There’s something magical about homemade preserves—the way they capture the essence of fresh fruit and turn it into something you can savor all year long. Among these, orange marmalade has long been a breakfast favorite, celebrated for its bright, citrusy flavor and slightly bitter-sweet balance. But what if you added a festive twist? Enter Easy Orange-Cranberry Marmalade, a vibrant blend of zesty oranges and tart cranberries that elevates your morning toast, scones, or even desserts.
I still remember the first time I made this marmalade at home. The kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of citrus, mingling with the deep red tang of cranberries. The result was a beautiful, ruby-colored preserve with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. It quickly became a favorite gift to share with friends and family, and it’s a treat that keeps on giving—perfect for holiday mornings or any time you want a little sunshine in a jar.
This recipe is not only simple but adaptable. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or a beginner looking to try your hand at preserves, this marmalade delivers on flavor, texture, and that homemade charm.
Recipe Overview
Easy Orange-Cranberry Marmalade combines fresh oranges, tart cranberries, and a hint of lemon to create a tangy, sweet spread. Cooked with sugar and thickened with liquid pectin, this marmalade sets perfectly while preserving the bright, natural flavors of the fruit. It’s versatile, vibrant, and perfect for spreading, gifting, or adding to your favorite recipes.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this bright, flavorful marmalade, along with some helpful tips to ensure success.
Ingredients
- 4 medium oranges
- 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
- 4 cups sugar
- 3 ounces liquid fruit pectin
- 6 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fruit
Begin by zesting the oranges and lemon, setting the zest aside for later. Carefully remove the remaining peel from the fruit, then chop the oranges and lemon into small, manageable pieces. Place the chopped citrus in a large pot along with the roughly chopped cranberries and sugar.
Tip: The zest will be added back at the end for extra fragrance and flavor, giving the marmalade its vibrant, aromatic quality.
2. Cook the Fruit Mixture
Stir the fruit and sugar together until the sugar is well distributed. Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat. Boil briefly—just long enough for the fruit to soften and release its juices. Remove the pot from the heat before moving on to the next step.
3. Prepare the Pectin
In a small saucepan, combine the liquid fruit pectin with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, and allow it to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly to ensure the pectin is fully activated.
Pro Tip: This step ensures your marmalade will set properly and achieve that perfect, spreadable texture.
4. Combine Pectin and Fruit
Carefully pour the hot pectin mixture into the orange-cranberry mixture. Stir thoroughly until the pectin and fruit are fully blended. You’ll notice the mixture start to thicken slightly as the pectin activates.
5. Jar and Store
Spoon the hot marmalade into clean, sterilized jars. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator for short-term use or freeze for longer storage.
Tip: For extra flavor, fold in the reserved citrus zest before jarring. This adds a fragrant burst and enhances the marmalade’s bright color.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Fruit Substitutions
While oranges and cranberries are classic, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerines, or even add a handful of raspberries or pomegranate seeds for added depth and color.
2. Sweetness Adjustments
If you prefer a less sweet marmalade, reduce the sugar slightly. Keep in mind that sugar also acts as a preservative, so don’t remove too much if you plan to store the marmalade long-term.
3. Texture Variations
For a smoother spread, use a hand blender after cooking the fruit mixture, but leave some fruit chunks for a rustic, chunky texture.
4. Infused Flavors
Add warm spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a splash of vanilla during cooking for a subtly spiced marmalade, perfect for holiday gifting.
5. Pectin Tips
Make sure to use liquid fruit pectin as instructed. If using powdered pectin, follow the package directions, as the setting time and method can vary.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight jar for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Marmalade can be frozen for up to 6 months—leave a little headspace in the jar to allow for expansion.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread over toast, muffins, or bagels for a bright, tangy breakfast.
- Stir into yogurt, oatmeal, or porridge for a sweet-tart twist.
- Use as a glaze for roasted poultry or ham, giving your dishes a citrusy, festive flair.
- Gift in small jars during the holidays—beautiful, homemade, and thoughtful.
Easy Orange-Cranberry Marmalade is a delightful, homemade preserve that captures the bright flavors of winter citrus and the tartness of cranberries. It’s simple to make, adaptable, and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly tart notes makes it a versatile treat for breakfast, snacks, or as an ingredient in baking and cooking.
Making this marmalade at home not only fills your kitchen with a comforting, aromatic scent but also creates a jar of sunshine that can be enjoyed for weeks. Once you taste the balance of tangy cranberries and sweet oranges, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
FAQs
1. Can I make this marmalade without cranberries?
Yes! You can use additional oranges, or add other tart berries like raspberries or pomegranate seeds.
2. How long will the marmalade last?
In the fridge, it lasts up to 3 weeks. Frozen, it can keep for 6 months.
3. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely. Reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet version, but remember sugar helps preserve the marmalade.
4. Do I need to peel the oranges completely?
Yes, removing the thick outer peel helps avoid a bitter taste. Keeping some zest enhances the flavor.
5. Can I make it in advance for gifts?
Definitely! Make a batch and store in sterilized jars. It makes a perfect homemade gift for friends and family.
Easy Orange-Cranberry Marmalade is a bright, tangy homemade preserve with citrus and cranberries. Perfect on toast, in desserts, or as a festive gift.