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    Home » Blog » Sides

    Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    Published: Nov 8, 2020 · Modified: Nov 7, 2021 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    This easy Instant Pot cranberry sauce is exactly what you need to add that finishing touch to your tablescape and add a delicious side dish everyone will love.

    Overhead shot of easy pressure cooker cranberry sauce in white bowl

    The past few years I have been responsible for hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas for my family. I am ALL FOR simple, quick recipes.

    The Instant Pot has been a lifesaver for me. It cooks in minutes but the food always turns out amazing. Dump it and forget it is my style, and this cranberry sauce is that easy.

    Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and it pairs well with this delicious main dish.

    Ingredients

    You will love how quick and simple this Instant Pot cranberry sauce recipe is! In fact, once you try it I think you’ll agree this might be the best cranberry sauce recipe out there.

    This easy cranberry sauce recipe only requires five ingredients:

    • Cranberries
    • Water
    • Sugar
    • Oranges
    • Cinnamon

    See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.

    Instructions

    This is one of the easiest cranberry sauce recipes you’ll ever find. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll have a delicious, sweet, and tangy cranberry sauce that everyone loves.

    Step 1: Prep

    Slice your navel orange and measure out your other ingredients.

    Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot

    Add ½ cup of water, cranberries, ½ cup of sugar, three or four orange slices, and the cinnamon stick to the pressure cooker and close the lid.

    Step 3: Pressure Cook the Mixture

    Turn the valve and seal and set to high pressure for one minute. Allow the pot to naturally release for five minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

    Step 4: Cook Down the Cranberry Sauce

    When the pressure has been released, remove the lid, then remove the orange slices and cinnamon stick and set the Instant Pot to “Saute” mode. Add the remaining sugar and bring to a boil for about two minutes stirring consistently.

    Hint: The natural release of pressure help the sauce continue to cook. Don’t skip that step.

    Overehead shot of easy pressure cooker cranberry sauce in bowl topped with orange peel

    Substitutions

    Don’t have the correct ingredients on hand, or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this Instant Pot cranberry sauce.

    • Orange Juice – If you don’t have an orange, simply add a splash of orange juice, instead.
    • Ground Cinnamon – If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, use ground cinnamon in their place.

    Variations

    Want to personalize this easy Instant Pot cranberry sauce? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

    • Jalapenos – Spice up this sauce by adding one to three seeded and diced jalapenos.
    • Chilis – Add chilis to this sauce to kick up the flavor and the heat.
    • Pie Spice – Add allspice, ginger, and cloves.
    • Bourbon – Add ¼ cup of bourbon to the recipe for a flavor kick.
    • Grand Marnier – Add ¼ cup of Grand Marnier for an extra kick of orange.
    • More Cranberries – For a whole berry sauce, simply add an additional half cup of cranberries when you add the second portion of sugar.
    • No Orange or Cinnamon – If you don’t like the flavor or don’t have them on hand, simply leave them out.
    • Orange Zest – For an extra kick of orange flavor, add one or two teaspoons of orange zest at the end.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this cranberry applesauce.

    Equipment

    It takes next to nothing to make this delicious, easy recipe. You’ll need less than a handful of common kitchen items.

    • Measuring cups
    • Knife
    • Cutting board
    • Wooden or plastic spoon
    • Instant Pot

    Storage

    You can store this cranberry sauce in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to six months.

    Tips

    This is one easy recipe. It only takes a few ingredients and a few minutes to cook. That being said, there are a few things to remember to help make the best cranberry sauce possible.

    • Don’t skip the depressurization after cooking the cranberry sauce. That extra five minutes gives the perfect texture.
    • Adjust how thick your cranberry sauce is by boiling it more or less at the end.

    More Instant Pot Recipes

    Do you love cooking with an Instant Pot? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Instant Pot Meatloaf
    • Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
    • Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
    Bowl of easy Instant Pot cranberry sauce with oranges in background

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about this easy Instant Pot cranberry sauce? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about easy Instant Pot cranberry sauce.

    How long will it last?
    This cranberry sauce will last for up to two week in the refrigerator or up to six months in the freezer.

    How do I freeze it?
    To freeze this cranberry sauce, allow it to chill completely in the refrigerator. Then, transfer it to an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

    How do I reheat it?
    To reheat this sauce, simply empty the contents into a saucepan and heat until bubbly on medium-low.

    What else can I do with this cranberry sauce?
    You can do all kinds of things with it. Use it as a jam on bread or pancakes, top cake or ice cream with it, add it to tarts or pies, or use it as a glaze.

    Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Video

    Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Overhead shot of easy Instant Pot cranberry sauce topped with orange wedge and cranberries

    Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    This tangy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce, with a hint of orange and cinnamon, is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday table. Quick & easy!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bag (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries
    • ½ Cup water
    • 1 Cup granulated sugar, divided
    • 1 Navel orange sliced
    • 1 Cinnamon stick

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse and drain the cranberries, then add them to the instant pot.
    • Cut the orange into slices about ¼ inch thick.
    • Add the ½ cup of water, cranberries, ½ cup of sugar, 3-4 orange slices and the cinnamon stick to the pot.
    • Close the lid, turn the valve to seal and set to high pressure for 1 minute.
    • When the timer has completed allow the pot to naturally release for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to release the remaining pressure.
    • When the pressure has been released, remove the lid, remove the orange slices and cinnamon stick, press cancel and then press sauté (normal).
    • Add the remaining sugar, if you like your cranberries less sweet only add ¼ cup.
    • While stirring, bring the cranberries to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, being sure to keep stirring so they don’t burn, then press cancel and remove the inner liner from the pot.
    • The cranberries should have thickened up and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
    • You can allow the sauce to cool in the pot or move to a bowl or storage container. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
    Keyword cranberry sauce, fresh, homemade, instant pot, whole berry
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
     
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    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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