy, some like it a little sweeter – it’s all good!
Also, if you’re not a fan of chunky sauce (though I kinda love it!), you can totally use an immersion blender to smooth things out. Just be careful, it splatters! And last but not least, remember this stuff keeps in the fridge for about a week, so you can totally make it ahead of time. Score!
Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe – awesome! But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? Don’t worry, this sugar free cranberry sauce is *super* easy to customize! Wanna warm things up? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. So good!
Or, for a little something extra, a splash of vanilla or almond extract adds a totally different vibe. My favorite part is experimenting with different fruits! Chopped apples or pears cook right along with the cranberries and add a touch of sweetness and texture. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing sugar free cranberry sauce… what do you *do* with it? Well, obviously, it’s amazing with turkey! But don’t stop there! It’s also fantastic with chicken or pork. Really, any kind of roast is just begging for a dollop of this tangy goodness!
But hey, who says cranberry sauce is just for dinner? I love it on top of yogurt or even oatmeal for a little zing in the morning! Seriously, try it – you might be surprised! It’s like, a little taste of the holidays all year round!
Storing Your Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop your sugar free cranberry sauce into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to a week, so you can enjoy that tangy goodness for days to come! Seriously, it’s almost better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things people always ask me about making sugar free cranberry sauce. Don’t worry, there are no dumb questions! We’ve all been there!
What Sweetener is Best for Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce?
Okay, so this is a big one! Honestly, it’s totally up to you! I usually go with erythritol ’cause I like the taste, but stevia and monk fruit are great options too. Just remember, some sweeteners are sweeter than others, so you might need to adjust the amount!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Seriously, don’t stress if you can’t find fresh ones – the frozen ones are just as good! I actually often use frozen ’cause they’re cheaper and I can keep them on hand!
How Long Does Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Last?
If you store it properly (in an airtight container, of course!), your sugar free cranberry sauce will happily hang out in the fridge for up to a week. But let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long ’cause it’s so yummy!
Nutritional Information for Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce
Okay, so everyone always wants to know about the nutrition stuff! Fair enough! But listen, a quick disclaimer: the nutritional information here is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, you know, take it with a grain of salt (a *tiny* grain of salt!).
Enjoy Your Delicious Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce!
Alright, you did it! You made amazing sugar free cranberry sauce! Now, go forth and enjoy! And hey, if you loved this recipe (and I *know* you did!), leave a comment, give it a rating, and share it with your friends! Seriously, spread the sugar free love!
Print
Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce: Ditch 400 Unwanted Calories
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Sugar-free cranberry sauce is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup erythritol or other sugar substitute
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, water, erythritol, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after cooking.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
