This Instant Pot cranberry sauce is proof that holiday sides don’t have to be stressful. Cranberry sauce doesn’t have to be that jiggly canned stuff. With the Instant Pot, you can make it fresh in minutes, and the flavor is on another level, bright, tart, and just sweet enough. I’ve tested this recipe so it comes out perfectly thick and glossy every time, and it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you ever reached for store-bought.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
- Cranberries: You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. If using frozen you don’t have to defrost them, but I recommend rinsing off any ice crystals if present.
- Honey
- Orange Juice
- Cinnamon
- Sugar or Sweetener
How to Make Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep the cranberries. Rinse your fresh or frozen cranberries. If you’re using frozen, no need to thaw, just rinse off any ice crystals.
- Add everything to the Instant Pot. Pour the cranberries into the pot, then add the orange juice, honey, sugar (or sweetener), and the cinnamon. Give it a quick stir so everything is coated.
- Pressure cook. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing. The pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure before the timer starts.
- Natural release. Once the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release the rest.
- Stir. Open the lid and give everything a stir. The cranberries will have burst, creating a thick sauce. If you like it smoother, mash with a spoon or potato masher until it’s the consistency you want.
- Taste and adjust. Give it a quick taste. Add a little more honey or sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or leave it tart and tangy.
- Chill and serve. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool, it will thicken as it sets. Serve warm or chilled alongside your holiday favorites.
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Instant Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz cranberries
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 1 cup pure squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar Start with 1 teaspoon and taste repeatedly until desired taste is met.
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot.
- Place the Instant Pot on Manual > High Pressure Cooking for 8 minutes.
- Allow the steam to release naturally instead of quick release.
- Spoon the sauce into a bowl. Refrigerate prior to serving if you prefer your sauce to be cold. The sauce will thicken as it cools off.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Recipe Pro Tips
This is the perfect dish to make ahead because properly stored it will last in the fridge for 7 days.
Using granulated sweetener helps with thickening cranberry sauce (it is used in this recipe). The sauce will also thicken after it’s refrigerated and chilled properly. If you are still struggling: In a small bowl, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the runny cranberry sauce while stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken. Continue to stir.
Yes, allow the sauce to fully cool prior to chilling it.
I allow the sauce to chill for at least 2 hours in advance of serving.
Store leftovers tightly covered and sealed in plastic or glass in the refrigerator.
Store the cranberry sauce tightly covered and sealed and it will last up to a year. It keeps it’s optimal freshness for 2 months.
Yes, the Instant Pot needs liquid to come to pressure. You can use water, orange juice, apple juice, or even a splash of wine for extra flavor.
Yes, just double the ingredients. The cook time stays the same, but make sure you don’t fill the Instant Pot past the max line.
Cranberry Sauce Variations and Add-ins
- Apples
- Pears
- Apple Juice
- Ginger
- Cloves
- Nuts
- Dried Fruits
- Vanilla Extract
Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Southern Style Green Beans
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Pair With These Recipes
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Turkey Wings
Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast
Smothered Turkey Wings
Baked Crab Legs
Baked Turkey Wings
Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple
Cajun Roasted Turkey
More Cranberry Recipes
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Mimosas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Ashley says
This is going to come in handy for thanksgiving this year. Now to get that instant pot finally!!
Jamie says
This looks so delicious and easy! Another reason I need to get an Instant Pot soon!
reesa says
Wow you can make a whole holiday dinner in that thing, huh?! That cranberry sauce looks amazing!
Ali Gilbert says
I don't have an instant pot but everyone that has one loves it!! I think I need to look into getting one.
Alecia says
I remember my aunt made cranberry sauce for thanksgiving each year and it was sooooo tart! As a kid I was all about the jelly style but you'd get a serious side eye if you offered up the home made kind. Luckily my tastes have matured and I'm good with the real stuff now
Lois Alter Mark says
I'm always amazed by the variety of foods you can actually make with the Instant Pot. I would never have thought of cranberry sauce but this looks delicious!
lauren says
My family loves cranberry sauce for the holidays. This recipe is perfect to use and I love the convenience of the using One Pot. Can't wait to make it at home.
Cynthia says
Cranberry sauce is also a favorite in my house during the holidays; and how easy it is to make it with the instant pot! Looking forward to the holiday season!
Sissy says
My mom loves her instant pot - I will show her this recipe so we can enjoy it for Thanksgiving.
Melanie says
That sounds so much better than anything in a can! I don't think it's my year to host the holidays, since we alternate. However, I'll look like Martha Stewart when I show up with homemade cranberry sauce. No one needs to know how simple it was to make.
Rachee says
I don't need an instant pot but I want one because I need to try this recipe. This looks amazing and doable and will so be added to Thanksgiving menu.
Joanne says
What a great idea to make it yourself. It's much healthier and probably better tasting too.
Nicole Aguilar says
My grandma loves cranberry sauce and i think she'd love to make it herself this year instead of buying it canned. I'm not a huge fan, but most of my family is.
Jessica Hughes says
I've never made homemade cranberry sauce either but the Instant Pot seems like the perfect way to make it. I've always used the canned sauce as well but it would be fun to try to make my own!
Chrissyadventures says
This looks so good. I totally printed out this page so I can make this at Thanksgiving!!
staysnatched says
Awesome! I hope everyone loves it.
MARY WHEELER says
@staysnatched, My husband is diabetic. Do you think I could eliminate the honey and instead add xylitol to sweeten? He wont eat dressing without cranberry sauce so Im planning a low carb dressing this year and I think your cranberry sauce would be perfect with it
staysnatched says
Yes. You can add it in small increments and adjust to taste.
Deryn | Running on Real Food says
I don't know why but I've never made my own cranberry sauce!! This looks awesome and so easy though. Can't wait to give it a try at Christmas.
dawn says
this looks amazing. it would be a perfect addition to our thanksgiving table!
Julie Syl Kalungi says
Wow I have never considered making my own cranberry sauce. Not that I take much of the store bought stuff either, not even for crimbo. Yet this looks super yummy!
Carol Cassara says
I don't think I've made cranberry sauce using an instant pot before! I really appreciate this recipe because it's perfect for the Holidays! I just love how convenient having an instant pot is!
Thena says
This makes me want Thanksgiving, like right now! So yummy!
David Elliott says
I definitely like to make my own cranberry sauce. It is so much better. But I also have to say that I prefer to have it served warm.
Jack Jaleby says
I love cranberry !! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Brandi H says
I love cranberry sauce. I've never made a homemade one before. I may try this for the holidays and impress my family!
Janella Panchamsingh says
I had no idea that cranberry sauce used orange juice. I am definitely saving this for next thanksgiving
Ida says
Can I use regular sugar instead of stevia? If so, what would be the amount?
staysnatched says
Yes you can. The recipe calls for stevia because I rarely consume refined sugar. Start with a tablespoon and taste repeatedly and adjust for additional sugar as you go.
Linda says
Is the stevia the extract or powder form?
staysnatched says
The extract. It's in granular form.
Sandy says
Is thete a readon we cant make this the fay before?
How long will it keep in frodge?
Thank you.
staysnatched says
I would keep it in the fridge for a few days.
Heather Harris says
You have no idea how excited I am to find an Instant Pot cranberry sauce recipe! I found a Paleo recipe last year that my in-laws DEVOURED, but it was incredibly time consuming. This seems SO much easier. If I were to sub coconut sugar for the stevia, would it be a 1:1 substitution? I don't use stevia - my diet usually contains little to no sugar, so when I indulge, I use coconut sugar or honey to sweeten things. Thanks!
staysnatched says
Hi there! I'm so glad you found the recipe, too! Coconut sugar and stevia do not have a 1:1 ratio. However, coconut sugar mirrors refined table sugar to me. So I would use the typical amount of refined sugar you would normally. I recommend starting with a tablespoon and tasting it from there to ensure you don't go over.
Linda says
This looks incredibly easy. I am going to make some before Thanksgiving to be sure I have the sweetness right for our family.
Diana says
Do u put pressure on high.
staysnatched says
Yes, high pressure cooking.
Anita says
Can I use real maple syrup instead of honey?
staysnatched says
Sure! The honey is to sweeten. You can use whatever you prefer.
Jen says
How long should I allow for the natural release?
staysnatched says
Until the pin drops on the Instant Pot. It indicates when it has finished natural release.
Theresa says
Foolproof recipe that is delicious and so easy! Thank you Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I love hear that!
CTK says
This recipe is delicious. Best cranberry sauce I had in my life.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Melissa says
Love this cranberry sauce. I used only the raw honey and didn't add any extra sweetener and it was amazing. So easy to make ahead of time. I've made it several Thanksgivings in a row and its always a big hit.
staysnatched says
Yay! I love this for the holiday season!
Dorothy says
Made this recipe following the directions provided. This cranberry sauce is amazing. So quick and easy to make a no sugar added cranberry sauce that has more flavor than the canned stuff.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it.
Bethany Hensch says
This was truly the easiest and tastiest recipe! As Brandi mentions, you can dump the ingredients in, set it and move on to prep work for other dishes while it cooks. The sauce was delicious and made my kitchen smell delightful!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it!
Mary says
I made this homemade Cranberry sauce. I will never use canned Cranberry Sauce again. It was super easy to make and it had less sugar.
I love left over Turkey sandwiches with cream cheese and Cranberries. So very yummy.
staysnatched says
I'm glad it was yummy!