Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce (Stovetop Recipe Included)

Sweet, tart and extremely delicious, this ruby red Cranberry sauce is a jam-like relish made by cooking down cranberries with sugar.  With just a handful of ingredients and a super easy Instant Pot or stovetop recipe, it is the perfect addition to any holiday meal!

Cranberries are small, round, seedless berries that grow in shrubs.  If you ask me, they are fairly deceiving in their appearance.

The first time I tasted fresh cranberries, I expected them to taste berry like, sweet, juicy, did I say sweet? But, they were super tart and chewy, nothing remotely close to a sweet berry. Needless to day, I wasn’t a fan.

Then, I had Cranberry Sauce at a friend’s Thanksgiving and absolutely loved it. Since then, I have been making it at home every holiday season 🙂

Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Sauce

All the ingredients needed to make this tasty Cranberry Relish are easily available at your local grocery store. You will need:

• Fresh Cranberries
• Orange juice or water
• Orange Zest
• Agave Syrup, Maple Syrup or honey
• Sugar
• Salt

Adding Agave Syrup to This Recipe

I have been making homemade cranberry sauce for over a decade now, using fresh cranberries and sugar.

Recently, I started adding Agave syrup during the cooking process. There is a subtle earthiness that Agave syrup adds to the sauce, which contrasts and balances the sharp taste of cranberries.

I also wanted to reduce the use of refined sugar in this recipe. Agave nectar is low in glucose and therefore doesn’t spike blood sugar levels as much as sugar. My next experiment would be to try this recipe entirely with agave. I’ll keep you posted here!

If you’re not a fan of agave, you can always add honey, maple syrup, or regular sugar instead.

How to Make Cranberry Sauce in an Instant Pot

I make Cranberry sauce in my 3qt or 6qt Instant Pot. This recipe can be made in any comparable electric pressure cooker, like Mealthy Multipot.

• Turn On Instant Pot. Pour water (or orange juice) followed by agave syrup (or honey). Pouring water first prevents the syrup from sticking to the bottom and burning.
• Add cranberries and salt. Stir and close lid. Press Manual or pressure cook for 1 minute on Sealing mode.

• Let the pressure release naturally (NPR) for 7 minutes. In Duo models, turn the valve halfway to Venting position and release the pressure slowly. In Ultra models, push down on the pressure release knob in bursts for a slow and controlled release of pressure. This prevents the cranberry sauce from spraying through the pressure valve. Open the lid after the pin drops.
• Turn on Saute mode. Add sugar and stir.

• Saute for 2-4 minutes till the cranberry sauce reaches a jam like consistency. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Cool completely and pour in jars.

Stove Top Recipe for Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce can be made on the stove-top too. Here’s how:

• Simply combine all ingredients in a sauce pan on medium high heat with 1/2 cup water.  Cover till everything comes to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, till the berries are cooked.
• Remove lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes till the sauce reaches a jam like consistency. Check the taste and add more sugar if needed. Add 1 tbsp at a time and let it simmer.

Easy, Tasty & Make-Ahead Recipe

This cranberry recipe is so easy and so delicious, I promise you, you won’t buy another can of cranberry sauce again!

It stays good in the refrigerator for a few weeks, so definitely a make-ahead recipe for thanksgiving, or big parties.

Also check out these 10 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Side Dishes, including popular recipes like Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread, Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, etc.

What do you Eat With Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce is typically eaten as a relish, and is served alongside turkey on Thanksgiving. I like to pair it with other poultry dishes made with chicken, duck, or Cornish hen.

Besides that, it pairs beautifully with brie, or goat cheese, and is great to serve on cheese boards, or simply spread on a toast.

I make this crowd-pleasing appetizer, Baked Brie, with cranberry sauce and creamy brie, all wrapped up in a puff pastry sheet. It’s always a big hit at my parties.

Can Cranberry Sauce be Frozen

Homemade Cranberry Sauce freezes really well. I store it in any air-tight and freezer safe container, or mason jar, and pop it in the freezer. It stays good for up to 3 months.

When I’m read to use it again, I move it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

Other Popular Homemade Jam and Relish Recipes on the Blog

• Peach Ginger Chutney
• 2-Ingredient Plum Jam

More Thankgiving Recipes from my Kitchen

• Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Green Beans Almondine
• Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Tips for an Easy & Delicious Cranberry Sauce

• I like to use agave syrup in this recipe.  You can also use honey, maple syrup or sugar alternatively.
• I prefer to add water instead of orange juice.  But if you prefer a more prominent orange flavor, add orange juice.
• While simmering after pressure cooking, reduce the sauce till it reaches a jam-like consistency, but is still runny.  It will continue to thicken as it cools.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an additional few tablespoons of sugar after tasting.  Add 1 tbsp at a time to prevent it from becoming too sweet.
• This sauce can be made 1 week ahead of serving.  
• This recipe has been tested in a 3qt and 6qt Instant Pot. If making this in an 8qt cooker, add 1 cup water. You may have to simmer longer after pressure cooking to reduce the sauce.
• Typically cranberry sauce is served at room temperature.  But you can serve it chilled or warm, based on your preference.
• Homemade cranberry sauce can be frozen in any air-tight, freezer safe container.  To re-use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

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This recipe was was updated in 2019 with new photos, helpful information, tips, and step-by-step photos.