Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe
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It uses only a few simple, wholesome ingredients — cranberries, orange juice and peel, a cinnamon stick, and sugar — yet yields rich, balanced flavor.
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The pressure-cooker method delivers jam-like cranberry sauce in under 30 minutes total.
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It’s versatile: serve it with turkey or chicken, use it to top pancakes or oatmeal — even fold it into yogurt, ice cream or baked goods.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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fresh or frozen cranberries
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white sugar (or substitute of choice)
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fresh orange juice
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strips of orange peel
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cinnamon stick
Directions
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Add the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, the cinnamon stick, and orange peel to the inner pot of your pressure cooker. Do not stir.
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Close and seal the lid, making sure the vent is set to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
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Once done, let the pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
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Remove the lid, discard the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Use a masher (or spoon) to mash the cranberries to your preferred consistency. Stir well.
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Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or a sprinkle of orange zest.
Servings and timing
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Makes about 12 servings
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Prep time: 1 minute
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Cook time: 4 minutes
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Natural release: 15 minutes
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Chill time: 30 minutes
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Total time: approximately 50 minutes
Variations
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Substitute white sugar with brown sugar, maple syrup, or other sweeteners to adjust sweetness or flavor.
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Swap in ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick (about ½ teaspoon) if you prefer.
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Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available — cooking time is the same.
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For an extra citrusy note, add a bit of grated orange zest at the end.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
You can also freeze it for up to 6 months; for best quality, use within 2 months when freezing plain cranberry sauce.
To serve after freezing, thaw in the fridge and stir gently — you can add a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce seems too thick.
FAQs
Why did my cranberry sauce turn out too thick?
Cranberries naturally contain pectin, which thickens the sauce as it cools. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit of water or orange juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes — frozen cranberries work just as well, and there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges for juice and peel?
You can use bottled orange juice, but you’ll lose the aromatic zest. If possible, add a little grated orange zest to make up for it.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely. Taste after cooking and cooling. If too tart, stir in additional sugar or maple syrup to taste.
Is water needed in this recipe?
No. The cranberries and orange juice release enough liquid for pressure cooking without the need for added water.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. This sauce keeps well in the fridge and can be made several days in advance, or frozen for longer storage.
Can I skip the cinnamon stick?
Yes — though you’ll miss the warm spice note. Use ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon as an alternative.
How smooth or chunky should the sauce be?
That’s entirely up to you. Mash thoroughly for a smooth consistency or leave some chunks for added texture.
Can I use this sauce for desserts or other dishes?
Definitely. It’s great with turkey and chicken, but also works well over pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, or in baked goods.
Will the sauce thicken further after cooking?
Yes — the natural pectin in cranberries causes the sauce to thicken more as it cools.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot cranberry sauce is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, made effortlessly with minimal prep and clean ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply to elevate your everyday meals, this recipe delivers rich flavor and smooth texture every time. Quick to make, easy to customize, and versatile enough for both savory and sweet dishes — this sauce is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
