Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam
Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam (Easy Holiday Jam Recipe)
Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam
If you’re looking for a delicious homemade jam to make during the fall and holiday season, this Cranberry Orange Jam is absolutely wonderful! Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and sugar, this easy homemade jam is bursting with bright citrus flavor and just the right balance of sweet and tart.
The beautiful deep ruby-red color makes this jam especially festive for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s delicious spread over warm homemade biscuits, buttered toast, fluffy pancakes, waffles, or freshly baked scones.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You don’t need any special jam-making equipment or added pectin. Fresh cranberries contain natural pectin, which helps the mixture thicken into a lovely, spreadable jam as it cooks and cools.
Whether you’re making a batch for your family’s holiday breakfast or filling little jars for homemade Christmas gifts, this easy Cranberry Orange Jam is a recipe you’ll want to make every year!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Jam
- Made with fresh cranberries: Deliciously tart berries give this jam its beautiful color and rich flavor.
- Bright orange flavor: Fresh orange juice and zest complement the cranberries perfectly.
- No added pectin needed: Cranberries naturally help the jam thicken.
- Easy stovetop recipe: Everything comes together in one saucepan.
- Perfect for the holidays: A wonderful addition to Thanksgiving breakfast, Christmas brunch, and holiday baking.
- Great for gifting: Package the refrigerated jam in pretty little jars with festive ribbon.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Jam
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Fresh Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are the star of this recipe! Their naturally tart flavor balances the sweetness of the sugar, and their pectin helps create the perfect jam consistency.
Frozen cranberries also work beautifully. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest
Using both the juice and zest of a fresh orange gives this homemade jam a wonderful citrus flavor. The zest contains fragrant orange oils that make the jam especially delicious.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries and helps give the jam its glossy, spreadable texture. You can adjust the sweetness slightly to suit your taste, although reducing the sugar can change the final consistency.
Vanilla and Cinnamon
These optional additions give the jam a warm, cozy flavor that’s especially lovely during the holidays. For a brighter, more citrus-forward jam, simply leave them out.
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Rinse the fresh cranberries under cool running water and remove any soft or damaged berries.
Wash the orange thoroughly, then finely zest the outer orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Cut the orange in half and squeeze out 1/2 cup of fresh juice.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, water, and a pinch of salt.
Stir everything together until the cranberries are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Cranberries
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
As the cranberries heat up, they’ll begin to pop and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.
Step 4: Mash the Cranberries
Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, gently mash the softened cranberries.
For a rustic jam with little pieces of fruit, leave some of the cranberries chunky.
For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender carefully while the mixture is hot, or let it cool slightly before blending.
Step 5: Finish the Jam
If using vanilla extract or cinnamon, stir them into the jam during the final minute of cooking.
Continue simmering until the jam looks glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remember that cranberry jam will thicken considerably as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the jam to cool for approximately 15–20 minutes.
Spoon the jam into clean glass jars or airtight containers. Let it cool further, then refrigerate.
The jam will become thicker and more spreadable after chilling.
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Orange Jam
Use fresh orange zest. The zest adds so much flavor! Always zest the orange before squeezing the juice.
Don’t overcook the jam. Cranberries contain plenty of natural pectin, so the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools. Cooking it too long can make it overly firm.
Stir frequently. As the jam thickens, it can stick to the bottom of the saucepan. Keep the heat moderate and stir regularly.
Taste for sweetness. Cranberries can be quite tart. If you prefer a sweeter jam, add another tablespoon or two of sugar while the mixture is still cooking.
Make it smooth or chunky. Mash the cranberries for a rustic homemade texture, or blend the mixture for a smoother spread.
Use a larger saucepan if necessary. Cranberry mixtures can bubble and splatter as the fruit bursts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Servings: 32 (1 tablespoon each)
Delicious Ways to Use Cranberry Orange Jam
There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy this homemade jam!
- Spread over warm buttermilk biscuits or English muffins.
- Spoon onto homemade cranberry orange cinnamon rolls.
- Serve with pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Swirl into vanilla yogurt or oatmeal.
- Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies.
- Spread between cake layers or inside sweet rolls.
- Spoon over baked Brie for a holiday appetizer.
- Serve alongside roasted turkey or chicken.
- Add to a holiday charcuterie or cheese board.
- Use as a filling for homemade pastries and turnovers.
Cranberry Orange Jam Variations
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Jam
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm, festive holiday flavor.
Cranberry Orange Vanilla Jam
Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract after cooking for a softer, sweeter flavor.
Cranberry Apple Orange Jam
Add 1 peeled, finely diced apple to the saucepan with the cranberries. You may need to cook the mixture a few minutes longer until the apple softens.
Cranberry Orange Ginger Jam
Add 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger for a delicious sweet and slightly spicy variation.
Cranberry Orange Maple Jam
Replace 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with 1/4 cup pure maple syrup for a cozy fall-inspired flavor. The texture may be slightly softer.
How to Store Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam
Refrigerator: Store the cooled jam in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Transfer the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Thawing: Thaw frozen jam overnight in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
Important: This recipe is intended for refrigerator or freezer storage. It has not been tested for shelf-stable home canning. Simply filling hot jars and sealing them does not make the jam safe for pantry storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cranberries have enough pectin to make jam?
Yes! Cranberries naturally contain pectin, which helps the mixture thicken as it cooks and cools. You don’t need to add commercial pectin to this recipe.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Add them directly to the saucepan without thawing and allow a few extra minutes of cooking time if needed.
Why is my cranberry jam too thick?
Cranberry jam thickens significantly as it cools. If it becomes too firm, stir in a little warm water or orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Why is my jam too runny?
The jam may need a little more cooking time. Return it to the saucepan and simmer gently for a few additional minutes, then let it cool completely before judging the consistency.
Can I make cranberry orange jam ahead of time?
Yes! This is a wonderful make-ahead holiday recipe. Prepare it several days before Thanksgiving or Christmas and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use this jam in cookies?
Definitely! Cranberry Orange Jam makes a wonderful filling for thumbprint cookies, sandwich cookies, and buttery shortbread cookies.
