Easy Ginger Cranberry Jam

Ginger cranberry jam is sweet and tangy, with the warmth of fresh ginger to give it a little zing. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your holiday brunch!

If you’re the type who always makes your own Homemade Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving, then this ginger cranberry jam will be right up your alley. The process is almost the same—the only difference is that it cooks a little bit longer to thicken more. And the end result is equally delicious: a delightful blend of tart cranberries and the warm, spicy kick of ginger.

Although this ginger cranberry jam is good for all the standard ways you’d use a jam recipe—spreading onto toast, for example—the more complex flavor profile gives it a little more versatility. Try pairing it with cheese on a charcuterie board or using as a glaze for roasted meats like turkey or ham. It would also be fantastic in brie en croute.

Making this ginger cranberry jam is a cinch since it doesn’t require pectin and doesn’t need to be canned, which means you don’t need any special equipment to pull it off!

Ingredients for Ginger Cranberry Jam

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Granulated Sugar – AKA white sugar.
• Orange – You’ll need the juice and zest of one orange.
• Fresh Ginger Root – Fresh ginger is much more flavorful than ground ginger. It’s totally worth it for this recipe!
• Fresh Cranberries – If you can’t find fresh, you can use thawed frozen cranberries.

How to Make Ginger Cranberry Jam

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full printable instructions.

1. Combine. Add the sugar, orange juice and zest to a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves.
2. Simmer. Add the cranberries and ginger to the pan and continue to cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
3. Finish. Cool for 15 minutes, then transfer to jars and refrigerate.

Tips and Variations

Here are some pointers and ways to make this ginger cranberry jam your own!

• Make it boozy. Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the jam for a festive twist.
• Add spices. Experiment with adding other warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
• Balance the tartness. If the jam is too tart for your taste, you can add more sugar or sweeten with honey or maple syrup. You can also reduce the sugar a bit if you want a more tart jam. Since this isn’t being canned, you don’t have to worry about the ratios so much.

Ways to Use Ginger Cranberry Jam

These are some of my favorite ways to use this recipe.

• Spread on baked goods. Use it to top your morning toast, bagels, or warm gingerbread scones.
• Pair with cheese. Serve the jam alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar.
• Mix into yogurt or oatmeal. Swirl a spoonful of jam into plain yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.
• Make a cocktail. Combine it with vodka and soda or spoon it into a champagne flute, pour Prosecco over the top, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary for an easy holiday cocktail.

How to Store Ginger Cranberry Jam

Store ginger cranberry jam in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This recipe was not formulated for canning, but if you do want to keep it longer than two weeks, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Just be sure to give it enough headspace for expansion—about an inch is good.

More Homemade Jam Recipes

• The Best Blueberry Jam
• Easy Fig Jam
• Homemade Strawberry Jam
• Blackberry Jam
• Easy Tomato Jam
• Bacon Jam

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