Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce

This homemade keto cranberry sauce is quick, easy, and made with fresh or frozen cranberries. Ready in just 15 minutes and has only 3g net carbs per serving—perfect for your low carb holiday table!

With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of aromatic, sugar-free cranberry sauce with orange zest—an easy and flavorful addition to your holiday meals.

This healthy cranberry sauce is inspired by a classic American recipe and pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, steak, or pork, making it a perfect fit for Thanksgiving or any festive dinner.

What I love most is how simple it is to make, yet so full of flavor. It’s naturally sweetened, incredibly aromatic, and comes together in just minutes. You can even make a double batch and store it in the fridge for several weeks—a great way to stay ahead on holiday prep!

Are Cranberries Keto-Friendly?

Yes, cranberries can be enjoyed on a keto diet—in moderation. Fresh cranberries are low in sugar and high in fiber, making them a great option for low carb and keto recipes.

One cup of raw cranberries contains about 7.6 grams of net carbs, so they’re best used in smaller amounts or as part of a recipe—like this keto cranberry sauce. Just be sure to avoid dried cranberries or canned versions with added sugar, and stick to unsweetened fresh or frozen cranberries for the best keto-friendly results.

Is Cranberry Sauce Keto-Friendly?

Traditional cranberry sauce is not keto-friendly because it’s usually made with a lot of sugar, making it high in carbs and calories—not ideal for a low carb lifestyle.

The good news? This sugar-free cranberry sauce is a great keto-friendly alternative. It’s made with fresh or frozen cranberries and a low carb sweetener, so you get all the classic flavor and texture without the added sugar. It’s just as tasty as the traditional version, and perfect for your holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Why You’re Going to Love This Cranberry Sauce Without Sugar

• Super easy to make – Just a few simple steps and one pot are all you need.
• Great for making ahead – You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for several days or even weeks.
• Naturally low in carbs – Made with fresh or frozen cranberries and sugar-free sweetener, so it fits perfectly into any low carb or keto diet.
• Low in net carbs – Each serving has only 2g net carbs, making it a great addition to your holiday plate.
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart – The orange zest adds a nice burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
• Holiday-ready – This sauce is the perfect match for Thanksgiving turkey, roast chicken, or even pork or steak.
• Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free – A side dish that works for a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients For Keto Cranberry Sauce

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this flavorful sugar-free cranberry sauce at home:

• Cranberries – Fresh or frozen cranberries work great. These are the star of the recipe, so choose bright, firm berries if using fresh.
• Sweetener – Use a powdered low carb sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit, or xylitol. Powdered sweeteners dissolve more easily and give a smoother texture.
• Water – Helps the cranberries break down and gives the sauce a thinner, pourable consistency.
• Orange Zest – Adds a burst of citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries. It also gives the sauce a nice festive touch.

How To Make This Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Making keto cranberry sauce from scratch is just as easy as the traditional version—only without the sugar! Here’s how to do it:

1. Add All Ingredients To A Saucepan. Combine the cranberries, powdered sweetener, water, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring To A Boil, Then Simmer. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to burst and the sauce will thicken.
3. Remove From Heat And Cool. Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the sauce to cool. It will continue to thicken as it sits.
4. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Tips and Variations for this Homemade Keto Cranberry Sauce 

• For a smooth texture – If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it using an immersion blender or regular blender until it reaches your desired consistency. For an extra silky texture, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the skins.
• Add warm spices – Boost the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. These spices work especially well for holiday meals.
• Stir in vanilla – A splash of vanilla extract adds a rich, warm note that pairs beautifully with cranberries and orange zest.
• Make it chunkier – If you like a chunkier texture, simmer the sauce less and stir gently to keep more cranberries whole.
• Add a citrus twist – In addition to orange zest, you can try adding a little lemon zest or juice for a brighter, tangier flavor.
• Make it spicy – For something different, add a small amount of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Storing Ideas

• Fridge – Store your sugar-free cranberry sauce in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it cool completely before storing. It tastes great chilled and thickens more as it sits.
• Freezer – You can also freeze this keto cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this sugar-free cranberry sauce is how well it pairs with both everyday meals and holiday dishes. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

• Keto Meatloaf – A spoonful of cranberry sauce adds a tangy contrast to a savory slice of low carb meatloaf.
• Chicken Meatballs – Use it as a dipping sauce or spoon it over meatballs for a sweet and savory twist.
• Roasted Turkey – A classic combo, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday dinner.
• Grilled Chicken or Pork Chops – The sweet-tart flavor complements rich, juicy meats beautifully.
• Cheese Boards – Add a small bowl of cranberry sauce to a low carb charcuterie board for color and flavor.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash or Roasted Veggies – Spoon it over fall-inspired dishes for a festive touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce

5 from 1 vote

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Prep time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Yelds 12 servings

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Description

 

This homemade keto cranberry sauce is quick, easy, and made with fresh or frozen cranberries. Ready in just 15 minutes and has only 3g net carbs per serving—perfect for your low carb holiday table!

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 12 oz whole cranberries fresh or frozen
• 1 cup sweetener powdered
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp orange zest fresh, or more to taste
• 1 cinnamon stick optional

Instructions

 

• Combine the ingredients. Place a saucepan over medium heat and add all the ingredients (cranberries, sweetener, water, and orange zest). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Simmer. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to burst and the sauce will thicken. Cook until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Cool and refrigerate. Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate until ready to serve. It will continue to thicken as it chills.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving.

Calories

14kcal

Total Carbs

4g

Net Carbs

Protein

0.1g

Fat

0.04g

Fiber

1g

Sugar

1g

How do we calculate the nutrition info?

These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce

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