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–+ servings

Spiced Cranberry Jam

erynwhalen
Made with tart cranberries, warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and the bright citrusy zest of orange, this easy cranberry jam recipe is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cream cheese, or using as a glaze for meats.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Course Canning
Cuisine American
Servings 6 half pint jam jars, 2 tablespoon per serving
Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 24 oz cranberries fresh
  • 3 cups white sugar or swap for coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ⅔ large orange including the peel for zest and brightness

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the cranberries under cold water and slice the orange, peel and all. If you prefer a smoother jam, zest the orange and add the flesh separately. This creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
  • Cook the Jam: Combine all the ingredients in a large pot over medium-high heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar. As the cranberries begin to burst, reduce to medium heat and simmer. Watch the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
  • Blend to Desired Consistency: For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Prefer a more rustic texture? A potato masher works beautifully to create a chunky jam consistency.
  • Ladle Jam into Sterile Jars: Wash jars with hot soapy water and keep them warm. Fill each sterile jar with the hot jam, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth, place the lids, and tighten the bands.
  • Process in a Water Bath Canner: Using a jar lifter, carefully place jars into a boiling water bath. Process for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool at room temperature. Ensure the jars are sealed before storing.
  • Tips for the Best Homemade Jam: For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of maple syrup or replacing some sugar with brown sugar. If you want a jam with less sugar, you can reduce the amount slightly, but this may affect the texture. For immediate use, store your jam in an airtight container in the fridge instead of canning.

Notes

Texture Control: For a chunkier jam, lightly mash the cranberries as they burst and skip the blender. For a smoother, spreadable jam, an immersion blender gives the perfect finish right in the pot.
Flavor Depth: A small splash of pure vanilla extract or maple syrup added at the end of cooking enhances the spices and gives the jam a warm, almost caramel-like richness.
Pectin-Free Perfection: Cranberries are naturally high in pectin, so resist the urge to add extra, it’s what helps the jam thicken naturally as it cools, giving it that beautiful, glossy set.

Nutrition

Serving: 2TablespoonsCalories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 116gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 135mgFiber: 5gSugar: 107gVitamin A: 116IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword cranberries,
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