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healthy cranberry sauce recipe

Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Sauce

This diabetic-friendly cranberry sauce delivers the perfect sweet-tart balance without using sugar. Fresh orange adds bright, zesty complexity while keeping blood glucose levels steady. With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, this simple recipe creates a delicious holiday staple everyone can enjoy.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch acts as a natural thickener
  • 1 cup Splenda granular sugar substitute
  • 3 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 medium orange chopped with peel included

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch, Splenda granular, and water. Stir until well combined.
  2. Add fresh cranberries and chopped orange (with peel) to the mixture.
  3. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture transforms from watery to a syrupy consistency.
  5. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate for at least a few hours before serving, preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

This cranberry sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for holiday meal prep. For variations, try adding a cinnamon stick during simmering, a splash of sugar-free vanilla extract, or a handful of chopped nuts for texture.
Serve alongside turkey, pork tenderloin, or spread over low-fat cream cheese with whole grain crackers. It's also delicious swirled into plain Greek yogurt or spread on whole grain toast for breakfast.