Packed with vibrant cranberries and a little orange flavor, this homemade Cranberry Orange Jam is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether spreading it on toast, pairing it with vegan cheese, giving it as a gift, or using it as a topping for desserts, this simple recipe transforms seasonal ingredients into a versatile treat and it's ready in 20 minutes.
I may have gone overboard with fresh cranberries this fall—who can resist when their season is so fleeting?
Thankfully, this jam, made with just a handful of ingredients and no special equipment, transforms them into a bright, citrusy treat I can enjoy
long after they’ve disappeared from the shelves—all in about 20 minutes.
If you love the tangy, spiced flavors of my Cranberry Ginger Chutney or Healthy Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup, this jam offers another way to make the most of cranberry season. With its bright, citrusy notes and easy preparation, it’s the perfect addition to your collection of cranberry-inspired recipes.
This jam pairs great with Vegan Cornbread, Vegan Banana Oat Pancakes, or Vegan Corn Casserole but if you’re looking for a savory way to enjoy the cranberry orange flavors, don’t miss my Cranberry Orange Couscous.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Made with fresh cranberries and oranges for bold, zesty flavor.
- Perfect for breakfast, desserts, or as a tangy condiment for savory dishes. No preservatives or complicated techniques—just wholesome, pantry staples that can be adjusted easily to your tastes.
- This stores beautifully in the fridge, making it great for gifting or prepping ahead of busy weeks.
Ingredients
With minimal ingredients, you can enjoy cranberries for a couple of weeks. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries both work perfectly for this recipe. And if you want to keep the cranberry magic going year-round, stock up while they’re fresh. They’ll last a few weeks in the fridge or a year in the freezer. So grab a stash and keep the cranberries rolling long after the holidays.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the jam a bright, natural flavor. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought orange juice works, too—just choose one without added sugar for better flavor control.
- Orange Zest: Don’t skip the zest. It adds an extra layer of citrusy aroma and depth to the jam. Be sure to zest the orange before juicing it, or you'll wrestle with a sad, deflated fruit. I somehow make that mistake every single time.
How To Make Cranberry Orange Jam
Here are some pics of what the process looks like in action. See the recipe card for detailed directions.
Step 1: Combine: In a saucepan, mix cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and cinnamon (if using).
Step 2: Cook: Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce to low and simmer 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
Step 3: Mash (optional): Mash for a smooth jam or leave some chunks. If too thick, stir in a bit of water or juice.
Step 4: Cool & Store: Let cool, then transfer to a jar and enjoy.
Top Tips
- Don't let all the moisture evaporate out the pan. The jam will thicken up as it cools. If it has thickened too much, add a couple of tablespoons of water to adjust it.
- Remember, cranberries are naturally tart, so the sweetness helps balance the flavors. Adjust the sugar as needed.
- A wide, deep pot keeps the cranberries contained when they pop and keeps your counter from becoming a Jackson Pollock masterpiece.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread on toast, bagels, or biscuits.
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt.
- Pair with vegan cheese or crackers for a festive snack.
- Great addition to a vegan charcuterie board.
- Use as a filling for cakes, thumbprint cookies, or pastries.
Storage
- Once cooled, transfer the jam to a clean, airtight jar or container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, pour the cooled jam into freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- If you’re experienced with water-bath canning, this jam can be preserved in sterilized jars for up to 1 year. Be sure to follow safe canning practices, including checking for a proper seal. Here is an article to get you started - How To Can Jam.
Cranberry Jam FAQS
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. Remember that cranberries are very tart, so reducing the sugar too much might result in a tangier jam. You can also try natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave.
If it becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency.
More Vegan Recipes With Cranberries
Got a minute? I'd love for you to comment and rate this Cranberry Orange Jam. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Cranberry Orange Jam
Ingredients
- 2 heaping cups cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- zest of 1 orange
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice juice from ½ to 1 orange; add more for more orange flavor
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using).
- Cook it down: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will burst, and the mixture will thicken.
- Mash (optional): If you like your jam smooth, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the cranberries. For a chunkier jam, leave some whole. The jam will thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it. If it seems too thick while cooking, add one to two tablespoons of water.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the jam cool to room temperature. Transfer to a clean jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. See the post for other storage options.
Michael F says
Thanks for sending this to me! I love it!
Regi Pearce says
You're welcome! Thanks for commenting.