Nothing says festive quite like homemade Cranberry Orange Jam. Bursting with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and just the right touch of sweetness, this jam is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply elevating your morning toast. The best part? It’s quick to make, requires no canning, and makes a thoughtful edible gift for the holiday season. With its vibrant flavor and versatility, Cranberry Orange Jam will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why This Cranberry Orange Jam Belongs on Your Table
Cranberry Orange Jam is more than just a condiment—it’s a holiday essential. The natural tartness of cranberries balances beautifully with the citrusy brightness of orange, while a grated apple naturally thickens the jam without the need for commercial pectin. This recipe is:
- Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Flexible: Serve it with turkey, on toast, or in baked goods.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store for weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer.
- Giftable: A jar of this jewel-toned jam makes a heartfelt homemade gift.
Whether you’re spreading it on a leftover turkey sandwich or tucking it into a cookie like rugelach, Cranberry Orange Jam adds a festive touch to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• Cranberries: The star ingredient, providing tart flavor and rich color.
• Orange Zest and Juice: Brightens the jam with citrus aroma and sweetness.
• Apple: Grated apple adds body and natural pectin to thicken the jam.
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tart cranberries.
• Orange Liqueur (optional): Adds a sophisticated citrus note and depth of flavor.
Ingredient Swaps and Alternatives
- No fresh cranberries? Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer.
- Want alcohol-free? Simply skip the orange liqueur, or substitute with a splash of vanilla extract.
- Need more sweetness? Swap part of the sugar with honey for a floral note.
- Prefer a spicier jam? Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg while cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Jam
- Rinse the cranberries and place them in a medium saucepan with sugar, shredded apple, and orange zest.
- Pour in the fresh orange juice (add a splash of water or bottled juice if needed to reach ½ cup).
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Keep it at a gentle boil—you’ll hear cranberries begin to pop.
- After about 10 minutes, taste the jam. If desired, stir in orange liqueur for extra depth.
- Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break some berries while leaving others whole for texture.
- Continue simmering for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it into clean jars. Refrigerate for up to 2–4 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Jam
- Always rinse and sort cranberries to remove stems or soft berries.
- If using frozen cranberries, add them directly to the pot without thawing.
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith—they’re higher in pectin.
- Clean jars thoroughly, even though this is not a canning recipe.
- Adjust sweetness as you go—cranberries vary in tartness.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Cranberry Orange Jam
- Spread on leftover turkey or ham sandwiches for a tangy kick.
- Use as a filling in corn muffins or thumbprint cookies.
- Pair with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.
- Serve with potato latkes as a twist on traditional toppings.
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast.
Variations and Seasonal Twists
- Spiced Cranberry Orange Jam: Add cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom for a warming flavor.
- Cranberry Orange Ginger Jam: Fresh ginger adds a zesty bite.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use less sugar and a tart apple to retain thickening power.
- Holiday Gift Jam: Decorate jars with ribbon and labels for thoughtful homemade presents.
Health Benefits of Cranberry Orange Jam
This jam isn’t just delicious—it also packs nutritional perks. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while oranges provide additional immune-boosting benefits. The apple adds fiber and natural pectin, making this a lighter alternative to store-bought jams loaded with preservatives.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Cranberry Orange Jam is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors that celebrate the season. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a jam that’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and absolutely irresistible. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, served at a holiday feast, or gifted to loved ones, this recipe will quickly become a cherished tradition.
So grab those cranberries and oranges, and let this Cranberry Orange Jam brighten your holiday table year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Cranberry Orange Jam last?
Stored in a clean, airtight jar, Cranberry Orange Jam will last 2–4 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Always check for freshness before serving.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Jam with frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly. No need to thaw them—just add directly to the saucepan. This makes it easy to enjoy Cranberry Orange Jam even when cranberries are out of season.
Do I need pectin for this recipe?
No, additional pectin isn’t required. The grated apple naturally thickens the jam thanks to its high pectin content, giving you the perfect texture without additives.
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Cranberry Orange Jam
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3.5 cups (about 12 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Orange Jam is a quick and festive recipe made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, juice, and a grated apple for natural thickening. Sweet, tangy, and versatile, it’s perfect for the holidays, sandwiches, baked goods, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces fresh cranberries
- Juice and zest of 1 orange (about 1/2 cup juice, add water or extra orange juice if needed)
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, grated
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and place them in a medium saucepan with sugar, grated apple, and orange zest.
- Add the orange juice (with extra juice or water if needed).
- Stir and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to pop.
- Taste after 10 minutes and stir in orange liqueur if desired. Mash some of the berries with a spoon or masher to reach preferred texture.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Transfer to clean jars and refrigerate for 2–4 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Rinse and sort cranberries before cooking to remove stems or damaged berries.
- Frozen cranberries can be used directly without thawing.
- For best results, use a tart apple for natural pectin and better thickening.
- Ensure jars are very clean before filling to extend shelf life.
- This is a refrigerator/freezer jam recipe, not designed for shelf-stable canning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2–3 tbsp)
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
