Introduction

Cranberry Jalapeno Jam is a vibrant, sweet and spicy treat perfect for adding a kick to your breakfast or entertaining spreads. With fresh cranberries and a touch of jalapeno heat, this jam balances tartness and spice beautifully. It’s simple to make and sure to impress with its unique flavor.

The image shows a glass jar full of dark red, chunky jam with visible bits of fruit and seeds, sitting on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon is dipped into the jar, holding a generous scoop of the thick jam above it. To the left of the jar, there is a whole green jalapeño pepper and a few slices of the pepper placed on the surface. Behind the jar, a small white bowl filled with bright red frozen cranberries is visible. There are also some green pine leaves arranged in the background, adding a fresh touch. The scene looks cozy and vibrant, highlighting the rich texture and color of the jam. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups cranberries (frozen)
3 cups granulated sugar
¼ cup jalapeno peppers, finely minced (about 2-3 small peppers)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon fresh lime zest

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients and stir until well mixed. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the cranberries release their juices into the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Place the pan over medium-high heat. Stir regularly until the berries start to burst and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, press the berries to break them down and create a smoother texture.
Step 4: Increase the heat slightly and cook the jam, stirring every few minutes, until it reaches 220°F (104°C). This should take about 25-30 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the jam from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars for storage.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, remove the jalapeno seeds before mincing the peppers.
Use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the correct temperature for proper setting.
Sterilize your jars thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth and prolong shelf life.

Storage

Store your cooled cranberry jalapeno jam in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the jam in airtight containers. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

The image shows an open glass jar filled with dark red cranberry jalapeño jam that has a thick, chunky texture with visible small bits of fruit and seeds. A silver spoon, held by a woman's hand, is scooping some jam out of the jar, showing the glossy, sticky surface and dense consistency. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the jar, there are sliced green jalapeño peppers with seeds visible and a whole jalapeño pepper. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red cranberries and some green pine-like foliage, adding a fresh and natural touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cranberries can be used interchangeably with frozen. Just be sure to rinse and pick over the fresh berries before cooking.

How spicy is this jam?

The heat level depends on the amount of jalapeno used and whether you include the seeds. Removing the seeds reduces the spiciness for a milder flavor, while including them adds more heat.

Cranberry Jalapeno Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 73 reviews

A tangy and spicy cranberry jalapeno jam combining tart cranberries with the heat of jalapeno peppers, balanced with lime juice and zest. This homemade jam is perfect to add a flavorful twist to your breakfasts, snacks, or holiday dishes.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 3 cups of jam 1x
Category: Sauce & Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Jam Ingredients

4 cups cranberries (frozen)
3 cups granulated sugar
¼ cup jalapeno peppers, finely minced (about 2–3 small peppers)
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon fresh lime zest

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, finely minced jalapeno peppers, lime juice, and lime zest. Stir all the ingredients together and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the cranberries to release their juices.
Cook the Jam: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the cranberries begin to burst and the sugar is fully dissolved, ensuring even cooking and incorporation of flavors.
Mash the Berries: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to press the cranberries down, breaking them into a smoother consistency for a classic jam texture.
Reach Jam Temperature: Increase the heat slightly and continue cooking the mixture, stirring every few minutes. Cook until the jam reaches 220°F (104°C), which typically takes about 25-30 minutes. This temperature ensures proper setting of the jam.
Cool and Store: Remove the jam from heat and allow it to cool slightly before transferring it into sterilized jars for storage. This step helps to preserve the jam and prevent bacterial growth.

Notes

Sterilize the jars before storing jam to prevent bacterial contamination and prolong shelf life.
Use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the ideal temperature of 220°F for proper consistency.
Remove jalapeno seeds if you prefer a milder heat in your jam.

Keywords: cranberry jalapeno jam, cranberry jam recipe