Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce: Your Go-To Recipe for Effortless Holiday Flavor
This naturally sweetened Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe is designed to make your holiday meal preparation incredibly simple and stress-free! Using either fresh or frozen cranberries along with a few carefully selected simple ingredients, you can create the most perfect, vibrant, and flavorful sauce imaginable for your Thanksgiving Turkey, Christmas feast, or any festive occasion. Say goodbye to the canned variety and welcome a homemade tradition that’s both delicious and easy to make!
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The Delight of Homemade Cranberry Sauce
While many holiday tables feature a variety of delicious dishes, for me, cranberry sauce has always been a standout. It’s more than just a condiment; it’s a vibrant burst of tart and sweet that perfectly complements savory holiday roasts. Growing up, my mom’s homemade cranberry sauce was a highly anticipated part of our Thanksgiving spread, holding a cherished spot right alongside classics like creamy mashed potatoes and rich sweet potato casserole.
The beauty of homemade cranberry sauce lies in its freshness and the ability to control the ingredients. Unlike the gelatinous, overly sweet canned varieties, a homemade version offers a dynamic texture with whole or lightly crushed berries and a balanced flavor profile. For those embracing a clean eating lifestyle or following specific meal plans like the 21 Day Fix, customizing the sweetness level is a huge advantage. That’s why I opted to replace traditional refined sugar with natural maple syrup, which not only provides sweetness but also a wonderful depth of flavor. And because the pairing of orange and cranberry is simply divine, fresh orange juice and zest were essential additions to elevate this recipe.
Why the Instant Pot is Your Holiday Hero
Making cranberry sauce on the stovetop is straightforward, but during the hectic holiday season, every inch of stovetop space and every spare minute counts. This is where the Instant Pot truly shines. It transforms what could be a semi-hands-on task into an almost entirely hands-off experience, freeing you up to focus on other critical components of your festive meal.
The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function ensures consistent results every time, quickly breaking down the cranberries to release their vibrant color and flavor. You don’t need to stand over a pot, stirring and monitoring, which is a major win when juggling multiple dishes. Just load the ingredients, set it, and forget it until the natural release is done. This means you can have perfectly cooked, deeply flavored cranberry sauce without any fuss, making your holiday prep smoother and much more enjoyable. Once I tried this Instant Pot method, I was completely sold on its efficiency and the superb outcome!
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
If you’ve been relying on store-bought canned cranberry sauce, this is the year to embark on a culinary adventure and craft your own homemade version. The difference in taste, texture, and overall freshness is truly incomparable. Once you experience the vibrant flavors of this simple recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce so special:
- Cranberries: The star of the show! You have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. If using fresh, give them a quick rinse. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they can go straight into the Instant Pot, which is a fantastic time-saver. Both options yield delicious results. Look for plump, firm berries for the best flavor.
- Cinnamon: This is an optional but highly recommended ingredient. A dash of ground cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice and depth of flavor that beautifully complements the tart cranberries and sweet orange. It evokes that cozy, autumnal feel, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Orange Juice: For unparalleled freshness and natural sweetness, freshly squeezed orange juice is definitely preferred. It contributes a bright, zesty note that perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries without the need for artificial additives or excessive sugar. If fresh isn’t an option, a good quality 100% orange juice with no added sugar will also work.
- Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest from one orange provides an intense burst of citrus essential oils, amplifying the orange flavor in a way that juice alone cannot. It adds a lovely aromatic quality to the sauce. It’s also a perfect way to use up the orange after squeezing its juice. Be sure to zest only the bright orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Maple Syrup: This is our natural sweetener of choice, moving away from refined sugars. Pure maple syrup not only imparts a delightful, earthy sweetness but also contributes to the sauce’s desirable consistency. Its slightly thicker nature helps to give the cranberry sauce a good body without making it overly runny, ensuring it holds its shape beautifully on your plate. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal preference for sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
The Instant Pot truly revolutionizes the way you can prepare holiday side dishes, making tasks like whipping up a batch of homemade cranberry sauce incredibly simple and fast. Seriously, what’s a festive turkey or ham without that perfect dollop of tangy, sweet cranberry sauce?
- Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding all your essential ingredients – the cranberries (fresh or frozen), fragrant orange zest, a hint of cinnamon (if using), and vibrant orange juice – directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. After these are in place, gently pour the maple syrup over the berries. It’s crucial at this stage not to stir the mixture. Allowing the syrup to sit on top helps in preventing a “burn” notice and ensures even cooking.
- Seal and Set: Securely close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Then, turn the steam release knob to the “Sealing” position. This is vital for the pressure cooking process to build correctly.
- Pressure Cook: Select the “Pressure Cook” button (or “Manual” on older models) and use the +/- buttons to adjust the cooking time to just 2 minutes on High pressure. While 2 minutes might seem incredibly short, the Instant Pot’s ability to reach high temperatures quickly, combined with the natural acids in the cranberries, is all that’s needed to achieve that perfect burst of berries. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to naturally release for a full ten minutes. This natural release (NPR) is important as it prevents the sauce from splattering and further helps the cranberries to soften and meld their flavors.
- Finish and Sweeten: After the 10-minute natural release, carefully move the steam release knob to the “Venting” position to manually release any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid. Give the cranberry sauce a very good stir. At this point, the cranberries should have burst, and the sauce will begin to thicken. Taste the sauce, and if you prefer it sweeter, add more maple syrup, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Chill and Thicken: Transfer the warm cranberry sauce into a beautiful serving dish or a container for storage. As it cools, the sauce will naturally thicken, achieving that ideal consistency that’s both scoopable and spreadable.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled to your liking, serve this magnificent homemade cranberry sauce alongside your favorite holiday roasts, poultry, or any dish that could use a sweet-tart kick. Enjoy the compliments!
Storage Tips: How Long Will This Cranberry Sauce Stay Fresh?
One of the many advantages of this Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce is its excellent make-ahead potential. Once prepared, any leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Since this dish is often served chilled, making it a few days in advance is a fantastic way to streamline your holiday cooking schedule and free up your Instant Pot for other delicious dishes, such as Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes! For longer storage, this cranberry sauce freezes beautifully. I highly recommend using silicone freezer trays (like Souper Cubes) to portion it out, which makes it incredibly convenient to thaw just the amount you need. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Scaling Up: Can This Recipe Be Doubled For Larger Crowds?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and can easily be doubled or even tripled to accommodate larger gatherings or to simply ensure you have plenty of delicious cranberry sauce on hand. When doubling the recipe, simply multiply all the ingredients by two. The best part? The cooking method and pressure cooking time in the Instant Pot remain exactly the same – 2 minutes on High pressure with a 10-minute natural release. Just ensure your Instant Pot is large enough to comfortably hold the increased volume of ingredients without exceeding its max fill line. Simple, effective, and perfect for a crowd!
Creative Uses: What Else Can I Make With This Cranberry Sauce?
Don’t let leftover cranberry sauce go to waste! While it’s undeniably perfect with turkey, its versatile sweet-tart flavor means it can be enjoyed in countless other ways long after the holiday feast. If the turkey is all gobbled up, here are some delightful ideas to make the most of your homemade cranberry sauce:
- Dessert Topping: Spoon it over vanilla ice cream, cheesecakes, or even chocolate chia pudding for an elevated treat.
- Breakfast Delights: Swirl it into your morning yogurt, top your Instant Pot steel-cut oats, or spread it generously on toast, pancakes, or waffles for a seasonal twist. It’s also fantastic in smoothie bowls.
- Savory Pairings: Use it as a glaze for pork chops or chicken, or mix it into marinades. A dollop on a cheese board with creamy brie or sharp cheddar is also divine.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Elevate your everyday sandwiches or wraps by adding a layer of cranberry sauce for a burst of flavor. It pairs particularly well with turkey or chicken.
- Baked Goods: Incorporate it into muffins, scones, or quick bread for a festive flavor. You can even use it as a filling for tarts or thumbprint cookies.
- Cocktails & Mocktails: A spoonful can add a lovely festive touch and flavor to sparkling water, champagne, or your favorite holiday cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Can I use different sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can! While maple syrup provides a lovely flavor and good consistency, you can substitute it with other natural sweeteners. Honey is a great alternative, but note it has a slightly different flavor profile. If you prefer a granulated sweetener, coconut sugar or a reduced amount of brown sugar can also work, though you might need to adjust the liquid slightly or stir more vigorously to dissolve. Always taste and adjust to your preference!
How do I know if the cranberry sauce is done cooking?
After the 2 minutes of pressure cooking and the natural release, your cranberries should have burst open, indicating they are fully cooked. The sauce will appear quite liquid when hot, but remember it thickens considerably as it cools. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it on the “Sauté” setting for a few extra minutes after pressure cooking, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this cranberry sauce without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! The Instant Pot simply offers a hands-off, quicker method. To make it on the stovetop, combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. The flavors will be just as delicious!
Is this cranberry sauce healthy?
Compared to many store-bought versions that are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, this homemade Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce is a healthier choice. By using natural maple syrup and fresh fruit, you’re controlling the sugar content and ensuring you’re consuming wholesome ingredients. Cranberries themselves are packed with antioxidants, making this a nutritious addition to your meal.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Make Your Holidays Easier:
The Instant Pot is a true game-changer for holiday cooking, helping you save time and stovetop space. If you loved how easy this cranberry sauce was, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic Instant Pot recipes that will make your festive season even more enjoyable:
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Potatoes
- Instant Pot Apple Crisp [Gluten & Dairy Free]
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes [Dairy Free]
- Instant Pot Baked Brie
- Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe Card
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 1/3 cup orange juice fresh squeezed is best
- Zest from one orange
- 1/3 -1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
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Add cranberries, zest, cinnamon, and juice to your Instant Pot. Then pour maple syrup over the berries, but do not stir.
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Close the lid and set steam release knob to sealing position.
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Press the Pressure Cook (or Manual) button or dial, and +/- to select 2 minutes (High pressure). When cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure naturally release for ten minutes.
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Manually release remaining pressure/steam, then open and stir sauce very well. Taste, and if you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup, 1 Tbsp at a time, stirring well.
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Transfer to a serving dish and chill. It will thicken as it cools.
Notes
WW link for personal points: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce (calculated with approx. 12 servings)
Nutrition