’Tis the season for all things merry, and nothing completes a Christmas feast quite like a bright, ruby-red cranberry sauce. Between wrapping presents, decorating the house, and juggling the rest of the holiday menu, it’s easy to reach for a can of the store-bought stuff and call it good. But this Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce proves that homemade can be just as convenient — and so much more delicious.
Made with Classic Lakanto Monk Fruit & Erythritol Sweetener, this sauce delivers the perfect balance of tart and sweet without any added sugar, letting you enjoy a holiday classic without the sugar crash. Picture this: twinkling lights, festive music, and a bowl of fresh cranberry sauce that tastes like pure Christmas magic. Whether you’re pairing it with roasted turkey, layering it on leftover sandwiches, or gifting a jar to a friend, this recipe brings holiday cheer to every bite.
And the best part? It’s incredibly simple. With only seven basic ingredients and one pot, this sauce comes together in about 15 minutes, no special equipment, no complicated steps. It’s make-ahead friendly, freezer-friendly, and miles better than anything from a can. The warm cinnamon, fresh orange, and vibrant cranberries come together to create a bright, seasonal flavor that tastes like it came straight from Santa’s kitchen.
Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted turkey, layering it on leftover sandwiches, or gifting a jar to a friend, this sauce adds a pop of festive flavor to every bite.
Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new Christmas favorite:
Why You’ll Love This Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh ingredients, bold flavor: Real cranberries and fresh orange juice give this sauce a clean, natural flavor that canned versions can’t match.
- Simple and quick: With just seven simple ingredients and a single pot, it’s easy enough for even the busiest holiday schedule.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it up to a week before Christmas dinner, and the flavors only get better as it rests.
- Better than store-bought: Warm cinnamon notes and bright citrus make this taste like a true holiday sauce — not the jellied can version.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce
Fresh cranberries are ideal and widely available from October to December. If you can’t find fresh berries, frozen cranberries work beautifully — no thawing needed. Just toss them straight into the pot and add an extra minute or two to the cook time. When shopping fresh, look for firm, vibrant red berries and skip any that look soft or discolored. Fun fact: fresh cranberries bounce due to tiny air pockets inside, give them a quick “bounce test” to check their freshness!
Substitution Options
Missing an ingredient? Try these swaps:
- Cranberries: Frozen cranberries are the best alternative to fresh—avoid dried ones, as they won’t create the right sauce texture.
- Sweetener: Swap in Lakanto Brown Monkfruit & Erythritol Sweetener for a richer flavor, or Lakanto Sugar-Free Maple Syrup (½ cup, with a slightly longer cook).
- Juice: If you’re out of fresh oranges, bottled OJ, cranberry juice, apple juice, or pomegranate juice all work, just keep the liquid amount the same.
- Cinnamon: No cinnamon stick? Use ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and add it near the end of cooking.
- Orange peel: Skip it if needed, or use ¼ teaspoon orange extract. Lemon zest works too for a brighter twist.
What to Serve It With
Cranberry sauce is a must-have with roast turkey, but it’s far more versatile than most people think! Serve it with roasted chicken, ham, or pork tenderloin for a festive touch. Spread it onto leftover turkey sandwiches, swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt, or spoon it over baked brie for a holiday appetizer that disappears fast.
Why Choose Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
1. Reduce sugar intake while still enjoying festive flavors.
2. Lakanto Monkfruit + Allulose provides sweetness without the sugar crash.
3. Keto-friendly and diabetic-friendly, perfect for mindful holiday meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! No thawing required—just add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I substitute the sweetener or juice?
Lakanto is recommended for sugar-free flavor, but you can swap juices or sweeteners as noted above.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Made with Lakanto Monkfruit + Allulose, this sauce is both keto- and diabetic-friendly.
How long does it last?
Refrigerated: up to 10 days | Frozen: up to 3 months
This homemade, sugar-free cranberry sauce recipe proves that you don’t need sugar to enjoy a festive, flavorful holiday side. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, it’s sure to become a staple at your Christmas table.
Ready to make it a holiday tradition?
