cranberry jam tangy-sweet spread (Printable)
Tangy-sweet cranberry and apple spread perfect for toast or cheese pairings, made with natural fruit and citrus notes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 cup)
→ Sweetener
03 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
→ Liquid
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
→ Flavorings
06 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
08 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Rinse cranberries, discarding any soft or damaged fruit.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, diced apple, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon if using, and salt.
03 - Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally until the mixture boils.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 20 to 25 minutes.
05 - For a smoother consistency, mash with a potato masher or pulse with an immersion blender; leave chunky if preferred.
06 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then transfer to sterilized jars and seal.
07 - Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath canner for extended shelf life.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- This jam captures the perfect balance of tart and sweet that feels like a secret handshake between friends.
- It became my go-to for holiday gatherings because it pairs beautifully with everything from soft cheeses to roasted meats.
02 -
- Make sure to discard any soft or damaged cranberries before cooking—they can alter the flavor unexpectedly.
- I discovered that simmering gently and stirring often prevents burning and brings out the jam's best texture and taste.
03 -
- Patience is key—don't rush the simmering process to avoid gritty sugar crystals.
- The small pinch of salt truly amplifies all the flavors and is a game changer.