Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cook the cranberry mixture
- Bring the water and granular monk fruit or allulose sweetener to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until fully dissolved. You should see clear bubbles across the surface within 1–2 minutes.
- Add the fresh cranberries, ground cinnamon, and salt to the boiling liquid. Stir to coat the berries so they start popping evenly.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes, keeping the mixture at a steady gentle boil until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. Look for a glossy, spoon-coating consistency and a mix of whole and popped berries.
Finish and chill
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange zest. The sauce should look brighter in color as the zest disperses.
- Taste the sauce and add more sweetener if needed. The flavor should balance tart cranberries with a sugar-free sweetness level you prefer.
- Cool the cranberry sauce, then chill before serving. It will thicken further in the refrigerator for a spoonable texture.
Notes
Pro tip: If you like a smoother sauce, simmer a minute longer or mash some of the berries against the side of the saucepan near the end. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 5 days; freeze up to 2 months (thaw in the fridge and stir to restore texture). For a dairy-free, gluten-free side dish, this recipe is naturally suitable—use plant-based sweetener only as directed.
