Easy Low Carb Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe (with just 4 ingredients!)

Keto Holiday Recipes

Cranberry sauce isn’t just a side dish—it’s a holiday must-have. But let’s be honest, the store-bought stuff often tastes like a sugar bomb that someone dared to call “cranberry.” I’ve got you covered if you’re looking for the best cranberry sauce that’s homemade, low-carb, and sugar-free – easy low-carb keto cranberry sauce!

This easy 4-ingredient homemade keto cranberry sauce is so simple even the busiest moms (yes, you who just realized the turkey’s still frozen) can whip it up in no time. Forget about the sugar overload; this recipe keeps it low-carb, delicious, and family-approved. Plus, it’ll make your house smell like festive heaven—bonus! Let’s dive in and rescue your Thanksgiving table from boring cranberry sauce blues.

Introduction to Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cranberry sauce? My sugar-free cranberry sauce recipe is made with fresh or frozen cranberries, and a touch of sweetness from a sugar-free sweetener. This easy recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, and it’s also a great option for anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this sugar-free cranberry sauce is a game-changer for the holiday season.

🍁 Cranberry Sauce: Love it or leave it?

For years, cranberry sauce and I had an understanding: it stayed on its side of the table, and I stayed on mine. At Thanksgiving, I’d muster up the courage to take the tiniest bite—mostly so I wouldn’t get the “you didn’t even try it!” glare, probably imagined, but there you go.

But whether it was the canned gelatin lump that wiggled like it had a life of its own, or some overly sweet concoction drowning in sugar, it just wasn’t for me. I wanted fresh cranberry flavor—bright, tart, and real—not something that tasted like it should be served with a spoonful of Cool Whip in a Jell-O salad.

Then one year, a lightbulb went off: why am I not just making my own cranberry sauce? I mean, it couldn’t possibly be harder than wrestling a turkey into the oven.

Making healthy cranberry sauce at home is not only easy but also compatible with keto and low-carb diets, making it a perfect addition to holiday meals.

Spoiler alert: it’s ridiculously easy. Just four ingredients—fresh cranberries, filtered water, a pinch of salt, and my sweetener of choice—and I had a cranberry sauce that was everything I’d been missing. Bright, tangy, a little sweet, and no weird canned aftertaste. Now, I make a big batch every holiday, and I actually eat it. Shocking, I know.

(Don’t worry – for those of you who like to jazz things up and make it fancy, I have some options below!)

Benefits of Low Carb Cranberry Sauce

My low-carb cranberry sauce recipe offers several benefits over traditional cranberry sauce. For one, it’s much lower in carbs and sugar, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Additionally, our recipe uses fresh or frozen cranberries, which are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients. Plus, my recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Are cranberries good for a low carb or keto diet?

Oh, cranberries are absolutely keto-friendly—well, kind of! These little ruby gems are naturally low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a great fit for a low-carb lifestyle if you use them the right way.

Here’s the deal: fresh cranberries are super tart (like, puckeringly tart), so most recipes drown them in sugar. But not us health conscious rockstars! When you skip the sugar and sweeten them with keto-friendly options like allulose or monk fruit, cranberries become a delicious, tangy, and totally low-carb addition to your holiday table. When you make your own, you can use whatever sweetener you like, from allulose to dates to maple syrup.

Plus, cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, so they’re a win for your taste buds and your health goals. So yes, cranberries can be keto or low carb-approved—as long as you’re the one in charge of the sweetener! 😉

📏 Easy keto cranberry sauce macros

Let’s break down the macros for this sugar free cranberry sauce—because who doesn’t love numbers that make you feel good about what’s on your plate? For a 2-tablespoon serving, you’re looking at just 15 calories, 2 net carbs, and a solid 0 protein (because, let’s be real, cranberry sauce isn’t here to build muscle, just flavor).

I calculated these using MyFitnessPal with the ingredients I used in my recipe, but here’s a friendly tip: always double-check your own macros with the exact brands and products you’re using. If you’re keeping close tabs on net carbs, accuracy is key—especially when you’re juggling a holiday meal and trying to stay on track!

🍽 Equipment needed to make easy homemade cranberry sauce

Before you make your easy homemade keto cranberry sauce, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand to make the process as smooth as that sauce will be:

• Medium-sized saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons – Because nobody wants to eyeball sweetener and accidentally end up with cranberry candy (or tart overload).
• Fine mesh strainer (optional) – If you like your sauce silky smooth, this will help you strain out the skins, though I love the rustic texture they add!

Simple tools, minimal mess, and holiday flavor coming right up.

🥘 Ingredients for Keto Cranberry Sauce (and What to Look For!)

1. Fresh or Frozen Organic Cranberries
   • Look for: Bright red berries that are firm and plump. If you’re going with frozen, make sure they’re just cranberries—no added sugar sneaking in there!
   • Why: Cranberries are the star of the show, and fresh or frozen organic ones have the best flavor without any unwanted extras. Bonus points if you find them on sale post-Thanksgiving!
2. Filtered Water
   • Look for: Good ol’ H2O. Tap works fine if that’s your jam, but filtered water can help avoid any weird flavors sneaking into your sauce.
   • Why: It’s the base for dissolving your sweetener and keeping the cranberries juicy. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together!
3. Powdered Sweetener (Lakanto Monk Fruit or similar)
   • Look for: A powdered version of your favorite keto-friendly sweetener—erythritol, allulose, monk fruit, or stevia blends work great. The powdered form dissolves easily, keeping your sauce silky smooth.
   • Why: You’re skipping the sugar (yay keto!), so this is where the sweetness comes from. Adjust to your taste—just not too sweet, or Aunt Carol will think it’s dessert.
4. A Pinch of Good Salt (Celtic Sea Salt, Redmond Real Salt, etc.)
   • Look for: High-quality salt with a clean taste. Skip the cheap, iodized table salt—it doesn’t deserve your cranberries.
   • Why: Just a pinch enhances the cranberry flavor and balances the sweetness. It’s the secret ingredient that no one will guess but everyone will love!

These four simple ingredients come together to make the easiest, most flavorful keto cranberry sauce ever. Choose wisely, and your holiday table will thank you!

🔪 Instructions

Making this keto cranberry sauce is so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the canned stuff. First, grab a medium saucepan and stir together 3/4 cup filtered water, 3/4–1 cup powdered sweetener (I love Lakanto Monk Fruit for this), and a pinch of high-quality salt. Heat it up over medium heat until the sweetener completely dissolves into a light syrup. Easy, right?

Now, toss in your 12 ounces of fresh or frozen organic cranberries. If you’re using frozen, no need to thaw—just let the heat do its thing. Stir the cranberries around in the syrup until they’re all nice and coated.

⏲ Cook time

Next, crank up the heat a little and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once things start bubbling, turn it down to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes. You’ll hear the cranberries popping as they cook—don’t worry, that’s a good thing! Stir occasionally, and watch as the berries break down and the cranberry sauce thickens into a gorgeous, tangy masterpiece.

Here’s your chance to taste test. If it’s a little too tart for your liking, sprinkle in another tablespoon or two of sweetener and stir until it melts right in.

Now, take the saucepan off the heat and let the sugar free cranberry sauce cool. It might look a bit runny at first, but as it cools, it will thicken up beautifully. The pectin in the cranberries, helps the cranberry sauce thicken naturally. For a keto-friendly version, consider using alternative low-carb sweeteners to achieve the desired thickness without adding sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even some orange zest to take the flavor over the top.

Serve it up in a cute dish right away, or store it in the fridge for up to a week. Got leftovers? Pop them in the freezer and enjoy this holiday goodness any time you need a little keto-friendly cranberry magic. Your turkey (or ham, or spoon…) will thank you!

💭 Cranberry Sauce Glow-Up: 5 Fancy Twists to Wow Your Holiday Crowd

Oh, you want to jazz up your sugar free cranberry sauce? I hear you! While I personally love it plain and simple (because why mess with perfection?), I get that sometimes you want to impress the in-laws or make your holiday table Pinterest-worthy. Here are 5 fancy variations to take your keto cranberry sauce to the next level:

1.     Orange Zest and Extract 

Add a teaspoon of orange zest and a splash of orange extract for a citrusy twist that screams, “I totally planned this.” It’s fresh, fragrant, and holiday-perfect.

Orange zest is a popular ingredient in cranberry sauce recipes, and it adds a burst of citrus flavor to the dish. But what is orange zest, exactly? Orange zest is the outer layer of the orange peel, and it’s packed with oils and flavor compounds that give the sauce its signature flavor. To use orange zest in my recipe, simply grate the outer layer of the orange peel using a fine grater or zester. You can also use orange extract or orange juice as a substitute if you don’t have orange zest on hand.

2.     Cinnamon and Cloves

Toss in a cinnamon stick and a couple of whole cloves while it simmers for a warm, spiced vibe. Your kitchen will smell like a holiday wonderland, and everyone will think you’re a culinary genius.

3.     Vanilla and Almond Extracts

A teaspoon of vanilla extract and a drop of almond extract can turn your cranberry sauce into something subtly sweet and nutty. Fancy and easy—my kind of upgrade!

4.     Chopped Nuts

Stir in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts after cooking for a little crunch. Bonus points: it looks extra festive and adds a lovely texture.

5.     A Splash of Booze

Mix in a tablespoon or two of keto-friendly liquor, like brandy or bourbon, right at the end of cooking the low carb cranberry sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, grown-up flavor that will have your guests asking for your “secret.”

There you go—five ways to dress up your cranberry sauce without breaking a sweat. Just don’t blame me when everyone asks you to bring it every year! 😉

🥣 How to Store Your Keto Cranberry Sauce (Because Leftovers Are Life)

So, you’ve whipped up your gorgeous low carb cranberry sauce—now what? Here’s how to store it like a pro (or at least like a mom who doesn’t want to waste a single spoonful):

1. Mason Jar Magic For the ultimate combo of cute and practical, spoon your sugar free cranberry sauce into a mason jar. Seal it tight, and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week. Bonus: when you pull it out at dinner, you’ll look like the kind of person who always has homemade sauces on hand. Martha Stewart, who?

2. Airtight Container If mason jars aren’t your thing, a good old-fashioned airtight container will do the trick. Pop it in the fridge, and it’s ready whenever you need a tangy addition to your turkey leftovers or, let’s be honest, just a spoonful straight from the container.

3. Freeze It for Later Got extra? (Lucky you!) Pour your sugar free cranberry sauce into a freezer-safe container or even an ice cube tray for perfectly portioned servings. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to relive the cranberry magic. Pro tip: those frozen cranberry cubes? They’re fabulous melted over keto pancakes or mixed into a holiday cocktail.

4. Freeze Cranberry Sauce To freeze cranberry sauce, use airtight containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its quality. Store it in the freezer for about a month. When ready to serve, thaw the sauce in the fridge to ensure it’s perfect for your meal.

Storing your cranberry sauce is easy, and honestly, it just means you get to enjoy it for longer. Now go impress your family with your organizational skills and your culinary genius!

Leftover cranberry sauce

Got leftover cranberry sauce? Lucky you! Spread the homemade cranberry sauce on your morning keto pancakes or waffles for a tangy, sweet topping. Swirl it into some plain Greek yogurt or mix it with cream cheese for a quick and festive dip. Use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork, or even dollop it on top of your favorite baked brie for a low-carb holiday snack. And if you’re feeling fancy, blend it into a sugar-free mocktail or cocktail for a burst of holiday flavor in your glass. Leftovers never looked so good!

Using Cranberry Sauce in Recipes

My sugar-free cranberry sauce recipe is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Use it as a topping for plain Greek yogurt
• Add it to your favorite smoothie recipe
• Use it as a sauce for pork or chicken
• Mix it with cream cheese and use it as a dip for crackers or veggies
• Use it as a filling for cakes or pastries

The possibilities are endless, and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ways to use it in your cooking and baking.

👩‍🍳 A Sauce-cess Story: Why This Low Carb Cranberry Sauce Will Be Your Holiday MVP

And there you have it—keto cranberry sauce that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re serving it with turkey, ham, or just sneaking a spoonful straight from the fridge (no judgment here), this recipe is a total holiday win.

It’s fresh, tangy, perfectly sweet, and totally free of the weird canned wobble. So go ahead, impress your guests, keep your carbs low, and add a little homemade magic to your holiday table. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Happy holidays and happy saucing! 🎄🥰

📋 Related low carb recipes

Keto Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Keto Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Mini Keto Pumpkin Pies

Keto Pumpkin Pie

Keto Turnips Au Gratin

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Nutrition Disclaimer

Please be aware I am not a medical specialist or nutritional professional. On this blog, I share recipes and what works for me. Please do not take anything on this blog as medical advice and always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

I use MyFitnessPal dot com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers. Also, I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count because does not affect my own blood glucose levels.  

This is as accurate as possible, but it’s best to independently calculate nutritional data and nutrition calories on your own with the specific ingredients you use. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained on this website.