Orange Spice Jam Recipe

If you’ve ever wished to bottle a burst of sunshine in a jar, this Orange Spice Jam Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s a delightful blend of fresh oranges with a hint of warming spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves that transform this bright, zesty jam into a comforting, complex treat. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, dolloping it on yogurt, or using it as a glaze, this homemade jam brings joy and a touch of cozy flavor to any moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Spice Jam Recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, each one playing an important role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and vibrant citrus flavor. The simplicity here is the beauty, making it approachable and easy to gather your supplies.

• Oranges (3 lbs, peeled): The star ingredient, fresh oranges provide juicy brightness and natural sweetness with minimal pith for the best texture.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps the jam set while balancing the tanginess of the fruit.
• Cinnamon sticks (1-2): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the citrus beautifully.
• Star anise (1, optional): Infuses a subtle licorice note, elevating the spice profile without overpowering the orange.
• Cloves (1, optional): Introduces a fragrant, slightly sweet spiciness that rounds out the flavor spectrum.

How to Make Orange Spice Jam Recipe

Step 1: Peel and Prepare the Oranges

The foundation of your Orange Spice Jam Recipe starts with peeling the oranges carefully. Removing as much of the white pith as possible is key—this keeps the jam from becoming bitter and helps achieve a smooth, pleasant texture. Once peeled, you’re ready to move on to blending.

Step 2: Puree the Oranges

Using an immersion or regular blender, puree your peeled oranges until you have a consistent, vibrant orange puree. This step sets the stage for your jam’s glossy, thick appearance and ensures every spoonful bursts with fresh citrus flavor.

Step 3: Combine Puree, Sugar, and Spices

Transfer the orange puree to a saucepan, adding sugar along with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves if you’re using them. This mixture will slowly meld the bright brightness of citrus with the cozy notes of your chosen spices, creating the jam’s signature character.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Simmer the mixture gently over moderate heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and watch the jam thicken. Test the consistency by placing a small amount onto a freezer-chilled plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, your jam is ready to be jarred.

Step 5: Jar and Store

Pour your hot, fragrant orange jam into sterilized canning jars, leaving a small amount of headspace. You can store the jars in the refrigerator for immediate use, or process them in a water bath canner for 10 minutes for longer shelf life. Your homemade jam is now ready to brighten your table for weeks to come.

How to Serve Orange Spice Jam Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few thin orange zest curls on top of your jam dollop adds a festive touch and echoes the flavors inside the jar. Fresh mint leaves also work wonderfully, offering a hint of green freshness that contrasts with the warm spice.

Side Dishes

Orange Spice Jam loves company! Serve it alongside crusty breads, buttery croissants, or even paired with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or goat cheese for a sophisticated bite. It also makes a fantastic topping for morning oatmeal or creamy yogurt bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

Get inventive by swirling your Orange Spice Jam Recipe into whipped cream for a flavored topping, or use it as a glaze for roasted poultry or pork. You can also spoon it over desserts like panna cotta or ice cream to bring a zesty, warming twist to sweet finales.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once opened, your Orange Spice Jam Recipe should be kept refrigerated and used within a few weeks. The cool environment preserves the bright citrus notes and prevents spoilage, keeping your jam fresh and ready to brighten your breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to keep your jam longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as it will expand. Frozen jam maintains its flavor well for up to six months, so you can enjoy the taste of fresh oranges any time of year.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated jam back to spreadable perfection, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often and avoid boiling to maintain the jam’s texture and fresh flavors without scorching or drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of oranges for this jam?

Absolutely! While sweet oranges work wonderfully, you can experiment with blood oranges or Valencia oranges for unique color and flavor profiles. Just be sure to adjust sugar slightly if your oranges are more tart.

Is it necessary to use all three spices?

Not at all. Cinnamon alone gives a lovely warmth, and star anise and cloves are optional extras for complexity. Feel free to tailor the spice blend to your taste preferences.

How can I tell when the jam is done cooking?

The best method is the freezer plate test: chill a small plate in your freezer, then spoon a bit of jam onto it. Push the jam gently after a minute—if it wrinkles and doesn’t run, your jam has set perfectly.

Can I make this jam without added sugar?

You can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to both sweetness and texture. Using less sugar may result in a softer set and a more tart jam.

How long will this Orange Spice Jam Recipe last if canned properly?

Properly water-bath canned and sealed jars can last up to a year stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, consume within a few weeks for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Spice Jam Recipe is the perfect way to blend vibrant citrus with cozy spices, bringing a warm, sunny comfort to your table any time of year. Once you’ve made a batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, whether for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Give it a try and brighten your day with a spoonful of homemade goodness!

Print