Habanero Cranberry Jelly Recipe for Spicy Holiday Treats

If you’re looking to add a unique, fiery twist to your usual cranberry jelly, this Habanero Cranberry Jelly Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bold heat of habanero peppers creates a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and spicy.

Perfect for holiday meals, a gourmet sandwich spread, or a zesty glaze for roasted dishes, this jelly will impress guests and elevate your culinary repertoire.

Making your own habanero cranberry jelly is easier than you might think, and it’s a fantastic way to take control of the flavors and sweetness. Whether you like just a hint of heat or a full-on spicy kick, you can adjust the amount of habanero to suit your taste.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of the process, share tips on how to customize the jelly, and suggest some delicious ways to serve it.

Let’s dive right into why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This habanero cranberry jelly is a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and spicy, making it a versatile condiment for a wide variety of dishes. Here’s why it stands out:

• Bold Flavor Combination: The tart cranberries and fiery habanero peppers create a complex taste that’s both refreshing and exciting.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have homemade jelly that tastes far superior to store-bought versions.
• Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting the number of habaneros, perfect for mild or adventurous palates.
• Great for Gifts: This vibrant jelly makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.
• Multi-Use: Use it as a glaze for meats, a topping for vegan cheese platters, or a spread on sandwiches. Check out some other spreads in our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cranberries (about 12 ounces)
• 1-2 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 packet liquid pectin (or 1.75 oz powdered pectin)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother jelly)
• Jar funnel (for easy filling)
• Clean glass jars with lids (for storing jelly)
• Pot for water bath canning (optional, for long-term storage)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cranberries and habaneros. Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and drain. Carefully chop the habanero peppers, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Be sure to wash your hands after handling habaneros or use gloves to avoid irritation.
2. Cook the fruit. In your saucepan, combine the cranberries, chopped habaneros, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst, releasing their juices.
3. Strain the mixture (optional). For a smoother jelly, pour the cooked mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing down to extract as much juice as possible. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step and use the whole mixture.
4. Return juice to the pan and add sugar. Pour the strained juice back into the saucepan. Stir in the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
5. Add pectin and boil. Stir in the liquid or powdered pectin according to package instructions. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will activate the pectin to help your jelly set properly.
6. Test the jelly consistency. To test if the jelly is ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s set. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
7. Jar the jelly. Using a jar funnel, carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized glass jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and let cool at room temperature.
8. Process jars for storage (optional). For longer shelf life, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

“If you want a milder jelly, start with one habanero and remove all seeds. For more heat, leave some seeds or add a second pepper.”

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet jelly, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup, but keep in mind this may affect the set.
• Fruit variations: Try adding orange zest or substituting half the cranberries with raspberries for a different flavor twist.
• Alcohol infusion: Stir in a splash of bourbon or brandy after cooking for an adult-friendly version.
• Use powdered pectin: If using powdered pectin, mix it with the sugar before adding to the fruit juice for even distribution.
• Storage tips: Jelly jars can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or canned for up to a year. Always label your jars with the date.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This habanero cranberry jelly is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some ideas:

• Spread it on warm, toasted bread or crackers for a sweet and spicy snack.
• Pair with vegan cheese or charcuterie boards for a flavorful contrast.
• Use as a glaze on roasted vegetables, tofu, or seitan — explore more vegan roasting ideas in our Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try.
• Add a spoonful to sandwiches or wraps for an unexpected zing.
• Stir into salad dressings or sauces to add depth and a touch of heat.

Conclusion

Creating your own habanero cranberry jelly is a rewarding experience that brings a unique blend of flavors to your kitchen. The marriage of tart cranberries with the fiery kick of habanero peppers results in a jelly that’s vibrant, versatile, and sure to become a favorite condiment for your meals and gatherings.

Not only is it simple to make, but it also allows you to tailor the heat and sweetness to your liking. Whether you’re gifting it to friends or adding it to your own culinary creations, this jelly elevates everyday dishes with just a spoonful.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other creative vegan recipes like our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the flavorful Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Give it a try, and let us know how you spice up your meals with this delicious habanero cranberry jelly!

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