There’s something truly special about combining cranberries and oranges in a jelly that bursts with bright, tangy flavors. This Cranberry Orange Jelly recipe captures the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast table or holiday spread. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or using it as a glaze, this jelly brings a fresh twist to classic preserves.
We love how simple ingredients come together to create such a vibrant and versatile treat. Plus, making your own jelly lets you control the sweetness and enjoy the natural goodness of fresh fruit. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To create our vibrant Cranberry Orange Jelly, we carefully select fresh and simple ingredients that highlight the bright, tangy flavors. Here’s everything we need to bring this recipe to life:
- 4 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and picked over)
- 2 large oranges (zested and juiced)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (powdered, like Sure-Jell)
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. The fresh cranberries provide natural tartness, while the orange zest and juice infuse vibrant citrus aroma and sweetness. Sugar balances the tartness and helps the jelly set, and the fruit pectin ensures a firm, spreadable consistency.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cranberries | 4 cups | Rinsed and picked over |
| Large oranges | 2 | Zested and juiced |
| Granulated sugar | 3 cups | Measured accurately |
| Water | 1/4 cup | Measured |
| Fruit pectin powder | 1 package (1.75 oz) | Ready to use |
“Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures our cranberry orange jelly bursts with natural flavor and sets perfectly every time.”
Our next step will be turning these ingredients into a luscious jelly that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or gifting during the holidays.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Cranberry Orange Jelly with ease and precision, having the right equipment is essential. Below is a detailed list of tools that will help us achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large Saucepan: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan at least 4-quarts in size to cook the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar evenly without scorching.
- Citrus Zester or Microplane: For extracting vibrant orange zest to amplify the jelly’s citrus aroma.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Jelly Bag: To strain out cranberry skins and seeds, resulting in a smooth jelly consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurately measure sugar, water, and pectin for consistent results.
- Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula: For stirring the mixture constantly during cooking and preventing sticking.
- Candy or Jelly Thermometer: Optional but recommended to monitor the temperature and ensure proper setting.
- Sterilized Mason Jars and Lids: For safely storing and preserving the jelly.
- Jar Funnel: To transfer jelly into jars without spills.
- Canning Tongs: To handle hot jars securely during the water bath canning process.
- Water Bath Canner or Large Pot: Needed if we decide to preserve the jelly for long-term storage.
Equipment Overview Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Saucepan | Cooking mixture evenly | Heavy-bottomed preferred |
| Citrus Zester / Microplane | Extracting orange zest | Fresh zest enhances aroma |
| Fine Mesh Strainer / Jelly Bag | Removing solids for smooth jelly | Ensures clear jelly |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement | Critical for gelatin setting |
| Wooden Spoon / Spatula | Stirring without scratching pan | Heatproof material required |
| Candy/Jelly Thermometer | Monitoring cooking temperature | Optional but useful |
| Sterilized Mason Jars & Lids | Storing and preserving jelly | Must be sterilized |
| Jar Funnel | Pouring jelly without mess | Speeds up jar filling |
| Canning Tongs | Handling hot jars safely | Prevents burns and contamination |
| Water Bath Canner / Pot | Processing jars for long-term storage | Needed for proper sealing |
Prep Work
Before we dive into cooking, proper Prep Work helps ensure our Cranberry Orange Jelly turns out perfectly balanced and lush in flavor. Let’s focus on getting our fresh cranberries and juicy oranges ready with precision.
Preparing Cranberries
First, we need to handle our fresh cranberries carefully to preserve their tartness and vibrant color.
- Rinse 12 cups of fresh cranberries thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Sort through the cranberries, discarding any shriveled or damaged berries to maintain a clean, bright jelly.
- Drain well and set aside in a colander to remove excess water before cooking.
This simple process guarantees the best fresh fruit base for our jelly’s signature tang and sparkle.
Preparing Oranges
Next, let’s prepare the oranges to highlight their bright citrus notes in the jelly.
- Using a sharp citrus zester, zest 2 large oranges, avoiding the white pith which causes bitterness.
- Peel the oranges, removing as much pith as possible.
- Segment the oranges by cutting between membranes to extract the juicy flesh.
- Reserve the orange zest and juice separately for adding during cooking.
| Ingredient | Prep Step | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Oranges | Zest and juice separated | 2 large oranges |
| Orange pulp | Segmented, membranes removed | From 2 oranges |
By prepping our cranberries and oranges meticulously, we ensure that the natural tartness and citrus aroma shine through in every spoonful of our jelly.
Making the Cranberry Orange Jelly
Let’s dive into the process of transforming fresh cranberries and zesty oranges into a vibrant, flavorful jelly. We will carefully cook, sweeten, and set the mixture for that perfect spreadable texture.
Cooking the Cranberries and Oranges
First, we combine the prepared cranberries and fresh orange zest in a large saucepan. We add just enough water to cover the fruit, about 1 cup for every 4 cups of fruit. Heating the mixture over medium heat, we gently simmer it until the cranberries pop and the oranges soften, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Stir ring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.
We then remove the pan from heat and let the fruit mixture cool slightly before pureeing or pressing through a fine mesh strainer to extract juice, capturing all the bright flavors and vibrant color.
Adding Sweeteners and Pectin
Once we have the fruit juice, it’s time to add the sweetener and pectin which are crucial for both flavor balance and the jelly’s firm texture.
- We pour the juice back into the clean saucepan.
- Add granulated sugar—usually an equal amount to juice volume for ideal sweetness.
- Stir in the fruit pectin thoroughly following the package instructions, typically 1 to 1.75 tablespoons per 4 cups of juice depending on brand and desired set.
We bring this mixture back to a rapid boil while stirring constantly. This ensures that the pectin activates and the sugar dissolves fully.
| Ingredient | Quantity (per 4 cups juice) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Granulated Sugar | ~4 cups | Balances tartness and preserves |
| Fruit Pectin | 1–1.75 tbsp | Sets jelly to firm consistency |
Cooking to Jelly Consistency
At this stage, we must carefully monitor the boiling time—typically 1 to 2 minutes once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil.
We watch for these key indicators:
- The jelly mixture thickens and begins to coat the back of a spoon.
- The boiling remains vigorous and unbroken by stirring.
To be certain, we can perform the classic gel test by dropping a small amount of jelly on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it is ready.
As soon as we achieve the perfect consistency, we remove the pan from heat and skim off any foam to ensure a smooth finish. Then we ladle the hot jelly straight into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace for sealing.
This careful cooking process locks in the bright tartness of cranberries and refreshing citrus notes of orange, delivering a delicious jelly that is perfectly set and ready to enjoy.
Canning and Storing
Proper Canning and Storing are essential to preserve the vibrant flavors and fresh quality of our Cranberry Orange Jelly. Following the right steps ensures the jelly remains safe to eat and delicious for months.
Sterilizing Jars and Lids
Before filling, Sterilizing Jars and Lids eliminates bacteria that can spoil our jelly. Here is how we prepare them:
- Wash jars and lids with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Place jars upright in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Keep lids in simmering (not boiling) water for at least 5 minutes to soften seals.
- Remove jars and lids with a jar lifter and place on a clean towel to air dry.
Sterilization creates a sanitized environment to maintain the jelly’s freshness and prevent contamination.
Filling and Sealing Jars
Filling jars correctly ensures a proper vacuum seal:
- Ladle hot Cranberry Orange Jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
- Wipe jar rims clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Place lids on jars and screw bands down until fingertip-tight — avoid overtightening which can prevent sealing.
- Process jars in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes to complete the seal.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headspace | 1/4 inch |
| Lid Preparation | Simmer in hot water 5 mins |
| Processing Time | 5 minutes in boiling water |
| Band Tightness | Finger-tight (not too tight) |
Proper filling and sealing secure our jelly’s texture and flavor during storage.
Cooling and Storing Tips
After processing, follow these tips to ensure optimal storage:
- Place jars upright on a towel or cooling rack. Avoid cold surfaces to prevent jar cracking.
- Let jars cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours until lids pop, signaling a vacuum seal.
- Check seals by pressing the center of each lid; it should not flex or pop.
- Label jars with the date of preparation.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place between 50°F – 70°F.
- Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3 weeks.
“Properly canned and stored, our Cranberry Orange Jelly can last up to a year while retaining its bright, tart flavor.“
By mastering these Canning and Storing techniques, we guarantee our jelly stays fresh, flavorful, and safe to enjoy all season long.
Serving Suggestions
Our Cranberry Orange Jelly offers a versatile flavor profile that enhances a variety of dishes. Here are some creative and delicious ways to enjoy this vibrant jelly:
- Spread on Toast and Biscuits
Slather the jelly on warm toast or flaky biscuits for a bright, tangy start to your day. The citrusy notes complement buttery baked goods perfectly.
- Glaze for Meats
Use the jelly as a glaze for roasted poultry, ham, or pork. Brush it over the meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking to create a shiny, flavorful crust.
- Cheese Pairing
Pair the jelly with a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar, brie, or goat cheese. This contrast of sweet and tart jelly with creamy cheese elevates any appetizer.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping
Swirl a spoonful into Greek yogurt or hot oatmeal. The jelly adds natural sweetness and a burst of citrus that wakes up morning bowls.
- Cocktail Ingredient
Stir a teaspoon into cocktails like a gin fizz or whiskey sour for a unique fruity twist. It adds depth and a festive flair.
| Serving Option | Description | Portion Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Toast & Biscuits | Spread warm for a citrusy sweetness | 1-2 tbsp per serving |
| Meat Glaze | Brush on poultry or pork during last cooking phase | 2-3 tbsp per 4 servings |
| Cheese Pairing | Serve alongside cheeses for appetizer | 1 tbsp per cheese serving |
| Yogurt/Oatmeal Topping | Mix into breakfast bowls | 1-2 tbsp per bowl |
| Cocktail Ingredient | Add to drinks for fruity depth | 1 tsp per cocktail |
“The balance of tart cranberries with sweet orange in our jelly makes it a standout addition to both sweet and savory dishes.“
By integrating our Cranberry Orange Jelly into your meals this way, we can savor its fresh, bright flavors beyond the jar.
Conclusion
Making Cranberry Orange Jelly at home is a rewarding experience that brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your table. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful steps, we can create a versatile jelly that brightens up breakfasts, dinners, and even cocktails.
By mastering this recipe and proper canning techniques, we ensure our jelly stays delicious and safe to enjoy for months. It’s a wonderful way to capture the essence of the season and add a homemade touch to a variety of meals. Let’s get cooking and savor every spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make Cranberry Orange Jelly?
You need fresh cranberries, large oranges, granulated sugar, water, and fruit pectin to make Cranberry Orange Jelly.
Why should I make homemade cranberry orange jelly?
Homemade jelly lets you control the sweetness, use fresh fruit, and enjoy natural flavors without preservatives.
What equipment is essential for making this jelly?
A large saucepan, citrus zester, fine mesh strainer, and sterilized mason jars are essential for preparation and storage.
How do I prepare the cranberries and oranges?
Rinse and sort the cranberries. Zest, peel, and segment the oranges carefully to keep vibrant flavors.
How is the jelly cooked and thickened?
Simmer fruit mixture, strain or puree the juice, then add sugar and pectin to achieve the right gel consistency.
How do I test if the jelly is ready?
Use the gel test by placing a spoonful of jelly on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
What are the key steps for canning and storing jelly?
Sterilize jars and lids, fill with hot jelly, seal properly, process in boiling water, and store in a cool place.
How long can I store homemade cranberry orange jelly?
Properly canned and stored jelly can last up to one year while maintaining flavor and safety.
What are some creative ways to serve cranberry orange jelly?
Use it on toast, as a glaze for meats, with cheese, mixed into yogurt or oatmeal, or in cocktails for a fruity twist.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the jelly?
Yes, homemade jelly allows you to control sugar levels to suit your taste preferences.