Effortless Elegance: Instant Pot Cherry Orange Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a staple on holiday tables, but let’s be honest, sometimes it’s an afterthought. This year, elevate your cranberry sauce game with this incredibly easy and flavorful Instant Pot Cherry Orange Cranberry Sauce. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet cherries, bright orange, and a hint of warm spices creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. And the best part? The Instant Pot makes it virtually foolproof, freeing up valuable stovetop space during the holiday rush.

## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

* **Effortless:** The Instant Pot does most of the work! Simply toss everything in, set the timer, and let it do its magic.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of cranberries, cherries, orange, and spices creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Serve it warm or cold, with roasted turkey, ham, or even as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator, saving you time on the big day.
* **Free up Stovetop Space:** The Instant Pot allows you to cook this delicious sauce without occupying precious stovetop burners.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients. This recipe is easily adaptable to your personal preferences, so feel free to experiment with the spices or sweetness level.

* **Fresh Cranberries:** 12 ounces (about 3 cups), rinsed and picked over. Fresh cranberries are the base of this recipe and provide that characteristic tartness.
* **Frozen Cherries:** 1 cup, pitted. Frozen cherries add sweetness and a beautiful depth of flavor. You can use fresh cherries when in season, but frozen work just as well and are readily available year-round.
* **Orange:** 1 large, zested and juiced. The orange zest provides a bright citrus aroma and flavor, while the juice adds moisture and acidity.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ¾ cup (or to taste). The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on your preferred level of sweetness. Start with ¾ cup and add more to taste after cooking.
* **Water:** ¼ cup. A little water is needed to create steam and ensure the Instant Pot comes to pressure properly.
* **Cinnamon Stick:** 1 (about 3 inches). A cinnamon stick adds a warm and inviting spice to the sauce. You can also use a pinch of ground cinnamon if you don’t have a stick.
* **Ground Cloves:** ¼ teaspoon. Ground cloves add a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Just a pinch of salt enhances the other flavors in the sauce.

## Equipment

* **Instant Pot (6-quart or larger):** A must-have for this recipe! A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot works best.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Zester:** For zesting the orange.
* **Citrus Juicer:** For juicing the orange.
* **Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula:** For stirring.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Instant Pot Cherry Orange Cranberry Sauce.

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems or bruised berries.
* Pit the frozen cherries if they are not already pitted.
* Zest the orange using a zester, being careful to avoid the white pith (which can be bitter).
* Juice the orange using a citrus juicer.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot**

* Add the cranberries, cherries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and salt to the Instant Pot.

**Step 3: Cook the Cranberry Sauce**

* Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
* Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

**Step 4: Natural Pressure Release**

* Allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. This prevents the sauce from splattering.
* After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the valve to the venting position.

**Step 5: Mash and Thicken**

* Carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot. Be cautious of any remaining steam.
* Remove the cinnamon stick.
* Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, gently mash some of the cranberries to help thicken the sauce. You can mash as much or as little as you like, depending on your desired consistency.
* If the sauce is too thin for your liking, turn on the sauté function and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to burn the sauce.

**Step 6: Cool and Store**

* Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or airtight container.
* Allow it to cool completely. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
* Store the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

## Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce

* **Adjust the Sweetness:** The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your personal preference. Start with ¾ cup and add more to taste after cooking. If you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce the sugar slightly.
* **Add More Spices:** Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.
* **Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries:** Both fresh and frozen cherries work well in this recipe. If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them first.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the cranberry sauce can make it too thick and sticky. Be sure to follow the cooking time in the recipe.
* **Natural Pressure Release is Key:** Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes prevents the sauce from splattering when you release the pressure.
* **Thicken to Your Liking:** Mash the cranberries to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, mash more of the cranberries. For a chunkier sauce, mash fewer.
* **Taste and Adjust:** After cooking, taste the cranberry sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more sugar, spice, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

## Variations

* **Cranberry Raspberry Sauce:** Substitute half of the cherries with raspberries for a brighter, more tart flavor.
* **Cranberry Apple Sauce:** Add one diced apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to the Instant Pot for a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor.
* **Cranberry Walnut Sauce:** Stir in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans after the sauce has cooled for added texture and flavor.
* **Spiced Cranberry Sauce:** Add a star anise or a few cardamom pods to the Instant Pot during cooking for a more exotic flavor.
* **Cranberry Maple Sauce:** Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

## Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Cherry Orange Cranberry Sauce is a versatile condiment that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Traditional Holiday Dinner:** Serve it alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a spread on turkey or ham sandwiches.
* **Breakfast:** Top yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes with cranberry sauce.
* **Desserts:** Serve it as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake.
* **Charcuterie Boards:** Add it to your charcuterie board for a sweet and tart element.
* **Baked Brie:** Spoon it over baked brie for a delicious appetizer.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about this cranberry sauce is that it can be made ahead of time, freeing up valuable time on the day of your holiday feast. Simply prepare the sauce according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually meld together and deepen over time.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze cranberry sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 100-150
* Fat: Less than 1g
* Sodium: Varies, depending on salt added
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?** While fresh cranberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use dried cranberries in a pinch. Use about 1 cup of dried cranberries and increase the water to ½ cup. Keep in mind that the dried cranberries will absorb more liquid and the sauce may be thicker.
* **Can I use a sugar substitute?** Yes, you can use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia. Follow the package directions for equivalent sweetness to ¾ cup of sugar. Keep in mind that some sugar substitutes may affect the texture of the sauce.
* **My cranberry sauce is too tart. What can I do?** If your cranberry sauce is too tart, add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
* **My cranberry sauce is too thick. What can I do?** If your cranberry sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of orange juice.
* **Can I freeze cranberry sauce?** Yes, you can freeze cranberry sauce for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
* **Why is my cranberry sauce bitter?** Bitterness in cranberry sauce can often be attributed to the white pith of the orange peel. Ensure you only zest the outer orange layer, avoiding the white part underneath. Overcooking can also concentrate any bitterness.
* **Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?** Yes! You can make it on the stovetop. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
* **How do I know when the cranberry sauce is done?** The cranberry sauce is done when the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Cherry Orange Cranberry Sauce is a delightful and easy way to elevate your holiday meal. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, ditch the canned stuff and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!

Bon appétit!