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cranberry sorbet
cranberry sorbet
Photo by Nadi Meyer for Spoon University
Recipes

I Turned Leftover Cranberry Sauce Into Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Nadi Meyer

Thanksgiving always seems to be that time of year when everyone is cooking up a storm. Families come together from all over for that special feast and a giant turkey. It’s also the holiday that people seem to end up with the most leftovers. Now, casseroles and leftover stuffing can easily be reheated or even toasted up for a crunchy mac & cheese topping, but what about the other leftovers? What if there’s leftover cranberry sauce? Only so much of that giant can be used up. What can you do with the rest of it?

Now, I am by no means a chef, but I do have my fair share of fun in the kitchen. With this Thanksgiving leftover being so sweet, why not make cranberry sauce into ice cream? Better yet, why not make it dairy-free so even the lactose intolerant can enjoy themselves? I started researching sweet treats made with cranberry flavors and pulled inspiration from Bon Appetit’s cranberry citrus sorbet, and this recipe for almond milk ice cream from the dessert blog Chocolate Covered Katie and began experimenting. 

You don’t need an ice cream machine!

Leave Amazon alone. You don’t need an ice cream machine for this, and that’s honestly my favorite part! If you have a food processor or blender, you can pour the mixture into ice cube trays and then freeze until they’re solid. I used miscellaneous silicone molds I had around the house. Once frozen, let the ice cubes thaw for a couple of minutes and then blend it all together until smooth.

If you don’t have a blender, freeze a shallow container — the longer the better. Pour the mixture into the container. After 30 minutes, aggressively stir the mixture to break up the ice crystals as much as possible and then put it back in the freezer. Repeat this every 30 minutes for 2 hours or more depending on how the texture is progressing. 

I used the first option, but the second option really works if you’re in a pinch.

Eating this cranberry, dark chocolate ice cream makes me feel like I’m eating trü frü’s hyper-chilled treats in a delicious, creamy form. Definitely try it for yourself!

Cranberry Sauce Dairy-Free Ice Cream
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Cranberry Sauce Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Difficulty:IntermediatePrep time:1 hour 30 minutesCook time: 45 minutesTotal time:2 hours 27 minutesServings:3 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Dice up 3 cups of the jellied cranberry sauce, and put it in a pot on simmer. Cook it down until it becomes a jam-like consistency. Make sure to stir every few minutes and regularly check on it, as there is potential for the sauce to burn.
  2. Once it reaches the correct consistency, take it off the heat and let it cool down to room temperature. Sticking it in the fridge will help speed up the process.
  3. While the cranberry sauce is cooling, grab a large bowl. In the bowl, pour in 2 cups of almond milk, ⅓ cup of agave nectar, ⅜ teaspoons of salt,  and ½ cup of almond butter. Mix until well combined. For the most homogeneous consistency, using a blender is advised.
  4. If the cranberry sauce hasn’t cooled yet, stick the mixture in the fridge. If it is, pour the sauce into the mixture along with 3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips until well combined. I also recommend using a blender for this as well. 

Notes

  • Using a blender is recommended but not required.
Keywords:Almond, Almond Butter, Cranberry Sauce, Dark Chocolate, Ice Cream, Thanksgiving
Nadi Meyer

George Mason '25

Nadi Meyer is part of the National Writer program at Spoon University, where they focus on exploring the ever-evolving world of food trends. From viral TikTok drinks to unexpected brand collabs, they break down what’s buzzing in the food space and why it’s capturing attention. In addition to trend coverage, Nadi occasionally dabbles in recipe development, bringing a creative twist to flavors that catch their interest.

Before joining Spoon University, Nadi spent nearly a decade in retail, where they sharpened their communication skills and developed a natural flair for sales pitches. From bookstore and grocery aisles to department stores and even a stint in video game management, their work experience is as versatile as it is people-focused. Nadi graduated from Brightpoint Community College in August 2022 with an associate’s degree in General Studies and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Media Production and Criticism at George Mason University. They expect to graduate in late 2025. Their roots in storytelling run deep, as Nadi also played a key role in rebuilding the journalism program at Thomas Dale High School, where they graduated with an advanced diploma in 2017.

Outside of writing, Nadi can usually be found hanging out with their nine-year-old rescue dog, Tiger, who’s equal parts anxious and adorable. A proud member of the cozy gaming community, they unwind with titles like “Palworld,” “Fields of Mistria,” and “Stardew Valley.” When they’re not farming for virtual wheat or battling in the mines, Nadi enjoys flexing their creative muscles through crafting and digital design, often diving into Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s curating vibes in a game or on the page, Nadi is always chasing the perfect mix of comfort and creativity.