Healthy Cranberry Sauce {no sugar added}
This healthy cranberry sauce is super easy, packed with delicious flavor and best part is, it can be made with no sugar added.
Cranberry sauce is a favorite of mine! I absolutely love the pairing of sweet/tart cranberry sauce with savory turkey and stuffing. Such a tasty combo!
I just cannot with the canned cranberry sauce and this recipe I’m sharing today is the best cranberry sauce I’ve had! It’s just the right amount of sweet while still remaining true to the delicious tart profile of cranberries. The texture is perfect and with how easy this sauce is to make, you’ll never want to go back to the cans!
And as it turns out, making homemade cranberry sauce is super quick and easy.
HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY CRANBERRY SAUCE:
Start by combining cranberries, orange zest, water and stevia in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Watch closely and stir frequently. The cranberries will begin to become soft, break down, and thicken the sauce (thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries).
You can use a fork or potato masher to smash the cranberries as they become tender. Once you remove sauce from the heat, it will continue to thicken. My cranberry sauce cooked for about 8 minutes. And that’s it. I told you homemade cranberry sauce was actually SO easy!
WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE:
No worries if you have leftover cranberry sauce. There are sooooo many great ways to enjoy it!
- Serve it over top of pancakes or waffles with a side of whipped cream.
- Use it as jam and spread it over toast.
- Serve a scoop over the top of banana bread oatmeal.
- Make these delicious leftover turkey sliders.
- Add it to yogurt and granola and make a parfait.
SERVE THIS CRANBERRY SAUCE ALONGSIDE:
- Leftover Turkey Sliders
- Grandma’s Easy Green Bean Casserole
- Thanksgiving Salad
- Pumpkin Dessert Squares (family favorite ❤️)
I’d love to know if you make this (or any) recipe! Tag @kimscravings on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
This healthy cranberry sauce is super easy, packed with delicious flavor and best part is, it can be made with no sugar added.
- 1 (8-10 oz) bag of fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/3 cup Stevia that measures like sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
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Combine cranberries, water, orange zest, and Stevia in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Use a fork or potato masher, if desired, to further mash up cranberries.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and cinnamon, if using.
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The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. It will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 weeks.
*HOW TO REMOVE ZEST: I use a microplane grater (affiliate link) which easily removes the zest. You could also use the fine holes of your box grater. If you want to simplify, skip the zest and stir in ¼ cup orange juice instead.
Did you make this recipe?
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Thank you–this is just what I have been looking for–and I love it over vanilla ice cream and non fat Greek yogurt too!
Oh…. I love that idea! Adding it to the list! 😍
I love these pictures! They look so festive. And the cranberry sauce sounds delicious.
This no added sugar version looks like an absolute winner! Will definitely be giving this a go soon, thanks for the recipe 🙂
My dad is diabetic, so I’m always trying to watch the sugar in foods that I make for him. This is perfect! Thank you!
In our household cranberry sauce is a hit ! It goes on everything except the turkey 🙂
this sounds delicious and I love that its healthy, my son is diabetic so I always look for recipes like this one
Can I substitute the Stevia with honey? What would be the measurement, the same?
I’m honestly not sure how that would work. I would give this recipe a try https://cookieandkate.com/naturally-sweetened-cranberry-sauce-recipe/
How long would this keep for in a mason jar in the fridge? Sounds great, just don’t know how much to make at once…
I would say, close to 2 weeks.
This sounds yummy! Will try it for the coming up Holidays Thx
Let me know what you think! Hope you enjoy!
This is the best low sugar cranberry sauce recipe. The cinnamon with the orange zest makes it amazing. A must for the holidays.
Tried it for Thanksgiving and it was delish ! Had the leftovers for breakfast with toast . Now making it for Christmas Eve and used the orange juice instead of the zest. Thanks for this diabetic friendly recipe.
So happy to hear this, Yolanda! Thanks so much for your comment and happy holidays!
Does this keep well frozen? If so, any idea how long in a mason jar?
It will keep well in the freezer. Pack it in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag to prevent freezer burn. For best results, use the frozen cranberry sauce within a couple of months, and defrost in the refrigerator overnight.