Easy No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries: Guilt-Free Joy!

Okay, here we go! Get ready for a dose of simple comfort, mom-to-mom. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries!

I remember the first time I tried making No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries. It was the holidays, and I was determined to create something festive that wouldn’t send my kids into a sugar frenzy. I had a vision of beautiful, glistening cranberries adorning our table. The reality? A slightly sticky, but ultimately delicious, batch of No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries. The kids loved them, and honestly, that’s all that mattered!

It became a comfort food win because it felt like a small victory in the never-ending battle against sugar overload. Plus, the tartness of the cranberries combined with the sweetness of the erythritol (my sweetener of choice!) was surprisingly addictive. Now, these No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries are a staple in our house, not just during the holidays, but anytime we need a little something special. If your family enjoys this, they will go crazy for these soft sugar cookies!

As moms, we’re always looking for ways to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor or fun. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Are you a fellow busy mom seeking simple comfort food? Then you’re in the right place!

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup erythritol, xylitol, or stevia
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a nice touch!)

Trust me, this No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

Here’s a No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: Sometimes, I’ll use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. They work just as well! Also, I’ve found that a little bit of lemon zest can brighten up the flavor even more. My family gets extra comfort when I add just a pinch.

If you’re watching your budget, erythritol and xylitol can be a little pricey. Stevia is a more affordable option, and still gives you that sweetness. I like to use erythritol because it seems to have the least aftertaste. This No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.

Don’t worry if you don’t have vanilla extract. I use a touch of almond extract for extra comfort in my No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries.

1. First, rinse your cranberries and pick out any that are mushy or bruised. We want only the best for our No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries!
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and your sweetener of choice (erythritol, xylitol, or stevia). Stir over medium heat until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
3. Add the cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to soften and some of them burst. This is where I used to struggle with my No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries – learn from my experience!
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using). Let the cranberries cool in the syrup for about 30 minutes. This allows them to really soak up that sweetness.

In my busy kitchen, this comforting No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries usually takes about 45 minutes total. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

5. While the cranberries are cooling, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Once the cranberries have cooled, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer.
7. Now, for the fun part! Sprinkle the remaining sweetener (erythritol, xylitol, or stevia) evenly over the cranberries.
8. Let the cranberries sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours, or until they are dry to the touch. The longer they sit, the more “sugared” they will become.

While your No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries are cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Your No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries should smell amazing by now.

9. Store the No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh! Don’t worry if your No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries looks a little rustic. That just adds to their charm!
10. Another easy cranberry treat that is so great for the holidays are my sugared cranberries. Check out the recipe here!

My family absolutely loves these No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries! I often add them to yogurt parfaits for a healthy and festive breakfast. The kids devour this comforting No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries when I serve it with a dollop of whipped cream (sugar-free, of course!).

These No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries are also perfect for garnishing holiday desserts. They add a pop of color and a burst of tartness that balances out the sweetness of cakes and pies. I sometimes toss these No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries into salads for a little extra zing. This makes it the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

This No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! They are also a great healthy snack option for those with a sweet tooth.

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be chopped up and added to muffins or scones for a delightful treat. I even sprinkle some on top of my morning oatmeal. When guests come over, I sprinkle some into a champagne flute for a fancy little drink!

• Is this No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries really filling enough for growing kids?
  Yes! While they are a treat, the cranberries themselves are packed with nutrients. Serving them alongside a protein source like yogurt or nuts makes it a more substantial snack.
• What if my picky eater won’t try this No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries?
  Start small! Offer just a few cranberries and don’t pressure them to eat them. Sometimes, just seeing you enjoy them is enough to pique their interest. You can also try incorporating them into something they already love, like a smoothie.
• Can I meal prep this No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries for busy weeks ahead?
  Absolutely! They can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure they are completely dry before storing them to prevent them from getting sticky.
• Are there any other sweeteners I can use besides erythritol, xylitol, or stevia?
  You can experiment with other sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener.
• Can I make this recipe with dried cranberries?
  Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that dried cranberries are already sweeter than fresh cranberries, so you may need to adjust the amount of sweetener accordingly. Here is a great recipe on how to make dried cranberries with no added sugar.
• How long do No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries last?
  Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will last up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries?
  I do not recommend freezing. This may make them become sticky.
• I am worried about the safety of Erythritol as a sweetener.
  It is always important to consult your doctor if you have any concerns about new foods in your diet.

These No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries are more than just a recipe. They’re a way to create a little bit of joy and comfort for your family, without the guilt of added sugar. These fit perfectly into my family’s comfort food goals. I personally learned about sunflower oil cranberries, and how safe they are for back-sweetening after seeing a post in a Facebook group.

• Add a touch of citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest adds a burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different extracts: Almond, peppermint, or even maple extract can create unique flavor profiles.
• Use different sweeteners: Try a blend of sweeteners for a more complex sweetness.

Here are some family-tested No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries variations:

• Spiced Cranberries: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Chocolate-Covered Cranberries: Dip the dried cranberries in melted sugar-free chocolate for an extra special treat.
• Cranberry-Nut Mix: Combine the cranberries with your favorite nuts for a healthy and satisfying snack.

My son loves the chocolate-covered version, while my daughter prefers the spiced cranberries. I encourage you to make it your own way. You can always check out my recipe for 3 ingredient sugared cranberries!

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to mine. Remember, it’s about finding those little moments of connection and creating memories around the table.

Go ahead and give these satisfying No-Added-Sugar Sugared Cranberries a try. You’ve got this! 💕