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This Instant Pot cranberry sauce is a must-have side dish for your Thanksgiving table. It’s such an easy, healthy holiday recipe!
I get so excited when cranberries go on sale in November. That’s when I know it’s really fall, and it’s time for all the cranberry treats.
Classic homemade cranberry sauce is one of my favorite ways to enjoy these little berries. Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be the same without it, and my Instant Pot makes it easier than ever to make it from scratch.
When the stovetop is busy with other Thanksgiving dishes, an electric pressure cooker is a great alternative for this all-important holiday condiment.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Tips
This tart, sweet sauce cooks for less than 5 minutes, and it comes out perfectly. After 3 minutes at high pressure, you can adjust the saute time to find the perfect consistency for your family.
I include an apple in my cranberry sauce because it’s high in pectin, which helps to thicken the sauce. You can mash the sauce with a wooden spoon or potato masher as soon as it’s done cooking. Or for a smooth sauce, place it in a blender once it’s cooled.
If you like a sweeter sauce, add a little extra pure maple syrup to taste. For a paleo cranberry sauce, substitute water for the orange juice.
This Instant Pot cranberry sauce recipe is a great way to free up stove space when you’re cooking for the holidays.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Place the cranberries, orange juice, chopped apple, and maple syrup in the Instant Pot. Turn the knob to Sealing, and set the pot on Manual for 3 minutes at high pressure. After the pot comes to pressure and the 3 minutes of cook time have elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then turn the knob to Venting to let the remaining pressure release (if is hasn't already).
- Remove the top and mash the cranberry sauce with a wooden spoon or a potato masher. Press the Saute button and heat briefly to thicken (1 to 2 minutes, or to taste). The cranberry sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Nutrition Estimate
Price Breakdown
This recipe costs a total of $5.04 to make, or $.50 per ¼ cup serving. Try this easy recipe for a delicious Thanksgiving side dish!
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, try my slow cooker cranberry sauce instead. And save some cranberries for this delicious cranberry apple baked oatmeal.
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Note: This post was originally published in 2017, and it was updated in 2019.
Lynn says
Could I substitute orange blossom honey for the maple syrup?
Annemarie says
Yes, honey would be fine in this recipe.
Mauigirl206 says
Thank you for sharing this great recipe! It was such a hit last year I can hardly wait to bring it to our gathering again.
On the cranberry package it suggested to freeze a bag for later, so I thought why not freeze it already made into sauce!! It’s not just for the holidays anymore! I can pull some out to put on a ham sandwich after Easter!
Thanks again
Esther Posner says
If I want to double the recipe, do I also double each ingredient (eg Maple Syrup and juice?) I made a double batch last year but I cannot remember how I tweaked the ingredients. I also added in 2 cinnamon sticks during cooking to give it a little more flavor. Thanks.
Annemarie says
Yes, you can double all the ingredients. I’m going to try it with cinnamon sticks this year! Great idea.
Kamaile says
Do you know how long this would keep? We are traveling and I am not sure I want to take my Insta Pot with us.
Annemarie says
It should keep for at least a week if refrigerated properly.
Nicole Mahaffey says
I made this last year for Thanksgiving and it was so delicious! I’m not normally a fan of cranberry sauce, but this one is so good I scoured the internet looking for the recipe again this year! (Why did I not save it before? ??♀️) Can’t wait to have this at our Thanksgiving dinner! I love that there is no white sugar, and the apple bits are a great addition.
Annemarie says
I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Ani says
This looks so easy! I’m going to try and make it today. Does the type of apple matter? Thanks!
Annemarie says
Any kind of apple will work. I hope you enjoy it!
Ani says
Thank you for the quick reply. Just wanted to come back and say that this sauce was amazing!! It’s the perfect combination. Thanks so much for sharing.
Annemarie says
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know.
Kim M says
Wonderful! Family loved it so much I had to make 2 servings for Thanksgiving and am making it for Christmas too. Thanks
Annemarie says
So glad you like it. Merry Christmas!
charlie says
Delicious, and so easy! My first time ever making cranberry sauce, will definitely make again, thank you!
Annemarie says
So glad you liked it!
Grace Cooper says
Do you think this would work with something like Truvia? Would I maybe add a little more water?
Annemarie says
I don’t have experience with Truvia, so I can’t say for sure. You can also add the sweetener at the end (after cooking), so that would be another way to do it.