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!

Course Condiment

Cuisine American, Traditional

Keyword Cranberry Jam

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 14

Total Time 19

Servings servings

Calories 53kcal

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

Use a Large Pot: When cooking the cranberries over medium-high heat, they can bubble up, so using a large pot prevents spills.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking.
Immersion Blender or Potato Masher: For a smooth jam, use an immersion blender to puree the cranberries. If you prefer a chunky jam, use a potato masher instead.
Check for Doneness: The jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and isn’t runny. You can also place a small amount on a cold plate; if it gels, it’s done.
Adjust Sugar Level: Taste the jam and adjust the sugar level to your preference, especially if you like less sugar.
Natural Pectin: Cranberries contain natural pectin, so there’s no need to add additional pectin. This makes it one of the easiest jam recipes, perfect for first-time jam makers.