This super simple Cranberry Jam recipe is made with only 3 ingredients! May it be for a savory cheese board or sweet charcuterie board, on top of vanilla ice cream or just with a slice of bread, this homemade jam is perfectly tart and with the ideal amount of sweetness.

Cranberries are not only delicious, but they’re are considered a superfood, nutritious and with many vitamins. They’re specially rich in Vitamin C, but they also have vitamin E, manganese and vitamin K1, among others.

Why you’ll love this recipe

It’s made with only 3 ingredients
You don’t need to have any special equipment to make it
It’s made in under 15 minutes and it’s the easiest jam ever!
The flavor is unbeatable! it’s the perfect balance between sweet and tart
It’s the perfect way to show friends and family you care! works as great gift or as a hostess gift
Cranberries are seasonal fruits, but you can find them frozen all year long, you don’t have to wait for the Holiday season to make this recipe!

What is cranberry Jam made of?

This super easy Jam has 3 simple ingredients:

Cranberries. Frozen or fresh cranberries can be used. It’s made with the whole fruit and has lots of fruit chunks in it. If you don’t like chunky Jam, you just have to run it through the food processor to eliminate all of the fruit pieces. 12 Ounces is a whole bag of cranberries, or around 3 Cups.

Granulated sugar. To sweeten the jam

Vanilla extract. Good quality vanilla extract goes a long way! specially with so few ingredients

For exact amounts check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to make this easy homemade Cranberry jam

To make this easy recipe you’ll need to combine Cranberries and white sugar into a medium saucepan and turn it on to medium heat.

Start to cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Cranberries will start to release their juice after 2 minutes, then sugar will start to dissolve.

Turn heat to low, continue boiling for 8 more minutes, cranberries will soften and turn mushy. Use a potato masher to mash your cranberries as much as you like. You can also use an immersion blender if you like your jam smooth.

Place a small amount of jam on a plate and place in the freezer for 30 seconds. If consistency is right, stop boiling. If you feel the jam is too runny, continue boiling for a bit longer.

Add vanilla extract and mix. Let the jam come at room temperature before storing in your clean jam jars or any other small jars.

Do cranberries need pectin?

Cranberries are naturally rich in pectin, which means there’s no need to add it to this jam from other sources.

Pectin is a type of starch that helps your cranberry jam turn thicker and develop a semi solid texture when cooled. Some citrusy fruits, like cranberries, apples and quince, are high in pectin

The more you boil your jam, the thicker it will get.

Is Cranberry Jam the same as Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry Jam is sweeter and runnier than cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce tends to be thicker and less sweet

What is the difference between Jelly and Jam?

Jelly is normally smoother, with no fruit chunks in it. It’s made by straining the fruit and using only the juice.

Jam is made with the whole fruit, mashed or pureed. Personally, I like chunky jam and I leave the chunks, but you can always use a food processor to get rid of them.

Expert tips to make this delicious spread

To know when to stop boiling your jam, place a small amount in a plate and freeze for 30 seconds. If consistency is right, you can stop boiling it
Your jam will start to thicken as it gets cold. If when your jam is completely cooled you find it too thick, add a bit of water and mix, until reaching preferred consistency.
There’s no need to sterilize your jars if you’re eating your jam within the first 2 weeks after making it. If you want your jam to last longer than 2 weeks in the fridge, you will need to sterilize them using a hot water bath
Boil your jam with a cinnamon stick to spice it up. It’s the perfect addition for the winter months and holiday season
You can easily double this recipe by doubling the ingredients and following the same steps to make it