Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with our cranberry orange jam recipe! This luscious jam beautifully balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, zesty essence of oranges, creating a perfect spread for your breakfast table or an elegant addition to your holiday meals.
Whether you’re a seasoned jam-maker or a curious beginner, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and packed with natural goodness. Imagine waking up to the vibrant taste of homemade jam on your toast, scones, or even as a glaze on roasted meats.
It’s a fantastic way to preserve the seasonal bounty of cranberries and oranges while filling your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma.
Not only is this jam delicious, but it’s also a great way to impress friends and family with your culinary skills. Plus, making your own jam means you control the ingredients—no preservatives or artificial flavors, just wholesome fruit, a hint of sweetness, and a touch of citrus magic.
Let’s dive into the details and get you started on making this vibrant, tangy, and sweet cranberry orange jam that you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry orange jam is a fantastic blend of tart and sweet, offering a unique twist on traditional fruit preserves. The natural pectin in cranberries helps the jam set nicely without needing extra additives, making it a healthier choice.
The orange zest and juice add a refreshing brightness that complements the deep flavor of the cranberries perfectly.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It’s wonderful on toast, but also shines as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
Additionally, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season. The recipe is simple, uses minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in under an hour, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus zester or grater
- Knife and cutting board
- Glass jars with lids (for storage)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother jam)
Instructions
- Prepare the orange: Thoroughly wash the orange. Using a zester or fine grater, remove the zest of the orange, avoiding the white pith which can be bitter. Then, cut the orange in half and juice it, removing any seeds.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, water, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the fruit: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent burning. As the cranberries heat up, they will begin to pop and release their juices, which helps the jam thicken.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the jam simmer gently. Continue stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until the cranberries have burst completely, and the jam has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can mash the cranberries with the back of your spoon or use a fine mesh strainer to remove skins.
- Add cinnamon: Stir in the ground cinnamon (if using) and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Test the jam: To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jam is set.
- Cool and store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool slightly. Then, carefully transfer the jam into sterilized glass jars. Seal them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.
Tips & Variations
For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1 cup and add a bit more lemon juice to balance the tartness.
If you love texture, leave some cranberries partially whole for a chunky jam. For a silky smooth jam, use an immersion blender after cooking.
Try adding a splash of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur after cooking for an adult twist.
Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice to add complexity.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Vitamin C | 8% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 1% |
| Iron | 1% |
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry orange jam is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Spread it generously on warm toast, bagels, or English muffins for a bright start to your day.
It pairs beautifully with cream cheese or ricotta for a quick and elegant snack.
Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles to add a vibrant twist. For a holiday touch, serve it alongside roasted turkey or chicken as a sweet and tangy condiment.
It also works wonderfully as a glaze for ham or pork, adding depth and color.
Don’t hesitate to spoon a little over vanilla ice cream or swirl it into Greek yogurt for a refreshing dessert or breakfast option!
Conclusion
Making your own cranberry orange jam is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the wonderful scent of fresh fruit and citrus. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tart cranberries and sweet, fragrant oranges, creating a jam that’s both delicious and versatile.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy breakfast or as a unique gift, this homemade jam will surely impress.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even beginners can enjoy the process and end up with a beautiful, flavorful preserve. Remember to experiment with the optional spices and serving ideas to make this recipe truly your own.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your vibrant, homemade cranberry orange jam!
📖 Recipe Card: Cranberry Orange Jam
Description: A tangy and sweet homemade jam combining fresh cranberries and zesty orange. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries and pick out any stems or bad berries.
- Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the cranberries burst and the jam thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let cool slightly, then transfer to sterilized jars and refrigerate.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 kcal per 2 tbsp | Protein: 0.1 g | Fat: 0 g | Carbs: 15 g
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