Homemade Cranberry Jam with Orange
Cranberry Jam with Oranges
Cranberries are only around for a short season here in Michigan, so when they show up, it’s a great time to grab an extra bag and make a batch of homemade cranberry jam. This version includes orange peel, giving it a bright citrus flavor that leans slightly toward a marmalade. You can even use it as your holiday cranberry sauce if you prefer.
This recipe makes about 8 half pints, which is perfect for gift giving or stocking your farmstand. We make several varieties of jam and jelly each year for family, friends and customers, and this one is always a favorite.
Before you start, set out all your canning supplies. I place a towel on the counter to catch drips when filling jars and another towel to cover the jars while they cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright cranberry flavor with fresh orange
- Perfect for gifting
- Works with fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
- Can double as cranberry sauce
- Simple ingredients and quick cooking time
What You’ll Learn
- What spiced cranberry jam is
- How to prep cranberries for jam
- Whether you need to chop the berries
- How to adjust the citrus
- How to use frozen cranberries
- Ways to use leftover cranberries
Do You Need to Chop the Cranberries
Your cranberries should be at room temperature before you begin. You can start with whole berries, but chopping them gives a more even texture with fewer large pieces. You can rough chop them with a potato masher or pulse them in a food processor if you prefer.
Making Homemade Cranberry Jam
Once your berries and citrus are ready, this jam comes together quickly. Make sure your jars, lids and canning tools are set out so you can move fast when the jam reaches a full boil.
Can You Use Lemon Juice in This Recipe
You can replace part of the orange juice with lemon juice. You will still need orange zest if you want that marmalade-style flavor. If you don’t want any marmalade notes, simply leave out the zest.
Can You Use Frozen Cranberries
Yes, but thaw them completely and bring them to room temperature first. Starting with frozen berries slows down heating and prevents the jam from reaching a full rolling boil, which is needed for proper thickening.
What Can You Do With Leftover Cranberries
Use extra cranberries to make cranberry relish, cranberry juice or a classic cranberry sauce. They also freeze well for future baking or canning.
What Is Spiced Cranberry Jam
Spiced cranberries is sometimes called Christmas Jam. It has cinnamon, cloves and all spice in it. All those familiar smells that remind you of Christmas. Sometimes this jam is also called Christmas Jam.
Homemade Cranberry Jam Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups cranberries
- 6 cups sugar
- Zest of large orange (or 2 medium oranges)
- 2 cups orange juice if oranges don't give 1 cup juice, substitute missing part with water
- 6 tablespoons pectin
Instructions
- Add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest and pectin into the Dutch oven and stir well to incorporate.
- Turn the stove onto a medium heat and stir to prevent burning.
- Start the water bath canner and prepare the jars and gather everything to complete the jarring of the jam.
- Once the jam reaches a rolling boil, that you cannot stir down, add the stir and stir until incorporated.
- Stir often to keep from burning, bring the jam up to a rolling boil, that you cannot stir down, for 1 minute and then remove from the heat and prepare to jar your jam.
- Use a funnel and fill the jars, leaving 1/4" headspace from the top.
- Take a clean wet towel and clean the rim of the jars.
- Place the seal on the jar and hand tighten the band.
- Place the jar into a water bath and process the jars for 10 minutes.
- Once the 10 minutes is done, let the jars sit for 5 minutes before removing from the water.
- Put the jars on a towel and cover with another towel and allow the jars to cool slowly.
- Be sure to date and label the jars.
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