Cranberries are berries that are popular in many different forms. You can widely use and enjoy them during the Thanksgiving season, where it is a must-have condiment with Thanksgiving turkey. It has a sweet and slightly tart flavor. Making cranberries is super easy, and we often add white granulated sugar to add sweetness. However, added sugar can be a no-no for some.

So, if you are wondering how to cook cranberries without sugar? Read ahead to find out!

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Can You Cook Cranberries without Sugar?

Yes, it is possible to cook cranberries without sugar, but it takes a little bit of know-how. You need an ingredient that can replace white granulated sugar in terms of sweetness. Luckily we have so many ingredients that add natural sweetness to cranberry sauce. So, if you are looking for a healthy or sugar-free cranberry sauce, the good news is it is possible.

Different Ways of Cooking Cranberries without Sugar

Cranberries are tart and tangy fruit often used in recipes that call for sugar. However, there are different ways of cooking cranberries without sugar, which can be just as delicious.

Ripe cranberries: Ripe cranberries are sweeter than unripe ones, so they will require less sugar.
Maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that can add sweetness to recipes without sugar.
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can add sweetness and flavor to recipes.
Agave syrup: Agave syrup is another option for cooking cranberries without sugar. Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that is made from the agave plant. It is sweeter than honey and has a similar consistency to honey.
Artificial sweetener: Artificial sweeteners are chemicals used to sweeten food and beverages. They are often used in place of sugar because they are calorie-free or have fewer calories than sugar.
Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut tree. It is less sweet, but it works well.
Monk fruit: Monk fruit is a small, round fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. It has a very sweet taste and is often used in Asian cuisine.
Dates: Dates are a type of fruit that grows on palm trees. They taste sweet and can be used as a natural sweetener in recipes.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar is made from cane or beet juice and has a molasses flavor. It can be used to add sweetness and flavor to recipes.

Variation Ideas

Here are some of the various ideas that you can use while making cranberry sauce without sugar:

Add spices: Adding spices to the cranberry sauce can make it sweeter. You can add a cinnamon stick while the mixture is simmering, adding a nice, subtle flavor. Similarly, a pinch of nutmeg and cloves add a unique flavor to cranberry sauce while also adding a bit of spice.
Juice: You can add different juices to the sauce instead of water. Such as unsweetened cranberry juice gives the sauce a nice tart flavor, while others prefer it without the added sugar. You can also use orange or pineapple juice to get the tangy flavor.
Boozy: Adding 1 tbsp. of alcohol in the sauce will make the taste stronger. You can add different kinds of alcohol, including bourbon, Grand Marnier, brandy, wine, amaretto, or scotch whiskey.
Nuts: Once the sauce is ready and completely cooled, spread chopped walnuts or pecans on top, it will add a crunch to the sauce.
Fruit: While the sauce simmers, you can add different fruits such as diced apple or crushed pineapple, cherries, or diced pear. It will add a fruity taste to the sauce and give it a nice texture.
Jalapenos or chipotles: Jalapenos or chipotles add a touch of heat that can enhance the flavor of the berries and make it a more interesting dish.
Ginger: Ginger can offset cranberry sauce’s tartness and add a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

How to Store Cranberries without Sugar

There are a few different options for storing cranberry sauce.

Refrigeration is best for storing cranberry sauce if you plan to use it within the next week. Simply transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. When ready to use, give the sauce a good stir before serving.
Freezing is a great option to keep your cranberry sauce longer. Transfer the sauce to an airtight freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before serving.