Easy Homemade Cranberry Jam Recipe

Do you ever find yourself with an extra bag of cranberries during the holiday season? Here’s a tasty solution: Cranberry Jam!

This cranberry jam is one of the simplest and tastiest ways to use up those fresh cranberries you might have bought during the winter months.

With just three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade jam that’s both sweet and tart. YUM!!

I love making this jam during the holiday time. It’s Jeremy’s favorite! The tart flavor of the cranberries combined with the sweetness of sugar creates a taste that’s hard to beat.

It’s a great way to spread some holiday cheer! Serve it on sourdough bread, use it as a glaze for meats, or even add it to a charcuterie board.

No special equipment or added pectin needed! Cranberries have natural pectin, so the jam thickens beautifully on its own.

I also really love the fact that there is no pectin needed. Guess what! Cranberries have their own natural pectin. Awesome, right?

So, let’s grab our large pot and get started on this cranberry jam!

1. Simple Ingredients: With just fresh cranberries, granulated sugar (white sugar), and water, this recipe uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
2. Quick and Easy: In just about 14 minutes, you can have a delicious homemade jam ready for immediate use, making it perfect for last-minute additions to your meals.
3. Versatile Usage: This jam is a perfect way to use up leftover cranberries and can be enjoyed in many ways—from spreading on toast to using in thumbprint cookies or even as a salad dressing ingredient.

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Water

1. Place all ingredients into a large sauce pot.
2. Cook over medium high heat until cranberries pop and become softened, 7-9 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
3. Take off the heat and, using an immersion blender (or regular blender), blend cranberries until smooth.
4. Return to heat over medium-low heat and let thicken for another 3-5 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
5. Jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and isn’t runny.
6. Let cool slightly and pour into desired containers. Serve immediately or store sealed in the fridge.

CAN I USE FROZEN CRANBERRIES?

Yes! You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available.

Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before cooking.

Using frozen cranberries is a great way to enjoy this delicious homemade jam all year round, not just during the holiday season.

WHAT TO SERVE THIS WITH?

This easy jam is a delicious spread that pairs well with many foods.

You can spread it on sourdough bread, bagels, or toast. It’s also a perfect addition to a charcuterie board, adding a sweet and tart flavor that complements cheeses and meats.

You can use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or mix it into yogurt or oatmeal.

For a savory twist, try using it as a glaze for meats like turkey or chicken, or incorporate it into a salad dressing for a burst of flavor.

ANY ADDITIONS?

Guys, cranberries are amazing with a little citrus. Not to mention all these other things!

• Orange Juice: Add a splash of orange juice to enhance the citrus flavor and complement the tart nature of cranberries.
• Orange Zest or Lemon Zest: Include some orange zest or lemon zest for added brightness and depth.
• Lemon Juice: A bit of lemon juice can enhance the tart flavor and help with preservation.
• Warm Spices: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of nutmeg during cooking for warm spices.
• Maple Syrup: Replace some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
• Chopped Apples: Mix in small amounts of chopped apples for additional texture and sweetness.
• Ginger: Add grated ginger for a spicy kick.
• Vanilla Extract: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor complexity.
• Chopped Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans after cooking for a crunchy texture.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Bring it on! Only 3 simple ingredients, but you can still swap things out.

• Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Honey or Agave Nectar: Substitute sugar with honey or agave nectar for natural sweetness.
• Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones work just as well.
• Apple Juice: Replace water with apple juice for extra flavor.
• Less Sugar: Reduce the sugar amount for a less sugar jam, adjusting to your taste buds.
• Chia Seeds: Add chia seeds instead of additional pectin to thicken the jam naturally.

Refrigerator

• Allow the jam to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer the jam into sterile jars or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezer

• Place the cooled jam in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to six months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Canning for Longer Shelf Life

You can totally can this stuff! Just use canning jars and just follow proper canning instructions.

Place jars filled with hot jam into a water bath canner, making sure they are covered with water.

Bring to a rolling boil and process accordingly. This method increases the shelf life and lets you enjoy your jam for months!

Cranberry Jam is one recipe that’s perfect for the holiday season (or anytime really).

It’s a great way to use up those bags of cranberries you might have picked up at the grocery store.

So next time you have leftover cranberries, try making your own jam!