Homemade Cranberry and Pomegranate Jam Recipe

You know what is cool? Cranberries and pomegranate work, especially after being put into this yummy jam, together. It is such a perfect blendof that tart cranberry zing combined with the sweet and rich goodnessderiving from the pomegranates in this Cranberry and Pomegranate Jam. It’s a versatile jam that works equally well spread on toast for breakfast or served alongside a cheese platter during the holidays.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delightful jam. Let’s get started.

Why Cranberry and Pomegranate?

All combined, they make for an ideal combination to just get those flavors from winter. Cranberries add this awesomeness of tartness,which goes so well with the sweet, kinda winey taste of pomegranates. Combined, you get this flavor that is fancy and comfy, making this jam totally a thing you need in your pantry for the chilly months. Plus, the seeds of the pomegranate provide a nice crunch that makes the jam allthe more special.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To make this jam, you’ll need a handful of simple yet vibrant ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Let’s break down the main components:

• Fresh Cranberries (12 oz / 340g): These are the backbone of the recipe, providing that signature tartness. Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen can be used if fresh aren’t available.
• Pomegranate Seeds (1 cup): Also known as arils, these little jewels add not just sweetness but also a delightful texture to the jam. You can either extract them from a fresh pomegranate or buy them pre-packaged.
• Pomegranate Juice (1/2 cup): This intensifies the pomegranate flavor. If you have fresh pomegranates, you can juice one, or simply use store-bought juice.
• Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sugar is essential in jam-making, not only for sweetness but to help the jam set.
• Water (1/2 cup): A bit of water is needed to ensure the cranberries cook evenly.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): The lemon juice adds acidity, helping the flavors pop and ensuring the jam sets properly.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp, optional): This is optional but highly recommended if you want to add a layer of warmth and complexity to the flavor.

For a rich and festive twist, this Creamy Eggnog Jam Recipe captures the holiday spirit with warm spices and a smooth, custardy flavor.

How to Make Cranberry and Pomegranate Jam

Making this jam is straightforward and requires no special equipment—just a saucepan, a spoon, and some jars for storing the finished product. Here’s an overview of how you can easily create this jam at home:

1. Start with the Pomegranate Seeds
   The first step is to extract the seeds from a pomegranate. This might seem intimidating, but it’s quite simple. Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it over a bowl, and tap the back firmly with a spoon to release the seeds. Be careful to remove any bitter white pith that might fall into the bowl. Alternatively, you can buy pre-packaged pomegranate seeds to save time.
2. Cook the Cranberries
   Once you have your pomegranate seeds ready, it’s time to focus on the cranberries. Combine the cranberries, pomegranate juice, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about five minutes. You’ll know the cranberries are ready when they start to burst open, releasing their natural pectin, which will help thicken the jam.
3. Add Sugar and Pomegranate Seeds
   Stir in the sugar, pomegranate seeds, and lemon juice, and continue to simmer. As the sugar dissolves and the fruits break down, the mixture will start to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the jam reaches your desired consistency.
4. Test for Thickness
   To check if the jam is ready, use the classic “wrinkle test.” Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Once the jam has cooked for 20 minutes, spoon a small amount onto the chilled plate and push it with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
5. Optional: Add Vanilla
   For a deeper, more complex flavor, you can stir in a little vanilla extract at the very end of cooking. It adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the pomegranate flavor beautifully.
6. Jar the Jam
   Once your jam has reached the perfect consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly, then spoon it into sterilized jars. If you’re planning to store the jam long-term, you can process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes to seal them.

Storing the Jam

Spoon into jars and stick it in the fridge for now, or seal it up to keeplonger. Without processing, they will keep for about 3 weeks in thefridge, while they can be stored for as long as a year in a cool, dark place if the jars are processed.

The Best Gift 

One of the things I love about making jam is that it makes such a great and tasty gift. This Cranberry and Pomegranate Jam is extra special during the holidays. Dress the jars up with a little ribbon and a handwritten label, and you’ll have a lovely homemade gift that feels both personal and festive.

How to Enjoy Your Cranberry and Pomegranate Jam

This jam is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• On Toast or Biscuits: Spread a generous amount of jam on warm toast or freshly baked biscuits. It’s the perfect way to start your day or enjoy an afternoon treat.
• With Cheese: Serve the jam alongside a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a beautiful contrast of flavors. The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the pomegranate pair wonderfully with soft, creamy cheeses.
• As a Glaze: Use the jam as a glaze for roasted meats like turkey or ham. It adds a fruity tang that’s perfect for holiday dinners.
• In Desserts: You can use this jam as a filling for cookies like on the picture above or even layer it between cakes for a sweet and tart burst of flavor.

If you’re after a sweet and boozy spread, the Bourbon Peach Jam Recipe is ideal—perfect for adding a touch of Southern charm to your morning toast.

Until Our Next Recipe!

This really is the best Cranberry and Pomegranate Jam to bottle up thatseasonal flavor. It holds that perfect mix of tart and sweet. Sweet orsavory-your choice in whatever meal you want. You can make it as giftsor whip up some for yourself; this jam is going to be a holiday hit. Giveit a shot and let me know what you think!

If you’re digging this recipe, make sure to save it for later or share it with your pals on social media. Curious to know how you’re using your cranberry and pomegranate jam-just drop a comment below!