Low Carb Cranberry Orange Scones

Believe it or not, I have come up with these low carb cranberry orange scones that are simply irresistible and very much tasty. Packed with intense orange flavor and juicy cranberries, these scones are free from gluten, sugar, and nuts and fitting perfectly into the Keto diet, they will be a perfect treat for those who want to stick to low carbs.

Ingredients

Let’s start by gathering our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups almond flour
⅓ cup Lakanto or any low carb granular sweetener (like Swerve or erythritol)
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
1 large egg, beaten
1 tbsp orange zest (use a Microplane zester for best results)
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 oz fresh cranberries

It is imperative to point out that all of them have a significant place in the general taste and structure. Almond flour adds a taste of nuts and little sweetness with a low carbohydrate content. This guarantees that the scones have a perfect sweetness while at the same time not causing any effect in the blood sugar level. Baking powder causes them to rise and make them fluffy and the butter or coconut oil makes them rich. The egg is the key ingredient that pulls the recipe together, and the orange zest and vanilla extract make the dough oh so tasty. Last but not least the cranberries provide a nice touch of tartness and of a very distinct color.

How to make

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Turn your oven on and set it at 350°F (or 175°C on your scale). While the oven is pre heating, put a piece of a silicon baking mat or parchment paper on the baking pan. This helps to avoid sticking of the scones to the surface and at the same time it allows equal distribution of heat.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

To a large-sized bowl add almond flour, low-carb sweetener, baking powder, and salt. One should use a whisk to guarantee that all the dry particles have been incorporated well into the mixture. Experience showed that such approach helps make the scones rise and become consistent in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl whisk adding melted butter or coconut oil with orange rind, vanilla essence, and beaten egg. The orange zest should be grated into fine pieces to extract the oils that give the food the orange color as well as the fragrance. These wet ingredients when mixed together will engulf the dough with a healthy rich aroma.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, mix the wet mixture in the dry mixture properly by adding the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry mixture. Then, using a spatula mix it until the consistency of the dough is achieved. It should also point out that the dough should be stiff, fairly wet, and should not be crumbly. If it looks too dry, one can add a little more melted butter or coconut oil but seldom is this needed.

Step 5: Incorporate the Cranberries

After you have assembled your dough, mix the fresh cranberries into the mix lightly. Ensure that they are distributed well all over the dough for an even browning when the Bake is being done. The cranberries are going to be incorporated forcolour and texture and taste as they are slightly tart but blend very well with the sweetness of the orange.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Off transfer the dough onto your prepared baking pan. Taking your hands, pat the dough into a disc shape, about 1 inch thick and 6 inches in diameter wide. For an even shape, it is advisable to dust your hands with the almond flour to minimize sticking.

Step 7: Cut and Arrange

With the help of a sharp knife, divide the disc into 8 parts of equal sizes, best to be described as wedges. It’s advised to place each wedge slightly apart – about an inch apart – on the baking pan. This lets the scones rise and bake at the same time and prevents the scones to stick together as they expand.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the baking pan to your pre-heated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes depending on the scones’ color until golden brown. Watch them as baking time may differ with your oven, tomatoes 15 minutes depending on the oven then remove and set aside to cool. The scones should feel dry to the touch, it should also be bright golden in color.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

After the scones are done to golden brown, bring them out from the oven and allow to cool on the baking pan thoroughly. This is a very important step because the scones will also be quite hard as they cool, it then becomes easy to handle plus the scones will be better in texture.

Serving Suggestions

These low carb cranberry orange scones are extremely versatile and can be eaten in many ways. Here are a few serving ideas:

Breakfast Delight: It is quite ideal to have a scone taken with your cup of coffee or tea as a perfect breakfast meal.
Afternoon Snack: Have scone in the middle of the afternoon to make you less starving during the day and as a sweet course.
Dessert Option: Enjoy the scones with whipped cream or drizzle sugar-free icing on top for that perfect desert.

Storage Tips

That’s why it is recommended to store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature and consume them within the next 2-3 days. To preserve the taste for a longer time, they should be refrigerated and can last for up to a week while freezing them can make it last for up to a month. To prepare, thaw to room temperature, refrigerate, and best of all, they can be baked to crispiness in a regular household oven and microwaved as well.

Some Extra Tips for Perfect Scones

Zesting the Orange: When zesting the orange be careful only to use the outer skin with no white portion it has as it will be extremely bitter.
Cranberry Alternatives: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this type of cancer-fighting cuisine however if fresh canned cranberries are not available then dried cranberries can be used, but do watch the added sugar and carbohydrates.
Texture Adjustments: You can also add a tablespoon or two more of sweetener if you have a taste for the sweetening residing on a somewhat sweeter scone. All the recipes are 100% adjustable to your personal taste, simply use more/less of the ingredients based on your preference.
Dairy-Free Option: The use of coconut oil instead of butter is brilliant because the flavor adds a perfect undertone to the orange and cranberry taste.