How to Make Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce Spread

To create a flavorful cranberry sauce, you will need to gather a few simple ingredients that will enhance the taste and texture of your dish. Start with fresh cranberries for that tangy burst of flavor, water, your favorite sugar substitute (I’ll dive deeper into that below), and cornstarch. These key ingredients will work together to create a delicious cranberry sauce spread that is bursting with flavor.

Pour cranberries into a large pot, and add the water and sugar substitute. Bring to a boil.

Cook for 15 minutes, or until the cranberries pop. Add the slurry to the cooked cranberries and stir until combined. Continue boiling on low for 2 minutes.

CRANBERRY SPREAD INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

• 3 (12 ounces) bags of fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2¼ cups water
• 3 cups sugar substitute ( I used Splenda)

FOR THE SLURRY:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons cold water

CRANBERRY SPREAD INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour cranberries into a large pot, and add the water and sugar substitute.
2. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat to an even simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the cranberries pop.

FOR THE SLURRY:

1. Add cornstarch and cold water to a small jar.
2. Stir until the cornstarch has dissolved.
3. Add slurry to the cooked cranberries and stir until combined.
4. Continue boiling on low for 2 minutes.

What’s the Difference Between Cranberry Sauce And Cranberry Sauce Spread?

Cranberry Sauce and Cranberry Spread taste the same. The main difference is the thickness of the spread. Adding a slurry (defined below) thickens the cranberry mixture, creating a delicious tangy sandwich spread. Also, typically, homemade cranberry sauce has added orange peel. One of my favorite sandwiches I get at the local sandwich shop is a chicken salad sandwich with cranberry sauce. I love that sandwich, but I’m not too fond of the sugar added to the cranberry sauce. So, I decided I would create a homemade sugar-free version. My sandwich was delicious but I didn’t stop there I created a slew of assorted recipes using the sugar-free cranberry sauce. Scroll down for all the delicious recipe ideas.

What is a Slurry?

A slurry is a mixture of starch (usually cornstarch, flour, potato starch, or arrowroot) and cold water that is mixed together and used to thicken a soup or sauce. It’s very important to combine the water and cornstarch in a separate jar BEFORE adding them to hot liquid. If the starch is solely added directly to a hot liquid, the starch granules cannot disperse easily, and clumps form.

Favorite Sugar-Free Sweetener

I’ve used many different brands and types of sugar substitutes, and this is what I learned.

What Causes Crystallization? When a sugar substitute crystallizes, it’s usually the erythritol component that forms crystals

Erythritol is commonly added to sugar substitutes marketed as “natural” alternatives to sugar, including stevia and monk fruit. That includes products like Truvia and Splenda Naturals Stevia.

What is Erythritol? Erythritol is a sugar alcohol and artificial sweetener that’s found in many foods and beverages.

THE BEST SUGAR SUBSTITUTE FOR MAKE A SUGAR-FREE SAUCE OR SPREAD: I have made the mistake of using a sugar substitute that has erythritol. I have the best success with Splenda. Splenda contains sucralose, a calorie-free artificial sweetener. Sucralose generally won’t crystallize when boiled in a typical cooking scenario because it is considered very heat-stable and doesn’t readily form crystals at boiling water temperatures.

VERSATILE USES FOR YOUR SUGAR-FREE CRANBERRY SPREAD

With your sugar-free cranberry sauce spread perfected, let’s explore some versatile uses for this delicious condiment. This tangy and flavorful sauce can be used in a variety of ways to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Try spooning it over creamy brie cheese for a festive appetizer, or use it as a glaze for roasted turkey or chicken. You can also swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a breakfast treat or mix it into cocktails or mocktails for a burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless with your homemade sugar-free cranberry sauce.

CRANBERRY MUFFINS: Add 1 tablespoon of batter to each prepared muffin tin. Add 1 tablespoon of cranberry spread and top with remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl in the spread.

CUPCAKE FILLING: This idea would be delicious on orange, vanilla, or chocolate cupcakes. Scoop out the center of a baked and cooled cupcake. Fill with homemade sugar-free cranberry sauce. Add the piece of cupcake that was scooped out back onto the top of the cupcake and frost.

CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH

Add a little tang to your chicken salad sandwich. Use homemade or store-bought chicken salad. Add a generous amount of the salad to the bread and a dollop of sugar-free cranberry spread on top.

CRANBERRY CHEESEBALL

• 1 ( 8 ounce) tub cream cheese spread
• ¼ cup sugar-free cranberry sauce spread
• 1½ tablespoons chives, chopped
• 1 cup walnuts chopped

1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and chives.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes; remove from the refrigerator, and form the cream cheese mixture into a ball.
3. Roll the cheeseball in the chopped nuts.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

CRANBERRY MILKSHAKE (16-ounce)

• 2 large scoops low carb vanilla ice cream
• 6 tablespoons cranberry spread
• enough milk for the shake to reach your desired consistency

1. Blend all the ingredients until the desired consistency is reached.

HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE SUGAR-FREE CRANBERRY SAUCE SPREAD

To ensure your sugar-free cranberry sauce stays fresh and delicious, be sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its flavor and texture for several days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the holiday season. To extend the freshness, this sauce freezes beautifully. Add sauce to an airtight freezer-safe container or zip to bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

MORE SUGAR-FREE RECIPES

• SUGAR-FREE CHERRY PIE SQUARES
• SUGAR-FREE PEACH SWEET TEA
• SUGAR-FREE RHUBARB SYRUP
• SUGAR-FREE PISTACHIO ICE CREAM
• SUGAR-FREE RAZZLEBERRY PIE
• SUGAR-FREE POMEGRANATE SYRUP
• SUGAR-FREE BARBECUE SAUCE
• SUGAR-FREE GRANOLA

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In conclusion, creating a delicious, thick, sugar-free cranberry spread is easier than you think. By using key ingredients and following simple steps, you can achieve the perfect consistency for a versatile spread that will elevate your Thanksgiving meal. From complementing turkey to muffins, this homemade creation is a guilt-free alternative that will impress your guests. So don’t settle for store-bought versions – take control of what you put on your plate and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cranberry sauce. Try it out at your next gathering and wow your loved ones with this flavorful and wholesome dish. So go ahead and indulge in this tasty treat!💗Sheryl