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Home » Instant Pot

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Published: Nov 11, 2023 by staysnatched · This post may contain affiliate links · 54 Comments

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This Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce will elevate your holiday feast with a quick and easy twist on a classic favorite. Say goodbye to canned versions and embrace the vibrant, homemade goodness that this recipe brings to your table. In just a few simple steps, your pressure cooker will transform fresh cranberries into a velvety, sweet-tart sauce that complements everything from turkey to desserts.

Instant Pot cranberry sauce in a glass bowl
Original Post Date October 14, 2017. 

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

Table of Contents

  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • What Type of Cranberries to Use Fresh vs Frozen
  • How to Make Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
  • How to Thicken Cranberry Sauce/Runny Cranberry Sauce
  • Cool the Sauce
  • Chilling
  • Substitutions and Add-ins
  • Can You Make it Ahead?
  • How to Store It
  • Freezer Tips
  • Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Pair With These Recipes
  • More Cranberry Recipes
  • Instant Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce
    • Want to save this recipe for later?
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients  1x2x3x
    • Instructions 
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition
    • Nutrition Data

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time for cranberry sauce. What might take a longer time on the stove can be accomplished in a matter of minutes, making it a time-saving option, especially during holiday meal preparations.
  • Hands-Free Cooking: Once you set the Instant Pot, it requires minimal attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks in the kitchen. This hands-free cooking method is particularly beneficial when multitasking during holiday cooking.
  • Consistent Results: This method provides even and consistent cooking, ensuring that every cranberry bursts open and contributes to the overall texture and flavor of the sauce. This consistency might be harder to achieve on the stovetop.
  • Foolproof Process: The controlled pressure cooking environment provides a foolproof way to achieve perfectly cooked cranberry sauce, even for those who may be less experienced in the kitchen.
cranberry sauce in an Instant Pot

What Type of Cranberries to Use Fresh vs Frozen

You can use either fresh or frozen in this recipe. If using frozen you don’t have to defrost them, but I recommend rinsing off any ice crystals if present.

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.

  1. Add cranberries, sweetener, cinnamon, orange juice, and honey to the Instant Pot.
  2. Pressure cook.
  3. Cool and chill the sauce.
cranberry sauce in an Instant Pot

How to Thicken Cranberry Sauce/Runny Cranberry Sauce

  • 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.

Cool the Sauce

Allow the sauce to fully cool prior to chilling it.

Chilling

I allow the sauce to chill for at least 2 hours in advance of serving.

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.

a spoonful of Instant Pot cranberry sauce in a wooden spoon

Substitutions and Add-ins

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Apple Juice
  • Ginger
  • Cloves
  • Nuts
  • Dried Fruits
  • Vanilla Extract

Can You Make it Ahead?

This is the perfect dish to make ahead because properly stored it will last in the fridge for 7 days.

How to Store It

Store leftovers tightly covered and sealed in plastic or glass in the refrigerator.

Freezer Tips

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.

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
Air Fryer Turkey
Air Fryer Baked Ham

Cajun Roasted Turkey

spoonful of Instant Pot cranberry sauce

More Cranberry Recipes

Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Mimosas

Slow Cooker Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Instant Pot cranberry sauce in a glass bowl

Instant Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Brandi Crawford
This Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce will elevate your holiday feast with a quick and easy twist on a classic favorite. Say goodbye to canned versions and embrace the vibrant, homemade goodness that this recipe brings to your table. In just a few simple steps, your pressure cooker will transform fresh cranberries into a velvety, sweet-tart sauce that complements everything from turkey to desserts.
5 from 15 votes
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Rate this recipeLeave a review!
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 55 kcal

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

  • Instant Pot

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

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.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 55kcalCarbohydrates: 11g
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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.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    October 16, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    This is going to come in handy for thanksgiving this year. Now to get that instant pot finally!!

    Reply
  2. Jamie says

    October 17, 2017 at 1:18 am

    This looks so delicious and easy! Another reason I need to get an Instant Pot soon!

    Reply
  3. reesa says

    October 17, 2017 at 1:46 am

    5 stars
    Wow you can make a whole holiday dinner in that thing, huh?! That cranberry sauce looks amazing!

    Reply
  4. Ali Gilbert says

    October 17, 2017 at 2:13 am

    5 stars
    I don't have an instant pot but everyone that has one loves it!! I think I need to look into getting one.

    Reply
  5. Alecia says

    October 17, 2017 at 2:26 am

    5 stars
    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

    Reply
  6. Lois Alter Mark says

    October 17, 2017 at 3:06 am

    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!

    Reply
  7. lauren says

    October 17, 2017 at 3:18 am

    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.

    Reply
  8. Cynthia says

    October 17, 2017 at 7:16 am

    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!

    Reply
  9. Sissy says

    October 17, 2017 at 12:21 pm

    5 stars
    My mom loves her instant pot - I will show her this recipe so we can enjoy it for Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  10. Melanie says

    October 17, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
  11. Rachee says

    October 17, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    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.

    Reply
  12. Joanne says

    October 18, 2017 at 1:43 am

    5 stars
    What a great idea to make it yourself. It's much healthier and probably better tasting too.

    Reply
  13. Nicole Aguilar says

    October 18, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
  14. Jessica Hughes says

    October 18, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    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!

    Reply
  15. Chrissyadventures says

    October 18, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    This looks so good. I totally printed out this page so I can make this at Thanksgiving!!

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      October 18, 2017 at 9:01 pm

      Awesome! I hope everyone loves it.

      Reply
    • MARY WHEELER says

      November 06, 2021 at 6:54 am

      @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

      Reply
      • staysnatched says

        November 06, 2021 at 9:34 pm

        Yes. You can add it in small increments and adjust to taste.

        Reply
  16. Deryn | Running on Real Food says

    October 18, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    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.

    Reply
  17. dawn says

    October 19, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    this looks amazing. it would be a perfect addition to our thanksgiving table!

    Reply
  18. Julie Syl Kalungi says

    October 19, 2017 at 9:29 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  19. Carol Cassara says

    October 20, 2017 at 8:02 am

    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!

    Reply
  20. Thena says

    October 20, 2017 at 11:46 am

    This makes me want Thanksgiving, like right now! So yummy!

    Reply
  21. David Elliott says

    October 20, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
  22. Jack Jaleby says

    October 20, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    I love cranberry !! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
  23. Brandi H says

    October 21, 2017 at 6:17 am

    I love cranberry sauce. I've never made a homemade one before. I may try this for the holidays and impress my family!

    Reply
  24. Janella Panchamsingh says

    October 21, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    I had no idea that cranberry sauce used orange juice. I am definitely saving this for next thanksgiving

    Reply
  25. Ida says

    November 20, 2017 at 6:19 am

    5 stars
    Can I use regular sugar instead of stevia? If so, what would be the amount?

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 20, 2017 at 1:29 pm

      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.

      Reply
  26. Linda says

    December 31, 2017 at 6:28 am

    Is the stevia the extract or powder form?

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      December 31, 2017 at 9:09 am

      The extract. It's in granular form.

      Reply
  27. Sandy says

    October 07, 2018 at 3:14 pm

    Is thete a readon we cant make this the fay before?
    How long will it keep in frodge?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      October 09, 2018 at 12:34 pm

      I would keep it in the fridge for a few days.

      Reply
  28. Heather Harris says

    October 09, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      October 09, 2018 at 1:27 pm

      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.

      Reply
  29. Linda says

    November 10, 2018 at 6:23 am

    5 stars
    This looks incredibly easy. I am going to make some before Thanksgiving to be sure I have the sweetness right for our family.

    Reply
  30. Diana says

    November 10, 2018 at 2:54 pm

    Do u put pressure on high.

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 10, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      Yes, high pressure cooking.

      Reply
  31. Anita says

    November 21, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    5 stars
    Can I use real maple syrup instead of honey?

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 21, 2018 at 9:03 pm

      Sure! The honey is to sweeten. You can use whatever you prefer.

      Reply
  32. Jen says

    November 21, 2018 at 6:48 pm

    How long should I allow for the natural release?

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 21, 2018 at 9:00 pm

      Until the pin drops on the Instant Pot. It indicates when it has finished natural release.

      Reply
  33. Theresa says

    November 23, 2020 at 7:58 am

    5 stars
    Foolproof recipe that is delicious and so easy! Thank you Brandi!

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 27, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      You're welcome! I love hear that!

      Reply
  34. CTK says

    November 24, 2020 at 9:41 pm

    This recipe is delicious. Best cranberry sauce I had in my life.

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 25, 2020 at 9:44 pm

      Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  35. Melissa says

    December 17, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      December 17, 2020 at 5:33 pm

      Yay! I love this for the holiday season!

      Reply
  36. Dorothy says

    November 26, 2021 at 10:29 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 30, 2021 at 11:04 am

      I'm so glad to hear it.

      Reply
  37. Bethany Hensch says

    November 27, 2021 at 6:16 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      November 30, 2021 at 10:55 am

      I'm so glad to hear it!

      Reply
  38. Mary says

    January 13, 2022 at 8:36 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • staysnatched says

      January 14, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      I'm glad it was yummy!

      Reply
5 from 15 votes

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Brandi currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri and is a self-taught cook and fitness enthusiast. She is the author of The Super Easy Air Fryer Cookbook and has been featured on Good Morning America and in Women's Health Magazine, Shape, Parade, Essence, Country Living, Southern Living, BuzzFeed, Delish, The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Spaces Magazine, Greatist, and more.

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