Homemade Cranberry Jam: Tart, Sweet & Easy Recipe for Any Season

Discover the delightful simplicity of crafting your own **homemade cranberry jam** with this incredibly easy recipe. Bursting with a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, this jam is an essential addition to your breakfast table, dessert creations, and countless other culinary adventures. Whether you opt for fresh or frozen cranberries, this recipe, requiring just five simple ingredients, will quickly become a cherished favorite that you’ll want to make time and time again.

About This Cranberry Jam

For those who appreciate the exquisite interplay of tart and sweet, cranberry jam offers an unparalleled flavor experience. Its inherent tartness from the cranberries requires just a touch of sugar to unlock a bright, vibrant, and perfectly balanced taste. Unlike many other fruit jams that can lean overwhelmingly sweet, cranberry jam maintains a delightful zing that tantalizes the palate.

The first time I created this jam, its irresistible aroma and taste compelled me to stand by the stove, impatiently cooling spoonfuls just so I could savor it immediately. It’s truly so delicious that it can be enjoyed straight from the spoon – no need for an accompanying biscuit, scone, or piece of toast, though it certainly elevates those too!

Jams like this are absolutely essential during the fall and winter months, a time when fresh cranberries reach their peak ripeness and are readily available. The festive flavor of cranberries is beautifully enhanced by the addition of fresh orange juice and bright orange zest. This particular combination instantly evokes the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the entire holiday season, making it a perfect treat for celebratory gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

However, the wonderful news is that this versatile recipe can effortlessly be made using frozen cranberries, allowing you to indulge in this vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor all year long, regardless of the season. This means you don’t have to wait for the holidays to enjoy a taste of pure cranberry bliss.

Whip up a batch of this fantastic **homemade cranberry jam** to generously spread on morning toast, flaky biscuits, or to dollop extravagantly onto stacks of fluffy pancakes and waffles. It also makes for a thoughtful and delightful homemade gift when bottled up in charming mason jars for friends and family. We particularly enjoy pairing it with easy air fryer English muffins, slathered with a generous layer of butter and this exquisite jam. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll not only find detailed instructions on how to prepare this jam but also all my expert tips and tricks to ensure every batch turns out perfectly smooth, flavorful, and wonderfully set.

Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Jam

Crafting this vibrant cranberry jam requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the rich flavor and ideal consistency of the final product. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cranberries: The star of our show! You have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. If you’re using frozen berries, it’s best to thaw them completely first and then drain any excess liquid that accumulates. This prevents the jam from becoming too watery and helps achieve the perfect texture. Fresh cranberries should be firm and a deep, bright red.
• Brown Sugar: This recipe calls for brown sugar, which lends a subtle caramel note and a deeper, more nuanced sweetness compared to white granulated sugar. Both light brown sugar and dark brown sugar will work beautifully, with dark brown sugar offering a slightly richer molasses flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference for a sweeter or tarter jam.
• Orange: A large, juicy orange is essential, as you’ll be utilizing both its fragrant zest and its tangy juice. The orange brightens the cranberry flavor, adding a layer of citrusy complexity that makes this jam truly stand out. Don’t skip the zest – it contains potent oils that deliver intense flavor!
• Water: Simple tap water is perfectly suitable for this recipe. It helps to dissolve the sugar and create the initial liquid base for the cranberries to simmer and break down without scorching.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt, often overlooked in sweet recipes, is vital. It doesn’t make the jam salty; rather, it subtly enhances and balances the sweetness of the sugar and the tartness of the cranberries, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.

Kitchen Essentials: Must-Have Tools

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable jam-making experience, having the right tools on hand is key. Fortunately, you likely already own most of these kitchen staples:

• Saucepan: A sturdy saucepan with a heavy bottom is crucial for even heat distribution, which helps prevent the cranberries and sugar mixture from sticking or burning. A 2-3 quart saucepan should be sufficient for this batch size.
• Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the jam as it cooks. It won’t scratch the bottom of your saucepan, and its material doesn’t conduct heat as quickly as metal, making it more comfortable to hold while stirring hot jam.
• Immersion Blender or High-Speed Blender: To achieve that wonderfully smooth jam texture, an immersion blender (also known as a stick blender) is incredibly convenient as you can blend directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, a high-speed blender like a Vitamix will also work perfectly. Just be very cautious when transferring hot jam to a regular blender and ensure you blend in small batches with the lid vented to release steam.
• Mason Jars: For storing your delicious homemade jam, mason jars are indispensable. You can use full-pint jars for larger portions or half-pint jars if you prefer smaller servings or plan to give them as gifts. Ensure your jars are clean and sterilized before filling.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Cranberry Jam

Making this cranberry jam is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of tart and sweet goodness:

Bring to a Boil

Begin by combining all your ingredients – cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and a pinch of salt – in your chosen saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to help the sugar dissolve evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a full, rolling boil. This initial phase ensures that all the sugar is completely integrated and the liquid base is established.

Simmer to Perfection

Once the jam mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Maintain a consistent, low heat and continue to cook, stirring frequently. During this stage, you’ll observe the cranberries softening and beginning to burst open, releasing their natural pectin and juices. This process typically takes about 10 minutes. The frequent stirring is important to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking and thickening. As the berries break down, the jam will start to thicken slightly.

Cool and Thicken

After the cranberries have burst and the mixture has simmered for about 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. For a perfectly smooth jam, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the saucepan until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful as the jam is hot! If you prefer a chunkier jam, you can skip this step or just partially blend it. Allow the jam to cool completely to room temperature before storing. It will continue to thicken significantly as it cools, achieving that classic spreadable jam texture. This cooling process can take several hours, so plan accordingly.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cranberry Jam

Achieving the perfect batch of homemade cranberry jam is easy with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you maximize flavor, ensure proper setting, and customize your jam to your liking:

• Select the Best Cranberries: The quality of your cranberries directly impacts the flavor of your jam. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen, choose berries that are firm, plump, and have a vibrant, deep red color. Avoid any soft, shriveled, or discolored berries for the best results.
• Cool Completely Before Storing: Patience is key! It’s crucial to allow the jam to cool down entirely to room temperature before transferring it to jars for storage. Not only does this allow the jam to fully set and achieve its proper thick consistency, but storing warm food can also encourage bacterial growth, reducing its shelf life.
• Scale Up the Recipe with Confidence: Do you love jam? Or perhaps you’re planning to give this delicious treat as holiday gifts? This recipe is incredibly forgiving and can easily be doubled or even tripled without significant adjustments. Just ensure you use a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume and allow a little extra simmering time for the larger batch to thicken.
• Adjust Sugar to Your Taste: While this recipe provides a balanced sweet-tart profile, personal preference varies. If you prefer a sweeter jam, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar during the simmering stage. Taste it as it cooks, keeping in mind it will taste slightly less sweet when cooled. For a less sweet option, you could slightly reduce the sugar, though cranberries are very tart, so a certain amount is necessary for balance.
• Infuse Additional Flavors: Get creative with spices! Enhance your jam with whole spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, a few allspice berries, or even a couple of cloves. Add them to the saucepan at the very beginning of the cooking process with the other ingredients. This allows their flavors to slowly infuse into the jam. Remember to remove them before you blend the jam for a smooth texture. A hint of vanilla extract added at the very end (after cooking, before cooling) can also add a lovely depth.
• Checking for Doneness: While the jam will thicken as it cools, you can get a good idea of its set while it’s still warm. Spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready!
• Troubleshooting Thin Jam: If your jam seems too runny after cooling, don’t despair! You can return it to the saucepan and simmer it gently for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce it further and encourage more thickening.

More tasty ways to use fresh or frozen cranberries: Christmas Sangria | Cranberry Cobbler | Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse | Cranberry Mimosa

Is Cranberry Jam Healthy?

Cranberries themselves are incredibly nutritious, packed with Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and various antioxidants and minerals. They are renowned for their health benefits, particularly for urinary tract health. While this **homemade cranberry jam** recipe does include sugar, it’s not an excessive amount designed to completely negate the natural goodness of the cranberries. Compared to many store-bought jams which can be loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial additives, making your own jam allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the amount of sugar. Enjoying this jam in moderation can certainly be part of a balanced diet, allowing you to reap some of the benefits of these superfruits.

No Immersion Blender? No Problem!

While an immersion blender offers maximum convenience for achieving a smooth consistency right in the pot, don’t worry if you don’t own one. You can absolutely use a traditional high-speed blender for this recipe. Just be extremely cautious when transferring the hot jam. Allow the jam to cool slightly before blending, and then transfer it in small batches to your blender. Always remember to remove the center cap of the blender lid (the one that usually has a measuring cup) and cover the opening with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape. This prevents pressure buildup that could cause the hot jam to explode from the blender. Blend until smooth, then return to a bowl to cool completely.

Cranberry Sauce vs. Cranberry Jam: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, it can be a bit tricky to distinguish between cranberry sauce and cranberry jam, as both are fruit spreads featuring cranberries. However, they typically differ in two key aspects: **sweetness** and **texture**. Cranberry sauce, especially homemade versions often served at holiday meals, tends to be much thicker, looser, and often retains a more pronounced tartness, with whole or roughly chopped berries. It’s often chunky and less uniformly smooth. Cranberry jam, on the other hand, is specifically crafted to be smoother and more spreadable, achieved through simmering and often blending. It typically features a more balanced sweet flavor to temper the cranberries’ natural tartness, making it ideal for spreading on baked goods or incorporating into other recipes where a smooth, sweet-tart fruit component is desired. Think of sauce as a side dish, and jam as a condiment for bread or desserts.

Is This Cranberry Jam Vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used in this **homemade cranberry jam** recipe are plant-based, making it a wonderful and delicious option for those following a vegan diet. Cranberries, brown sugar (ensure it’s not processed with bone char if strict vegan), oranges, water, and salt are all naturally vegan. This makes it a versatile spread that can be enjoyed by almost everyone.

Can I Preserve This Jam Through Canning?

While canning is a fantastic method for long-term preservation of jams, I personally am not an expert in the intricate details and safety protocols of the canning process. Proper canning requires specific acidity levels, processing times, and equipment to ensure food safety. Therefore, I cannot definitively advise whether this particular recipe is suitable for water bath canning. However, for a smaller batch like this, it will safely last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This should provide ample time to enjoy your delicious homemade cranberry jam without needing to venture into the complexities of canning.

Can I Use Dried Cranberries for This Recipe?

I have not personally experimented with making this jam using dried cranberries, and I generally do not recommend it for this particular recipe. The success of this jam relies heavily on the plumpness and natural moisture content of fresh or frozen cranberries, which burst and release their pectin to create the desired jam consistency. Dried cranberries, even when rehydrated, behave differently and might not yield the same texture or vibrant flavor. They are also typically sweeter due to the drying process and added sugar. While you’re certainly welcome to try, the results may vary significantly from the intended recipe. For the best outcome, stick to fresh or frozen cranberries.

Need more inspiration for fall cooking or baking? Check out my Fall recipes page for delightful seasonal treats!

Creative Ways to Enjoy Cranberry Jam

This **homemade cranberry jam** is incredibly versatile, offering a myriad of delightful ways to incorporate its tart and sweet flavors into your meals and snacks. Beyond the obvious, here are some creative inspirations for how to use your freshly made jam:

• Classic Spreads: Generously slather it on warm, flaky biscuits or tender scones. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a layer of softened butter underneath – a truly divine combination that’s a secret known by all jam enthusiasts.
• Muffin Magic: Elevate your favorite muffins by spreading a dollop of this jam on top, or even swirling it into the batter before baking for pockets of cranberry goodness.
• Breakfast Bliss: Integrate it into your daily breakfast routine. It’s fantastic spread on toast, but truly shines when spooned over fluffy waffles, delicate French toast, or stacks of warm pancakes.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Make this jam the star component of your next charcuterie or cheese board. Its tartness beautifully cuts through rich cheeses and pairs wonderfully with cured meats and crackers.
• Dessert Topping Extraordinaire: Use this vibrant jam as a delightful topping for a variety of desserts. It’s phenomenal over pound cake, cheesecake, panna cotta, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The options for this tart and sweet treat are endless!
• Oatmeal Enhancer: Stir a spoonful (or two!) into your morning bowl of oatmeal. It’s particularly delicious when paired with chopped apples and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a wholesome and flavorful start to your day.
• Cocktail Companion: Mix a small amount into cocktails for a unique fruity twist. It pairs exceptionally well with gin, vodka, or even sparkling wine for a festive drink.
• Savory Pairings: Don’t limit it to sweet dishes! Cranberry jam can be a fantastic accompaniment to roasted poultry, like turkey or chicken, offering a bright contrast to savory flavors.

Storing Your Homemade Cranberry Jam

Proper storage is essential to keep your **homemade cranberry jam** fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store it effectively:

• Refrigerate: Once cooled, transfer the jam to an airtight container or a clean mason jar with a lid. Stored in the refrigerator, your cranberry jam will maintain its freshness and flavor for up to two weeks.
• Freeze: For longer preservation, cranberry jam freezes beautifully. Fill clean, freezer-safe jars (leaving about half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion) or airtight freezer containers with the cooled jam. It will last for an impressive 6 to 8 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality or flavor.
• Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen jam, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, stir it well before serving. It will retain its wonderful texture and taste.

More Delicious Easy Sauce Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed making this cranberry jam and are looking for more simple yet impactful sauce and spread recipes, you’re in luck! Here are some other easy-to-make options that will elevate your meals and desserts:

• Smashed Raspberry Compote is a delightfully simple and vibrant sauce that is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for spooning over creamy ice cream, decorating an elegant pavlova, or stirring into yogurt for a burst of fresh berry flavor.
• Indulge your sweet tooth with our Bailey’s Hot Fudge Sauce. This decadent, chocolate-packed creation offers a rich, boozy twist on a classic. Once you try this, you might never need another hot fudge recipe again!
• For a unique and flavorful barbecue experience, this Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce is the ultimate way to utilize fresh, ripe peaches. Its sweet and smoky notes make it perfect for grilling chicken, pork, or even brushing on veggies.
• My favorite tangy-sweet spread, easy Lemon Curd, is a bright and zesty addition to breakfasts and desserts. Slather it on toast, fill tarts, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful for a burst of citrusy sunshine.

Finally, if you take the plunge and make this easy homemade cranberry jam recipe, please remember to **give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment below!** I genuinely love hearing about your culinary successes and always make an effort to respond to every single comment. Your feedback is invaluable!

And of course, don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have about the recipe in the comments section as well – I’m here to help.

Oh, and for an extra special touch, be sure to tag me on **Instagram** if you share photos of your beautiful homemade jam! Seeing these recipes come to life in your kitchens is truly my favorite part of what I do, and it means the world to me!

Homemade Cranberry Jam

This easy homemade cranberry jam, made with just 5 simple ingredients, offers a perfect tart and sweet balance for any meal.

Prep Time:

5 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

15 minutes
mins

Yield:

2
cups

4.9 from 45 votes

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Equipment

• Saucepan (2-3 quart)
• Wooden Spoon
• Immersion Blender (or regular blender)
• Mason Jars (for storage)

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

• Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients (cranberries, brown sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and salt) to a saucepan. Place over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
• Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the jam to simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries have burst open and softened, and the mixture begins to thicken.
• Puree: Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the saucepan until it reaches your desired smooth consistency. (Alternatively, carefully transfer to a regular blender in small batches).
• Cool and Store: Let the jam cool completely to room temperature. It will thicken considerably as it cools. Once cooled, transfer to a clean jar or serve immediately.

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Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal |
Carbohydrates: 57g |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 0.2g |
Saturated Fat: 0.02g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g |
Sodium: 17mg |
Potassium: 228mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 48g |
Vitamin A: 156IU |
Vitamin C: 38mg |
Calcium: 50mg |
Iron: 1mg

Calories:

222
kcal

Cuisine:
American

Category:
Breakfast