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    Home » Thanksgiving Recipes

    Cranberry Apple Sauce

    Published: Nov 25, 2019 · Modified: Nov 14, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 5 Comments

    335 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Cranberry sauce with its sweet and tangy flavors is my favorite Thanksgiving side dish that brightens up the holiday table. This EASY gluten-free, vegan recipe uses only 4 ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes using the Instant Pot! Best of all, check out all the different flavoring options that will make it a memorable dish in your feast.

    Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with rosemary
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
    • Stovetop Cranberry Sauce Recipe
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Serving
    • More Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Recipe

    Who needs canned cranberry sauce when making it at home is so easy that it does not even need a recipe! Simply simmer cranberries with sugar and water until the cranberries start to pop and the sauce starts to thicken.

    This homemade sauce can be easily fancied with herbs, spices, fruits, and citrus juice just to list a few. The natural pectins found in cranberries when cooked with acid like lemon juice or orange juice make the sauce more like a homemade jam!

    Ingredients

    This EASY cranberry sauce uses only 4 ingredients:

    1. Cranberries - fresh or frozen cranberries work
    2. Sugar - can also be substituted with maple syrup or sugar substitute
    3. Apples - 2 fruits are always better than one right? especially when they are in season!
    4. Orange Juice - brightens the taste, and adds a refreshing citrusy kick
    ingredients to make cranberry sauce

    How to make Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    • Add cranberries, apple, and orange juice to the Instant Pot. Layer with sugar, do not mix.
    • Pressure cook for 2 minutes. Allow 5 to 10 mins of natural pressure release. Open the Instant Pot. Mix well and allow to cool before serving.
    steps one through four showing how to make Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
    Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    Stovetop Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    • Add cranberries, apple, sugar, orange juice, and ½ cup of water to a medium saucepan. Cook on medium heat until it starts to boil and the cranberries start to pop, stirring frequently
    • Mash it with a potato masher or the back of the spoon to get the texture you like. Then simmer on low heat for 5 minutes
    • Taste the sauce and stir in more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time to bring the sauce to your desired sweetness
    Cranberry apple sauce with rosemary  sprigs and cinnamon stick on the side

    Variations and Substitutions

    • Substitute white sugar with maple syrup or brown sugar
    • Add a cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, or 5 to 6 whole green cardamom pods, remember to pick them out before serving
    • Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for a zesty flavor
    • Add 2 rosemary sprigs for a light herbal flavor, remove them before serving
    • Add l teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavors, this works great if you are cooking with water instead of orange juice
    • Stir in finely chopped jalapeño in the cooked sauce for a spicy kick

    Serving

    In addition to serving with your Thanksgiving feast, here are my favorite ways to serve the leftover cranberry sauce:

    • Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
    • Make grilled cheese sandwiches with cranberry sauce and brie
    • Add it to your breakfast oatmeal or serve it with pancakes
    • Blend in smoothies to add vibrant color and boost the vitamin C's
    • Bake cakes or bread

    More Thanksgiving Recipes

    Looking for more holiday recipes? These tried and true recipes are not only delicious and easy to make but also make a visually stunning Thanksgiving feast:

    • Instant Pot Whole Tandoori Chicken - Flavorful whole chicken recipe that can also be used to make the whole turkey
    • Whole Roasted Cauliflower - A great vegetarian main dish for a holiday feast this visually inspiring meal is quick and incredibly flavorful
    • Sweet Potato Casserole - Instant Pot recipe that is easy and makes creamy sweet potatoes that will keep your guests asking for more
    • Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread - Another Instant Pot recipe, this make-ahead cornbread is perfectly moist and loaded with flavors
    • Brussel Sprouts Salad - Shaved Brussel sprouts salad flavored with tangy tamarind and zesty fresh ginger
    • Fresh Pomegranate Juice - Fresh pomegranate juice is way better than storebought ones, homemade juice also makes a great mix-in for vibrant cocktails and mocktails
    • Hot Apple Cider - An hour before the guests arrive, add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and let the cider simmer, welcoming your guests to a warming drink and home filled with wonderful holiday aromas

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Cranberry sauce in a white bowl with rosemary and cinnamon on the side
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    4.86 from 7 votes

    Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    Hands-free 15-minute cranberry sauce recipe using only 4-ingredients is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving feast
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 125kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 1 12 oz cranberries fresh or frozen
    • 1 apple peeled and diced (I like honey crisp or granny smith variety)
    • ½ cup orange juice preferably fresh
    • ¾ cup sugar

    Optional Ingredients:

    • 2 twigs rosemary
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 tablespoon ginger grated

    Instructions

    • Add cranberries, apple, and orange juice to the Instant Pot. Layer with sugar, do not mix.
    • Pressure cook for 2 mins. Allow 5 to 10 mins natural pressure release. Open the Instant Pot. Mix well and allow to cool before serving.

    Stove Top Recipe:

    • Add cranberries, apple, sugar, orange juice, and ½ cup of water to a medium saucepan. Cook on medium heat until it starts to boil and the cranberries start to pop, stirring frequently.
    • Mash it with a potato masher or the back of the spoon to get to the texture you like. Then allow to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
    • Taste the sauce and stir in more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time to bring the sauce to your desired sweetness.

    Video

    Notes

    • Substitute white sugar with maple syrup or brown sugar
    • Add a cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, or 5 to 6 whole green cardamom pods, remember to pick them out before serving
    • Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for a zesty flavor
    • Add 2 rosemary sprigs for a light herbal flavor, remove them before serving
    • Add l teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavors, this works great if you are cooking with water instead of orange juice
    • Stir in finely chopped jalapeño in the cooked sauce for a spicy kick

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Shailaja Desai says

      November 26, 2019 at 12:11 am

      Great looking sauce and lovely picture too!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 26, 2019 at 9:52 am

        Thank you Shailaja

        Reply
    2. Anu says

      December 03, 2019 at 12:22 am

      Interesting! I would try the ginger flavoring. I always add lots of garlic and jalapeños to my cranberry sauce.

      Reply
    3. Danita says

      November 14, 2022 at 9:23 pm

      I have extra pears I need to use up. Do you think that would work as a sub for apple?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 15, 2022 at 1:30 pm

        yes! They will do delish!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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    335 shares
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