Homemade Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Cranberry sauce is one of those classic dishes that everyone expects on the Thanksgiving table. It’s tart, sweet, and complements a variety of other dishes. But while it’s often seen as a side that doesn’t get much attention, it plays an essential role in the Thanksgiving spread. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or just making dinner for yourself, homemade cranberry sauce is always a winner—and with the Instant Pot, you can make it in just 4 minutes from scratch!

The Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Essential

Remember the iconic Thanksgiving episode of Friends where Monica is forced into cooking the entire Thanksgiving meal, which she never even wanted to host? And then there’s Chandler, who’s so eager to help but wants to stay away from any “high-profile” tasks like turkey or stuffing. Instead, he offers to make the cranberry sauce. Monica’s response?

Monica: “Oh, the cranberry sauce, it’s easy to make, and no one really cares about it.”

And honestly, when it comes to cranberry sauce, that’s often how I feel—easy, quick, and a total crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those dishes you don’t have to stress about. Thanks to the Instant Pot, making perfect cranberry sauce has never been simpler.

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce: The Basics

This cranberry sauce recipe can be made in a fraction of the time it would take to make it the traditional way on the stove. You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries, and the result is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced cranberry sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, or even on a breakfast pastry.

Ingredients:

• 2 (12-ounce) packages of fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 strips of orange zest (about 3 inches each)
• 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Add the cranberries, sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and cloves to your Instant Pot. Stir them all together to ensure everything is well combined.
2. Cook the cranberries: Close the lid and select the “manual” setting on your Instant Pot, adjusting the pressure to high. Set the cooking time for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 20-30 minutes. This ensures the cranberries soften and release their natural juices without the foam that can occur during quick release.
3. Finish the sauce: After the pressure has released naturally, remove the lid. Discard the cinnamon stick and orange zest strips. Using a wooden spoon, mash the cranberry mixture until you reach your desired consistency—whether you prefer your cranberry sauce chunky or smooth, it’s entirely up to you. Stir in the vanilla extract to give the sauce a nice, rich flavor.
4. Cool and serve: Let the cranberry sauce cool completely before serving. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week if you’re making it ahead of time.

That’s it! Your perfect, homemade cranberry sauce is ready in just 4 minutes of cooking time. It’s that easy.

Why You Should Make Cranberry Sauce from Scratch

You might be tempted to grab a can of cranberry sauce at the store. After all, it’s quick and convenient, right? But once you’ve tasted homemade cranberry sauce, it’s hard to go back. Making cranberry sauce from scratch gives you control over the flavor and texture. It’s fresh, tangy, and has that homemade touch that store-bought versions just can’t replicate.

Here are a few reasons why you should make cranberry sauce from scratch:

• You Control the Flavor: By making it yourself, you can adjust the sweetness and tartness to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. Prefer a more tart flavor? Reduce the sugar slightly or even add a bit more orange juice.
• Fresh Ingredients: Homemade cranberry sauce uses fresh, whole ingredients—no preservatives or artificial flavors.
• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can make cranberry sauce in just a few minutes. It’s fast and doesn’t require constant attention, leaving you with more time to focus on other dishes.
• Make Ahead: Cranberry sauce is one of those side dishes that can be made in advance, saving you time and stress on the big day.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce

While this recipe is simple, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure your cranberry sauce turns out perfect every time:

1. Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. Fresh cranberries should be plump, bright red, and firm. If you use frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them. Just toss them straight into the Instant Pot.
2. Sweeten to Taste: The balance of sweet and tart in cranberry sauce is a matter of personal preference. Some people like their cranberry sauce on the sweeter side, while others prefer a more tart flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and orange juice until it suits your taste.
3. Make Ahead: One of the great things about cranberry sauce is that it can be made in advance. It will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all season long.
4. Serve Hot or Cold: Some people like their cranberry sauce hot, while others prefer it cold. You can serve it at room temperature, slightly chilled, or warm it up before serving—whatever you like best.
5. Don’t Forget the Orange Zest and Cinnamon Stick: These ingredients add a lovely depth of flavor, but be sure to remove them before serving. The zest and cinnamon stick are there to infuse the sauce, not to be eaten!
6. Leftovers: Cranberry sauce doesn’t just go with turkey. Use leftovers in a variety of creative ways! Top pancakes, waffles, or French toast with it for a festive breakfast. You can also add it to sandwiches, use it as a filling for pastries, or mix it into desserts like cheesecakes, coffee cakes, or streusel bars.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Sauce

Do I serve cranberry sauce hot or cold?
Cranberry sauce can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature. Some people prefer it chilled, while others enjoy it warmed. It’s completely up to you, so feel free to experiment and find what you like best.

Why do we add vanilla extract at the end?
Vanilla extract is added at the end of the cooking process to preserve its delicate flavor. If you add it while cooking at high temperatures, the alcohol in the extract evaporates, taking much of the vanilla flavor with it. By adding it after the cooking is done, you allow the vanilla to shine through.

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Cranberry sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make it ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s one of the easiest Thanksgiving side dishes to prep in advance.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Cranberry sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then portion it into plastic freezer bags or containers. Be sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing. To reheat, simply thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight, and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

How can I make cranberry sauce on the stovetop?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make cranberry sauce on the stovetop. Simply combine the cranberries, sugars, orange juice, zest, cinnamon stick, and cloves in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cook for about 15-20 minutes, then mash the cranberries to your desired consistency. Stir in vanilla extract before serving.

Conclusion: A Holiday Essential

Homemade cranberry sauce is an essential part of the Thanksgiving spread, and with this Instant Pot recipe, it’s easier than ever to make. It’s quick, customizable, and can be made ahead of time, which means less stress on the big day. Whether you like it hot or cold, sweet or tart, this homemade cranberry sauce is sure to become a favorite for your holiday meals. So go ahead, try this recipe out, and enjoy the perfect cranberry sauce made from scratch!