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Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
6 Comments
5 from 4 votes

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This easy Keto Cranberry Sauce is fresh and healthy, without any of the junky ingredients found in canned varieties. Perfect for your holiday dinner, it's gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, and sugar-free. Whether you're following a calorie-restrictive diet or simply aiming for a healthier alternative to traditional holiday side dishes, this cranberry sauce is a must-have.

Keto Cranberry Sauce close-up before cooking

This Keto Cranberry Sauce is completely different than the canned stuff of the past and an absolute staple to any low-carb holiday meal.

This tangy and spiced low-carb cranberry sauce is just so delicious and a breeze to make. Seriously, you'll never buy store-bought cranberry sauce again. It's definitely one of our favorite keto side dish recipes.

We jazzed up our classic recipe with grapefruit juice and peel along with warming spices like cinnamon and clove. The grapefruit juice adds a very trivial amount of net carbs to the recipe but if you wish, you can always just use water.

Our original recipe called for orange zest but we're loving the extra floral note the grapefruit lends to the sauce. You can always opt for orange zest if you prefer.

Keto Cranberry Sauce
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  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients in Keto Cranberry Sauce

  • Fresh cranberries - you can totally use frozen, but maybe reduce the liquid a bit to account for the moisture in frozen ones.
  • ¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice
  • Zest of ½ grapefruit - you can cut the peel into thin strips or use a normal grater
  • ¼ cup allulose - we find that allulose works better than powdered sweeteners or monk fruit in this recipe
  • Sprig fresh rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon stick (optional but pretty!)
  • Pinch whole cloves
  • Pinch salt(kosher salt)

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:

  • A splash of vanilla extract for a sweet and aromatic boost
  • A pinch of ground nutmeg for added warmth
  • Additional citrus zest for a tangy punch

Ingredient substitutions

If you need to make substitutions or want to experiment with variations, consider these options:

  • Substitute grapefruit juice with lemon juice for a different citrusy twist.
  • Replace allulose with erythritol or another keto-friendly sweetener of your choice, but be mindful of potential changes in texture and sweetness levels.
  • Swap out the rosemary sprig for a sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried rosemary.

Additional ingredients

Consider adding these extra ingredients for an extra layer of flavor:

  • A splash of vanilla extract - can enhance the overall taste and aroma of the sauce.
  • A pinch of ground nutmeg - adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
  • Orange zest - for a more complex citrus note.

Cooking tools required

To create this mouthwatering low-carb cranberry sauce, you'll need the following tools:

  • Medium-sized saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or grater
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional for removing cloves and rosemary sprigs)
  • Serving bowl

Tools substitute options

If you find yourself without some of the tools mentioned above, worry not! You can try these alternative options:

  • Instead of a medium-sized saucepan, use a small pot or a deep frying pan with a lid.
  • A fork or regular spoon can be used in place of a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, though it may be less efficient at stirring.
  • If you don't have a zester or grater, carefully use a knife to remove the grapefruit zest or peel.

How to make Keto-Friendly Cranberry Sauce: step-by-step guide

Keto Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
Cranberries in bowl

Cooking method

This sugar-free keto cranberry sauce is made using a stovetop cooking technique. A medium-sized saucepan is employed to simmer and blend the ingredients' flavors, yielding a perfectly tangy and fragrant sauce that complements an array of dishes.

Preparation steps

Before we embark on this tangy adventure, let's ensure we're fully prepared. Follow these simple steps to set yourself up for success:

  1. Rinse and drain your cranberries, ensuring they're free of any dirt or debris.
  2. Zest your grapefruit using a zester or grater, then squeeze the juice into a measuring cup.
  3. Measure out the allulose and gather the remaining ingredients, including the rosemary sprig, ground cinnamon, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and salt.

Instructions

Ready to impress your taste buds? Follow these easy-peasy instructions 

  1. Place your saucepan on the stovetop and set the heat to medium-low.
  2. Add the cranberries, grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, allulose, rosemary sprig, ground cinnamon, whole cloves, and salt to the saucepan.
  3. Gently stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, ensuring everything is well combined.
  4. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking or burning. The sauce will thicken, and the cranberries will burst, releasing their natural pectin.
  5. Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness or seasoning if necessary.
  6. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and discard the rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves (using a fine mesh strainer if needed).
  7. Transfer your Keto CranberrySauce to a serving bowl and let it cool to room temperature before serving or refrigerating for later use.

How to make it healthier

  • Opt for organic cranberries and grapefruit to avoid potential pesticide exposure.
  • Experiment with other natural, keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to find the best one that suits your palate.
  • Add chia seeds to the sauce to boost fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Time-saving tips

Save some precious minutes with these time-saving tips:

  • Use pre-washed and ready-to-use cranberries to eliminate the rinsing and draining step.
  • Substitute store-bought grapefruit juice for freshly squeezed juice (just make sure it's 100% juice with no added sugar).
  • Skip the zesting step by using dried grapefruit zest, available at specialty stores or online.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time

Hosting a holiday feast or simply planning ahead? You can prepare the following components in advance:

  • Rinse and drain the cranberries, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Zest and juice the grapefruit, storing the zest and juice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Measure out and store the allulose and other dry ingredients in a sealed container at room temperature.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storing your leftovers is as simple as pie! Just follow these steps:

  • Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer it to an airtight container, avoiding any dribbling down the sides.
  • Pop the container in the refrigerator, where your sauce will keep for up to 5 days. If you're feeling extra cautious, consider adding a label with the date so you know exactly when your sauce was made.

And just like that, you've got a tasty side dish waiting in the wings for your next meal!

Reheating methods and best practices

Reheating is a cinch with these tried-and-true methods:

Stovetop Reheating:

  • Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan.
  • Heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.
  • Once the sauce has reached your desired temperature, remove it from the heat and serve immediately.

Microwave Reheating:

  • Scoop the desired amount of sauce into a microwave-safe dish, preferably one with a lid, to avoid splatter.
  • Heat the sauce in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Whichever method you choose, just remember that reheating times may vary depending on the quantity of sauce and the power of your appliances.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This delightful Keto Cranberry Sauce is sure to impress both your taste buds and your waistline. This versatile sauce is the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes, making it an indispensable addition to your keto recipe collection.

Keto Cranberry Sauce in cast-iron skillet
cranberries, allulose, rosemary, grapefruit, cinnamon

Making homemade Cranberry Sauce for a Crowd

Cranberries cook down quite a bit, so if you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe is easily doubled or tripled. You can make the sauce in batches or opt to use a Dutch oven instead of a skillet so you can make more at one time.

Frequently asked questions

Did you know that cranberries have very high levels of antioxidants packing in more antioxidants ounce-for-ounce than other “superfoods,” such as spinach, blueberries, and green tea? Pretty awesome! Check out the links below for more info on what makes cranberries so great:

Yes, you can! Just be sure to reduce the liquid a bit, maybe even skipping the grapefruit juice entirely, if you're using frozen cranberries.

Traditional cranberry sauce can indeed be high in carbs due to added sugars. However, you can easily whip up a keto-friendly version by using sugar substitutes.

Cranberries themselves are relatively low in sugar, but their tartness often leads to added sugars in recipes. So, be cautious with processed cranberry products and opt for the fresh, unadulterated kind.

In a ½ cup serving of raw cranberries, you'll find approximately 6.6 grams of carbs, with 2.3 grams of those being dietary fiber. Adjust your portions accordingly to fit your keto lifestyle.

Cranberries can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. Just be mindful of their carb content, and don't go overboard on these tart little delights.

Looking for more Keto holiday recipes? Check these out!

Keto Cranberry Sauce with a spoon

📖 Recipe

Keto Cranberry Sauce close-up before cooking

Keto Cranberry Sauce

This easy keto cranberry sauce is fresh and healthy without any of the junky ingredients found in canned varieties.
5 from 4 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto thanksgiving, low carb cranberry sauce, sugar free cranberry sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 24kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces cranberries fresh or frozen
  • ¼ cup allulose
  • ¼ cup grapefruit juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • Zest of half a grapefruit
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 3-4 whole cloves or a pinch of ground clove
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch sea salt
  • 1-2 cinnamon sticks optional

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy, about 10 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Cranberry Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 24 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 2mg0%
Potassium 51mg1%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 28IU1%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 10mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Granee says

    Looks and sounds amazingly yummy. My question is …everything I have read says grapefruit juice is not keto friendly . Would like your take on this. Just ordered your cookbook. All of your recipes look fantastic. Thank you

    Reply

  2. Em says

    5 stars
    I don't cook tomatoes in cast iron because of the acid, I would think cranberries would be even more acidic?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Em, cooking acidic things in a well-seasoned cast-iron pan is no issue. Especially in a recipe like this one where it only cooks for a few minutes. If your cast iron isn't well-seasoned, you can always opt for using an enameled cast iron pan or a regular stainless steel option. Hope this helps!

      Reply

  3. Sandi says

    Totally bookmarking your keto cranberry sauce recipe... 😀 Thanks!

    Reply

  4. kiera says

    How many servings does this make?

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Hi Kiera, this recipe serves 6. All of our recipe cards state the number of servings at the very top, right above the picture. It's easy to miss. Hope this helps!

      Reply
5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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