Are low-sugar dried cranberries healthy?

Yes, low-sugar dried cranberries can be a great addition to your diet. They're rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C and dietary fiber. When choosing low-sugar options, you avoid unnecessary added sugars while still enjoying the tart, fruity flavor. They’re perfect in recipes like our Low-Sugar Cranberry Bars, offering a guilt-free way to indulge. Just remember to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How can I enjoy cranberries without added sugar?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are your best bet if you're looking to enjoy them without added sugar. You can incorporate them into smoothies, oatmeal, or bake them into desserts like the Low-Sugar Cranberry Bars. Their natural tartness pairs beautifully with other sweet ingredients, making them versatile in many recipes. If you find the tartness a bit overwhelming, try balancing it with naturally sweet fruits like apples or oranges.

Do cranberries help lower blood sugar?

While cranberries themselves don't directly lower blood sugar, they are low in calories and have a minimal impact on blood glucose levels. This makes them a good choice for those watching their sugar intake. The antioxidants in cranberries can support overall health, which indirectly benefits blood sugar control. However, it's important to integrate them as part of a comprehensive diet strategy for managing blood sugar.

Are there sugar-free dried cranberries available?

Yes, there are sugar-free dried cranberries available on the market. These are typically sweetened with natural, low-calorie alternatives like stevia or erythritol. They offer the same tart flavor without the extra sugars, making them perfect for recipes like our Low-Sugar Cranberry Bars. Always check the labels to ensure you're selecting a truly sugar-free product that fits your dietary needs.

Delicious Low-Sugar Cranberry Bars Recipe

Name: Low-Sugar Cranberry Bars: Guilt-Free Sweetness in Every Bite
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2/3 cup Swerve Brown; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp fresh grated ginger; 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste; 2 cups almond flour; 1 tbsp grassfed agar-agar powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup sugar-free white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup sugar-free dried cranberries, chopped; Frosting; 6 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener; 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste; 2 1/2 tbsp almond milk, room temperature; Garnish and Drizzle; 2 tbsp sugar-free dried cranberries, chopped; 3 tbsp sugar-free white chocolate chips; 1/2 tsp coconut oil

Description

This copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe is as good as the Starbucks version. Healthy and keto-friendly, these low-carb bars will satisfy all your holiday cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup Swerve Brown

1 large egg, room temperature

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

2 cups almond flour

1 tbsp grassfed agar-agar powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup sugar-free white chocolate chips

1/4 cup sugar-free dried cranberries, chopped

Frosting

6 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

2 1/2 tbsp almond milk, room temperature

Garnish and Drizzle

2 tbsp sugar-free dried cranberries, chopped

3 tbsp sugar-free white chocolate chips

1/2 tsp coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter with Swerve Brown until well combined. Add egg, ginger, and vanilla bean paste; mix well.

3. Add almond flour, agar-agar powder, baking soda, and salt; mix into dough. Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips.

4. Spread batter in prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cool completely.

5. For frosting, beat cream cheese with powdered Swerve Sweetener until smooth. Add vanilla and almond milk; beat until creamy.

6. Spread frosting over cooled bars.

7. Sprinkle with cranberries. Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil; drizzle over bars. Let set for 20 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Substitute granulated Swerve if preferred.

Fresh ginger can be replaced with 1 tsp ground ginger.

Prep Time: 25
Cook Time: 20
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 206 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 110 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5.9 g
Fiber: 3.3 g
Protein: 4.5 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg