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Sweet Spiced Jam

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

This jam delivers the holidays in a jar. Cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices mingle for a not-too-sweet, just-right spread. Smooth texture with natural pectin creates a satisfying consistency. Spread it on toast, pancakes, or pair with cheese for that perfect festive touch.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:37:43 GMT
A jar of rich cranberry jam surrounded by green sprigs and pinecones. Pin it
A jar of rich cranberry jam surrounded by green sprigs and pinecones. | tasteofsavor.com

Get ready for a cozy holiday treat that mixes tangy cranberries with cinnamon and nutmeg. Slather it on a bagel, scoop it with cheese and crackers, or swirl it onto pancakes for an instant merry boost. Fresh orange juice and zest bring out a zippy citrus flavor that really brightens things up. You won't sweat making this—it comes together super quick and is awesome for sharing with friends. Give it a try and watch it disappear at every holiday gathering.

INGREDIENTS

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Toss in a little nutmeg for extra coziness and depth.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a warm, holiday hug to the mix.
  • Zest from one orange: Orange zest keeps things fresh and wakes up the flavors.
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice: Orange juice gives the jam a sweet-tart kick and a burst of freshness.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sugar keeps the cranberries from being too sour and gives a perfect sweetness.
  • 12 ounces cranberries (about 4 cups): Cranberries bring the tart bite and are the star of the show.

VARIATIONS

  • Citrus Pop: Add more orange zest or squeeze in a little lemon if you love it super tangy.
  • Sweet and Savory Hit: Try using it to glaze your roasted meats for a fun holiday spin.
  • Change Up The Berries: Mix in raspberries or strawberries with cranberries for more layers of berry flavor.
  • Try More Spices: A pinch of ginger or a hint of clove gives this jam a deep, bold taste.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 5:
Pour the jam into a clean pint mason jar, and let it cool off completely before you close it up. Keep it in the fridge for a month or in the freezer for up to three months.
Step 4:
When you're done simmering, take the pan off the burner, then stir in the grated orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg so it all blends together.
Step 3:
Lower the heat and let everything bubble gently for about ten minutes. Stir now and then, and watch those cranberries pop and the jam get thicker.
Step 2:
Toss the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice into a saucepan. Stir while it heats up until the sugar is gone and it's bubbling softly.
Step 1:
Wash the cranberries, look them over and toss out any that look bad. Set the good ones aside for the pan.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Slap this spiced jam on scones, pancakes, or fresh bread for a cheery breakfast, or pair it with crackers and cheese for a fun snack.
  • Keep the jam in a mason jar or airtight container in your fridge to last up to a month. Want to prep ahead? Freeze it for up to three months.
  • Handing it out to friends? Dress up your jar with a tag and a bright ribbon to make it feel extra special.

Tips from famous chefs

  • Chef Jamie Oliver: "Give the jam a quick pulse with a blender if you’d rather have it smooth—the berries break down easy while it’s warm."
  • Chef Martha Stewart: "Always make sure your jars are super clean if you want to keep the jam around longer or plan to share it."
  • Chef Ina Garten: "Grate citrus fresh for max flavor—nothing perks up jam more than zesty orange."

Sweet Spiced Jam

Sweet Spiced Jam bursts with cranberries, orange zest, and a mix of warm spices. Great for toast, gifting, or serving with snacks during the holidays.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 jar

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cups (12 ounces) of cranberries, either fresh or frozen.
02 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice.
03 3/4 cup white sugar.
04 The zest of one orange, finely grated.
05 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg, ground.
06 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground.

Instructions

Step 01

Run the cranberries under water and pick out any damaged or bad ones. Put the good ones aside for later.

Step 02

In a medium pot over medium heat, toss in the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.

Step 03

Keep whisking until the sugar's fully dissolved, and the mixture just begins to boil gently.

Step 04

Turn the heat down and let it cook for around 10 minutes while stirring now and then. The berries will pop open, and the mixture will start looking like jam.

Step 05

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest.

Step 06

Spoon the warm jam into a clean jar (a pint-sized one works well). Let it cool down completely before sealing it up.

Step 07

Pop the sealed jar into the fridge where it’ll stay good for up to a month, or freeze it for as long as 3 months.

Notes

  1. Sweet and tangy with a hint of spice, this spread’s perfect for holiday mornings or as a cheerful homemade gift.
  2. Try it on toast, waffles, or baked treats. It’s also great with a cheese board for a festive appetizer.
  3. Keeps for a month in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer, so you can enjoy it throughout the season.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 30
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: ~