Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a quick and hassle-free recipe, perfect for the holiday season.

With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in minutes using the Instant Pot. And making your own cranberry sauce is way better than the canned stuff.

Why I Love this Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Quick and Easy: Skip the can of cranberry sauce and make your own because it's so super quick and easy!

Few Ingredients: With a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful sauce that's perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Perfect Complement: The Instant Pot hot cranberry sauce is the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving meal. A must have for your holiday table.

Enhanced Flavor: Pressure cooking intensifies the natural tartness of the cranberries and blends it beautifully with the sweetness of sugar.

Make-Ahead Convenience: This whole cranberry sauce can be made days ahead of a big event and stored in the fridge.

Versatility: This whole-berry sauce can be mixed into oatmeal, or served with desserts. And it's great on leftover turkey sandwiches!

Homemade is Best: So replace that can of whole berry cranberry sauce! The homemade version is one of my favorite holiday recipes!

Ingredient Notes

• Cranberries - Fresh or Frozen Whole Berries: You can use either fresh or frozen whole cranberries in this recipe. Both work great, though fresh cranberries will give a slightly firmer texture. Make sure to rinse and pick over them to remove any soft or damaged berries.

• Orange Juice (Pulp-Free) - Using pulp-free fresh orange juice ensures a smoother texture in the finished sauce.

• Orange Zest for Extra Flavor: For even more orange flavor, consider adding the zest of an orange along with the juice. The zest intensifies the citrusy taste without adding extra liquid.

• Sugar - Granulated Sugar: Using regular granulated sugar will give you a classic, clean sweetness that blends well with the tart cranberries and citrus. You can substitute brown sugar if that's what you have on hand.

• Maple Syrup - Dark or Grade A maple syrup is ideal for this recipe because it has a stronger, more pronounced flavor than lighter grades. This allows it to hold its own against the tartness of the cranberries.

How to make Fresh Homemade Cranberry Sauce

1) Prepare the cranberries by washing them, pat dry. In a small bowl mix together the maple syrup and orange juice.

2) Pour the mixture into the instant pot. Add orange zest. Add cranberries, sugar and salt into the instant pot.

3) Close lid and seal the vent to closed. Set at High Pressure for 2 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes.

4) Open the vent and release remaining pressure. Stir the cranberries, scraping the sides also.

5) Lightly mash the cranberries down with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce sit for at least 15 minutes to thicken up. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve immediately. Garnish with orange zest.

Quick Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both work well in the Instant Pot, but fresh cranberries will give a slightly firmer texture.

• Adjust Sweetness: Start with the recommended amount of sugar, but taste and adjust after cooking. Cranberries are naturally tart, so feel free to add a little more sugar or honey if needed.

• Don’t Skip the Orange Zest: A little orange zest adds a citrusy flavor that balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.

• Add Warm Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a cozy flavor of the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adjust the sweetness of this fresh cranberry sauce? Start with the recipe's suggested amount and, if needed, add more sugar or maple syrup after pressure cooking.

How long does this easy cranberry sauce recipe last? Cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I make this homemade cranberry sauce recipe ahead of time? Yes! Homemade sauce can be made several days in advance. It's the perfect side dish for a stress-free holiday

Can I use alternative sweeteners in this easy recipe? Yes, you can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even agave.

Can I double this easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe? You can easily double the recipe, depending on the size of your Instant Pot.

How do I store leftover cranberry sauce? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

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