Cranberry Jam

4.86 from 7 votes

Easy Cranberry Jam made with cranberries, sugar, and water. Sweet, simple, and great for spreading on toast or giving as holiday gifts.

Prep Time15

Cook Time35

Additional Time30

Total Time1 20

Course: Homemade Mixes, Sauces & Condiments

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Jamie Sherman

Add the cranberries, brown sugar, and water to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4 cups whole fresh cranberries, 1 to 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1 cup water
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste the mixture. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar.
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
Remove from heat and let the jam cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
Transfer to a clean jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.

🥡 STORAGE: Refrigerate the jam in a clean, airtight jar for up to a few weeks.

Keep the jam chilled at all times for best quality.

♨️ REHEATING: Warm small amounts gently in a saucepan over low heat.

Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts until loosened.

❄️ FREEZING: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS: Stir constantly during the final 10 to 15 minutes to prevent scorching.

Taste first so you can adjust the sugar to your preferred sweetness.

Cool completely before sealing the jar to avoid condensation.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS: Slow cooker: Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

Instant Pot: Cook on manual high pressure for 2 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes and stir until thickened on sauté mode.

♻️ LEFTOVERS: Spread leftovers on toast, biscuits, or English muffins.

Stir into yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese.

Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies or bars.

📝 NOTES: This recipe yields about 2¼ cups of jam.

Start with 1 cup of sugar for a cranberry sauce level of sweetness. Increase up to 2 cups for a sweeter jam.

This jam makes a great holiday gift.

The batch size is easy to double for bigger gatherings.

Play with flavors like citrus or spices to make it your own.

Let it cool fully before storing to maintain the best texture.

This recipe was originally published as a contributor post by Soliloquy Of Food & Such.