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Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: September 10, 2021

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Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce — Get ready to elevate your holiday table with the perfect blend of tart and sweet in this Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe.

Whether you’re serving it with turkey, ham, or as a delightful topping for desserts, this homemade cranberry sauce will be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in your Instant Pot, freeing up stove space for all your other holiday dishes. Let’s dive into the world of vibrant cranberries and aromatic spices to create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

The Best Recipe For Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Prepare to elevate your holiday feast with the best-ever Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. This recipe combines cranberries’ vibrant, tangy flavor with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a delightful sauce that’s the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, making this cranberry sauce a breeze to prepare, giving you more time to focus on other festive dishes.

What makes this cranberry sauce truly special is the harmonious blend of ingredients. Fresh cranberries provide a burst of tartness, while orange juice and zest add citrusy brightness. A touch of brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon bring warmth and sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully. Whether you serve it as a side dish or drizzle it over your holiday desserts, this Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce is bound to become a seasonal favorite.

If you want some other easy and delicious Instant Pot Recipes, some of my favorite recipes are INSTANT POT BBQ RIBS, INSTANT POT HOT DOGS, INSTANT POT SALSA CHICKEN, and INSTANT POT BEEF STEW.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Prepare to fall in love with this delicious Cranberry Sauce recipe for several fantastic reasons:

Quick and Effortless: Thanks to the Instant Pot’s efficiency, making cranberry sauce has never been faster or easier. The pressure cooker method significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional stovetop recipes. This is truly an easy recipe for the best cranberry sauce.
Flavorful Harmony: This recipe perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries and the sweetness of brown sugar and orange juice. A subtle hint of cinnamon adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful symphony of tastes. It is so much better than canned stuff served at Thanksgiving dinner.
Versatility: This cranberry sauce isn’t just for turkey. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Serve it with poultry, ham, roast pork, or even use it as a topping for cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or yogurt. It’s a festive addition to your holiday table and beyond.
Make Ahead: This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, freeing up valuable cooking time on the day of your holiday meal. It’s a lifesaver for busy hosts.
Homemade Goodness: When you make cranberry sauce from scratch, you can control the ingredients and skip the preservatives and additives found in store-bought versions. Plus, the aroma of simmering cranberries and spices will fill your kitchen with a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Impressively Delicious: Your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills when they taste this homemade cranberry sauce. It’s a simple yet impactful addition to your holiday feast that can make all the difference.

Get ready to savor the delightful combination of flavors in this Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce, and watch it become a beloved holiday tradition in your home.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Before you embark on the journey of creating the perfect Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce, let’s gather the essential ingredients that will transform simple cranberries into a delectable sauce bursting with flavor.

This list includes the simple ingredients that will harmonize to deliver that sweet-tart goodness you crave during the holiday season and beyond.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Fresh Whole Cranberries: These vibrant red gems are the star of the show, providing the delightful tartness that makes cranberry sauce so distinctive.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a citrusy brightness to the sauce, complementing the cranberries and enhancing their natural flavor.
Orange Zest: The zest from the orange’s peel adds a burst of aromatic citrus essence, enriching the sauce with a layer of complexity.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings sweetness to the sauce, creating a harmonious contrast to the cranberries’ tartness and infusing it with a warm, caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon: A dash of ground cinnamon adds a hint of spice and warmth, elevating the sauce’s overall flavor profile and making it cozy and inviting.
Water: Water is essential to provide the necessary liquid for pressure cooking in the Instant Pot, ensuring the cranberries soften and release their juices effectively.

These carefully selected ingredients come together to create a cranberry sauce that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a delightful addition to your holiday table.

How To Make Cranberry Sauce In Instant Pot

Get ready to make the most delicious Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce effortlessly with these simple steps:

Rinse the Cranberries: Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water and draining them in a colander. Remove any stems or debris.

Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and water. Stir everything together to ensure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.
Seal and Set: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set it to high pressure, with a cook time of 1 minute. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure.

Cook Under Pressure: Once the Instant Pot reaches high pressure, it will cook the cranberry sauce for 1 minute. After this, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Do not do a quick release, for this recipe.
Thicken the Sauce: Open the Instant Pot lid, and you’ll notice that the cranberry sauce is a bit liquidy at this stage. Turn on the Saute function and cook the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. This will help thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
Cool and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, turn off the Instant Pot and allow the cranberry sauce to cool in the pot for a few minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Then, transfer it to a serving dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Serve: Your homemade Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce is now ready to accompany your holiday turkey, ham, or favorite desserts.

This recipe yields a luscious cranberry sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, thanks to the natural zing of cranberries and the citrusy brightness of orange. It’s a delightful addition to any festive meal or gathering.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few recipe variations and flavor twists you can try for your Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce:

Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add warming spices like cloves, nutmeg, and allspice for a cozy, spiced cranberry sauce. Start with a pinch of each spice and adjust to your taste.
Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Incorporate diced apples for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. Use half the amount of sugar since the apples will contribute natural sweetness.
Ginger-Infused Cranberry Sauce: Grate fresh ginger into the sauce for a zesty kick. Start with about a teaspoon of grated ginger and adjust according to your preference.
Cranberry Orange Sauce: Combine a zest of an orange, orange juice, and grated ginger for a vibrant, citrusy, and slightly spicy cranberry sauce.
Cranberry-Pomegranate Sauce: Mix in pomegranate juice and seeds for a delightful twist. Reduce the sugar slightly as pomegranate juice is naturally sweet.
Cranberry-Cherry Sauce: Add dried or fresh cherries for a unique blend of tart and sweet flavors. Adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the cherries.
Cranberry-Jalapeño Sauce: For a spicy kick, dice a jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat) and cook it with the cranberries. The combination of sweet and spicy is fantastic.
Cranberry-Maple Syrup Sauce: Swap some of the sugar for pure maple syrup to infuse a rich, earthy sweetness into the sauce.
Cranberry-Vanilla Sauce: Add a splash of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a warm and aromatic twist on traditional cranberry sauce.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to create a cranberry sauce that suits your taste and complements your holiday dishes perfectly. Enjoy the creative process, and don’t be afraid to combine multiple flavors for a truly unique sauce!

Pro Tips Fresh Cranberry Sauce?

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce turns out perfect:

Use Fresh Cranberries: While you can use frozen cranberries, fresh cranberries typically yield a better texture and flavor for your sauce.
Rinse and Drain: Always rinse the cranberries and drain them thoroughly before using them in your recipe. This helps remove any debris and ensures cleanliness.
Adjust Sugar to Taste: Taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust the sugar to your preference. Some like it sweeter, while others prefer it more tart. Add sugar gradually and taste along the way.
Don’t Skip the Citrus: The addition of orange juice and zest not only adds flavor but also helps balance the tartness of the cranberries. Don’t omit this step!
Add Spices Thoughtfully: When using spices like cinnamon or cloves, start with a small amount and add more if needed. These spices can quickly become overpowering if you’re not careful.
Thicken as Desired: If your sauce is too thin after pressure cooking, you can easily thicken it on the “Sauté” function. Be patient and stir frequently to avoid scorching.
Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to do a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes after the cooking cycle. This helps prevent splatters when you open the valve.
Cool for Thicker Consistency: The cranberry sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny when you first finish cooking it.
Storage: Cranberry sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for your holiday meal.
Customize: Feel free to customize your cranberry sauce with additional ingredients like apples, ginger, or spices to create a unique flavor profile.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and customized Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce that perfectly suits your taste and complements your holiday spread. Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce!

Faq’s

an I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries to make cranberry sauce. Just be sure to thaw them before using, and note that the texture and cooking time may be slightly different.

How do I make cranberry sauce less tart? To make cranberry sauce less tart, you can add more sugar or sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, instead of white sugar.. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking gradually.

Can I make cranberry sauce in advance? Yes, cranberry sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let the pressure cooker cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, and before story. It actually tends to taste better after it has had time to chill and allow the flavors to meld together.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce? Yes, you can freeze cranberry sauce for longer storage. Ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

How can I fix cranberry sauce if it’s too runny? If your cranberry sauce is too runny, you can return it to the Instant Pot and use the “Sauté” function to simmer it, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I make cranberry sauce without sugar? Yes, you can make cranberry sauce without sugar by using alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Adjust the amount to taste.

What can I do with leftover cranberry sauce? Leftover cranberry sauce can be used in various ways. It’s great as a condiment for turkey, ham, or sandwiches. You can also swirl it into yogurt, oatmeal, or use it as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.

Can I add other ingredients to my cranberry sauce? Absolutely! You can get creative and add ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or even a splash of liquor like orange liqueur or bourbon for extra flavor.

Do I need to use an Instant Pot to make cranberry sauce? No, cranberry sauce can be made on the stovetop as well. Using an Instant Pot is convenient and faster, but you can achieve similar results by simmering the ingredients on the stovetop until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

Is cranberry sauce gluten-free and vegan? Cranberry sauce is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey and ensuring all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

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