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Make your own Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries and discover how easy it is to recreate this pantry staple without the sugar! Perfect for adding tart-sweet flavor to salads, baked goods, and trail mix, these homemade "Craisins" deliver all the taste and texture you love with zero sugar. Whether you're following a keto diet, watching your sugar intake, or just looking for a healthier alternative, these dried cranberries will become your new favorite addition to everything from morning yogurt to afternoon snack mix. Simple to make and endlessly versatile, they're a game-changer for sugar-free cooking!
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In This Post
Why You'll Love These Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries
- Simple 3-Ingredient Recipe: Skip the expensive store-bought versions loaded with sugar! With just cranberries, powdered sweetener, and coconut oil, you can make your own dried cranberries that taste even better than traditional versions - at a fraction of the cost.
- Perfect Holiday Prep: Make these dried cranberries ahead for all your holiday recipes and treats! They store beautifully for up to a month and can transform everything from morning oatmeal to festive baked goods. Plus, the process is mostly hands-off, letting you focus on other holiday preparations.
- Versatile and Diet-Friendly: With just 3 net carbs per serving, these dried cranberries fit perfectly into your sugar-free or keto lifestyle. Use them anywhere you'd use regular dried cranberries - in baking, salads, trail mix, or straight from the jar for a guilt-free snack!
Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries: The Perfect Homemade Holiday Staple! 🍒
Transform your holiday favorites with these homemade Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries! When the holiday season rolls around, cranberries become the star of the show - but traditional dried cranberries are loaded with sugar. Store-bought versions typically contain sugar syrups or concentrated juices that pack in unnecessary carbs (a whopping 33 grams per 1/4 cup!).
That's why I decided to create my own version with zero sugar added. These homemade dried cranberries contain just 3 grams of net carbs per 1/4 cup serving, making them perfect for anyone watching their sugar intake or following a keto lifestyle.
Would you believe it took me years to realize I could make these myself? Sometimes, I'm a little slow to catch on! But now that I've perfected this recipe, I can't believe how easy it is. Using just three simple ingredients, you can recreate this holiday essential at home.
The best part? You can make these in either your oven or dehydrator. While I've used both methods successfully, I'm sharing the oven method since it's more accessible. (If you have a dehydrator, just follow your manufacturer's instructions for drying berries - typically 125°F for 8-12 hours).
Here's my game-changing discovery: while I started out using sugar-free syrup, switching to coconut oil created that perfect chewy texture we all love! Now, these Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries are just as delicious as the sugar-loaded store versions, but without all the carbs.
Use them in everything from holiday baking to everyday treats:
- Sprinkle over your morning yogurt
- Add to sugar-free cookies and muffins
- Toss into fresh salads
- Mix into low-carb granola
- Combine with nuts for the perfect snack mix
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
🥘Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries Ingredient Notes
Here, I explain the best ingredients for my Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Fresh Cranberries: This creates the best texture and dries more quickly than frozen. Substitution: Frozen cranberries can be used but will need a longer drying time. Thaw completely first.
- Besti Monk Fruit and Allulose Powdered Sweetener: Provides sweetness without the cooling effect or grittiness. Substitution: Any powdered sugar-free sweetener works, but powdered is crucial for proper coating.
- Coconut Oil: Creates the perfect chewy texture in the finished berries. Substitution: Any neutral oil works (avocado, light olive oil), but coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
🔪How to Make Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries
I have included a few step-by-step photos to help you visualize the recipe. The recipe card below provides the full instructions, including amounts and temperatures.
In a large bowl, combine the powdered sweetener and coconut oil with the cranberries.
Gently toss to coat, being careful not to smash the berries.
Spread the cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake until the cranberries are shriveled and mostly dry.
Storing Your Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries
Storage Instructions:
- Initial Cooling:
- Allow cranberries to cool completely before storing
- Must be 100% dry to prevent mold
- Can take several hours or overnight
- Short-Term Storage:
- Store in an airtight container or mason jar
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Lasts up to 1 month
- Check occasionally for moisture
- Extended Storage:
- Use a vacuum sealer on your mason jars
- Properly sealed jars can last 3-6 months
- Store in a dark, cool place
- Check periodically for quality
Pro Tips:
- Make sure jars are completely clean and dry
- Don't store in plastic bags (can trap moisture)
- Keep away from heat and direct sunlight
- If any moisture appears in the container, re-dry the cranberries in the oven at the lowest setting
- Consider storing in smaller portions to avoid frequent opening of the main container
- Label containers with the date made
- If using the vacuum sealer method, check the seal occasionally
💭My Recipe Tips
1. Choose Your Cranberries Wisely: Fresh cranberries yield the best results. Look for firm, bright red berries with no soft spots. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry - but know they'll take longer to dry properly.
2. Perfect Pop Technique: During the hot water bath, some berries might not pop naturally. Use a toothpick or tip of a knife to gently pierce these - this ensures even drying and better sweetener absorption.
3. Gentle Coating Method: When tossing with sweetener and oil, be very gentle. Broken cranberries will release too much juice and won't dry properly. Consider using a large spoon to fold ingredients together instead of stirring.
4. Even Spacing Matters: Spread cranberries in a single layer on your baking sheet with space between them. Overcrowding leads to uneven drying and can increase drying time significantly.
5. Temperature Control: Keep your oven at exactly 225°F - too hot, and they'll cook instead of dry, too cool, and they'll take forever. An oven thermometer can be helpful as many ovens run hot or cold.
6. Perfect Timing: Check your cranberries at the 3-hour mark, but don't be surprised if they need 4 hours or more. They should be shriveled but still slightly pliable, not completely hard.
7. Cooling Patience: The final cooling step with the door propped open is crucial - it prevents condensation from forming and ensures your cranberries stay perfectly dry for storage. Don't rush this step!
FAQ about Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries
They should be shriveled and mostly dry but still slightly pliable - not rock hard. If they're crunchy, they've dried too long. Think commercial dried cranberry texture. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly more moisture than too dry.
Yes, but it must be powdered! Granulated sweeteners won't coat properly and can leave a gritty texture. Any powdered sugar-free sweetener works, though allulose-based ones tend to create the best texture.
Oven times can vary based on several factors: your specific oven, humidity levels in your area, how fresh your cranberries are, and even altitude. Use the time as a guide but rely on visual cues for doneness.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
Breakfast Additions
Transform your breakfast routine by adding these sugar-free dried cranberries to your morning yogurt parfait, keto oatmeal, or low-carb granola. They add the perfect sweet-tart pop to any breakfast bowl, especially when paired with nuts and seeds for extra crunch and protein.
Fresh & Flavorful Salads
Take your salads to the next level by sprinkling these cranberries over mixed greens, keto chicken salad, or a fresh spinach salad. The bright flavor complements both creamy dressings and light vinaigrettes while adding beautiful color and a delightful chewy texture to your plate.
Holiday Baking
For holiday cooking and baking, these dried cranberries are absolutely essential. Use them in sugar-free stuffing, holiday cookies, festive muffins, and scones. They're also perfect for creating an eye-catching cheese board or charcuterie platter during the holiday season.
Snack Time Solutions
Create delicious snack combinations by mixing these cranberries with nuts and sugar-free chocolate chips or incorporating them into homemade keto granola bars. They're perfect for meal prep, too - portion them out into snack bags or keep them ready for your weekly baking projects.
More Delicious Cranberry Recipes...
Sugar-Free Dried Cranberries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Cranberries (fresh, or frozen/thawed)
- 1/2 cup Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Powdered Sweetener
- 1 tbsp coconut oil melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and add cranberries. Set aside for 10 minutes. The cranberries will soften and pop.
- Drain the cranberries and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Add the powdered sweetener and coconut oil to the cranberries. Gently toss to coat, being careful to avoid smashing the berries.
- Spread the berries on the lined baking sheet. Using the tip of a knife or a toothpick, pop any unpopped cranberries.
- Place the baking sheet into the oven for 3-4 hours, or until the cranberries are shriveled and mostly dry. Turn off the oven and prop the door open with a wooden spoon.
- Let the cranberries sit undisturbed for several hours or overnight, until completely cool and dry.
- Store in an airtight container (I use a mason jar) in a cool dry place for up to a month.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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