Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones – Surprisingly Indulgent, Guilt-Free & Bakery-Worthy

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By Gianna Poulef

Cranberry Orange Scones

Thank you for being here, friend . I’m genuinely excited to share these Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones with you, because they’re proof that smart baking can still feel like a treat. These scones are tender, lightly sweet, bursting with bright citrus flavor, and dotted with tart cranberries—without the sugar spike of traditional bakery scones.

This is the kind of recipe I reach for when I want something comforting with my morning coffee but still aligned with balanced eating. Whether you’re managing blood sugar, baking for a loved one, or just trying to cut back on refined sugar, these scones deliver that cozy bakery magic—minus the guilt. And if nourishing bakes like this are your thing, be sure to subscribe by email so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Overview of Recipe Content

These cranberry orange scones are made with almond flour, a touch of oat flour, and a diabetic-friendly sweetener. They’re lightly sweet, rich with orange zest, and perfectly crumbly—just like a classic scone should be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Diabetic-friendly & low added sugar
  • Naturally gluten-free option
  • Bright cranberry-orange flavor
  • Soft inside with lightly crisp edges
  • Perfect for breakfast or snacks

What They Taste Like

Tender and buttery with fresh orange aroma, gentle sweetness, and pops of tart cranberry in every bite. They taste indulgent, not “diet” at all.

Health & Lifestyle Notes

These scones are sweetened with a sugar-free alternative and made with lower-carb flours to help reduce blood sugar spikes. Always consult personal dietary needs, but this recipe is designed with balance in mind.

Ingredients (Makes About 8 Scones)

This Now, Make It Later!

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 1/3 cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Substitutions & Additions

  • Use coconut oil instead of butter
  • Swap cranberries for blueberries
  • Add chopped nuts for texture
  • Drizzle with sugar-free orange glaze
  • Use dairy-free milk of choice

How to Make Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add cold butter cubes and cut in using a fork or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk egg, almond milk, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Gently fold in cranberries until a soft dough forms.

Step 6: Shape & Bake

Shape dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges. Bake for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Scones

  • Unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • Scrambled eggs or omelet
  • Herbal tea or black coffee
  • Sugar-free orange glaze

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Tips for Making Them Perfect

  • Use cold butter for best texture
  • Don’t overmix the dough
  • Chop cranberries small for even bites
  • Bake until just golden
  • Let rest before eating

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: 1 day, covered
  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Freeze baked scones up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Warm gently in oven or microwave

General Information

Cranberry-orange is a classic American bakery pairing, especially popular in winter months. This diabetic-friendly version keeps all the bright flavor while using smarter ingredient choices to support balanced blood sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these completely sugar-free?
They’re made with sugar-free sweeteners but contain natural sugars from cranberries.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use dried cranberries?
Use sugar-free dried cranberries if needed.

Are these keto?
They are low-carb but not strict keto due to oat flour.

Can I add a glaze?
A sugar-free orange glaze works beautifully.

Conclusion

These Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones are everything a good scone should be—tender, fragrant, and satisfying—without the sugar overload. They’re a reminder that thoughtful baking can still feel indulgent, comforting, and joyful.

Interactive Elements

If you bake these scones, leave a review to help others find them.
Share your scone photos on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Scone – Approximate)

NutrientAmount
Calories180
Fat14g
Saturated Fat6g
Carbohydrates12g
Sugar3g
Fiber4g
Protein6g
Sodium160mg
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Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones – Surprisingly Indulgent, Guilt-Free & Bakery-Worthy


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones 1x

Description

These diabetic-friendly cranberry orange scones are tender, lightly sweet, and full of bright citrus flavor with balanced ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups almond flour

1/2 cup oat flour

1/3 cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg

1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

Zest of 1 orange

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped cranberries


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet.

2. Whisk dry ingredients together.

3. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.

4. Mix egg, milk, orange zest, juice, and vanilla.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

6. Fold in cranberries.

7. Shape dough, cut into wedges, and bake 18–22 minutes.

Notes

Use cold butter for flaky texture.

Do not overmix dough.

Sugar-free glaze optional.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Orange Scones – Surprisingly Indulgent, Guilt-Free & Bakery-Worthy
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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