Cranberry Jelly

There’s something truly special about making your very own batch of bright and tangy homemade cranberry jelly during the holidays. Our easy Test Kitchen-approved recipe transforms three simple ingredients—cranberry juice, sugar and fruit pectin—into a vibrant, jewel-toned spread that sits beautifully on your holiday table, or works as a delicious addition to sandwiches and charcuterie boards.

Whether you’re looking to preserve the flavors of the winter season or searching for a thoughtful food gift, this cranberry jelly recipe has you covered. The best part? In just 35 minutes, you can create a large batch of cranberry jelly that will rival any store-bought version.

Ingredients for Cranberry Jelly

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• Cranberry juice: The cranberry juice is the star of this recipe, providing a distinctive tartness and beautiful red color. For the best flavor, buy pure cranberry juice.
• Sugar: The granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries and helps the jelly set correctly.
• Liquid fruit pectin: Fruit pectin is a natural thickener and ensures the cranberry jelly achieves the perfect, spreadable consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the juice and sugar

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In a Dutch oven, combine the cranberry juice and sugar, stirring well to help the sugar dissolve into the juice.

Step 2: Boil the jelly

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Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add the fruit pectin

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Once the mixture is boiling, stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Continue to boil for an additional minute, stirring constantly to ensure the pectin is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Skim the foam

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Remove the Dutch oven from the heat, then skim off any foam from the surface of the liquid.

Step 5: Add the jelly to jars

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Carefully ladle the hot liquid into hot, sterilized 1/2-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars or using a non-metallic utensil. Wipe the rims clean and adjust the lids.

Step 6: Process the jars

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Process the jars in a boiling-water canner for 10 minutes to ensure they’re properly sealed.

Editor’s Tip: Start timing when the water returns to a full boil after adding the jars. If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the processing time.

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Cranberry Jelly Variations

• Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the cranberry juice while boiling for a warm and spiced flavor.
• Add a citrus twist: Substitute half the cranberry juice with orange juice for a citrus twist. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon or two of freshly grated orange zest to the jelly before it sets.
• Infuse it with herbs: To give a subtle herbal note to the cranberry jelly, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the boiling mixture.

How to Store Cranberry Jelly

Unopened jars of cranberry jelly can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year—the high sugar content and proper canning process make this jelly a long shelf-life food. Once opened, keep the jar refrigerated and use it up within three weeks.

Can you freeze cranberry jelly?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry jelly—but the consistency may change upon thawing. If you choose to freeze the jelly, make sure to transfer it to cool in freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving enough headspace to allow for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use.

Cranberry Jelly Tips

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What can you serve with cranberry jelly?

Cranberry jelly pairs well with roasted meats, especially turkey and ham. It’s also delicious spread on toast, on biscuits or as part of a cheese board pairing.

What can I do if the cranberry jelly is too runny?

If your cranberry jelly doesn’t set after 24 to 48 hours, you can reprocess it. Simply pour it back into a Dutch oven, add a little more pectin and boil the mixture again. Then re-jar and process as before.

Can you use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry juice?

While this recipe uses store-bought cranberry juice, you can always use fresh cranberries. Follow our recipe for making homemade cranberry juice, then proceed with the cranberry jelly recipe using this fresh juice.

How do I adjust the processing time of cranberry jelly recipes for different altitudes?

The processing time listed in this cranberry jelly recipe is for altitudes of 1,000 feet or less. Add one minute to the processing time for each 1,000 feet of additional altitude—this adjustment is crucial for ensuring your jelly is safely preserved at higher altitudes.