Introduction

Capture the cozy essence of the season with this simple 3-Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam. Made without pectin, it relies on the fruit’s natural setting power and a hint of warm spice for a bright, flavorful spread. It’s perfect for toast, scones, or as a sweet glaze. For another festive side, consider the Winter Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe.

Ingredients

This simple jam captures the bright, sunny essence of oranges, deepened with warm, aromatic spices for a cozy winter spread.

• 3 lbs oranges (peeled, roughly 5 cups puree)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1-2 each cinnamon sticks (star anise & cloves, (optional))

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This streamlined 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes that require additional prep or pectin cooking steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Oranges

Thoroughly wash 4-5 medium navel oranges to remove any wax or residue. Using a sharp knife, slice the oranges into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick, leaving the peel on. Remove any seeds you encounter as you slice.

Tip: The pectin naturally found in the orange peel and seeds is what will help this 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin set beautifully.

Step 2 — Combine Ingredients

Place the sliced oranges in a heavy-bottomed, non-reactive pot like stainless steel or enameled cast iron. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar and 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon). Gently stir to coat the fruit in sugar.

Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This maceration draws out the juices from the oranges, creating a syrup that will help prevent the sugar from burning when you begin to cook.

Step 3 — Begin Cooking

Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady, vigorous simmer. You should see consistent bubbles across the surface.

Doneness Cue: The orange slices will start to become translucent, and the liquid will thicken into a syrup. This initial cooking phase takes about 20-25 minutes.

Step 4 — Test for Setting Point

After about 25 minutes of simmering, it’s time to test the jam. Place a small plate in your freezer for 5 minutes to chill. Drop a teaspoon of the hot jam onto the cold plate and let it sit for 30 seconds.

Push the jam with your finger; if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it has reached the setting point. If it’s still runny, continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes and test again.

Step 5 — Adjust Consistency & Cool

Once the jam passes the wrinkle test, remove the pot from the heat. If you used whole cinnamon sticks, remove them now. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

For a smoother texture, you can use a potato masher to lightly break down some of the orange slices while leaving others intact for a chunky conserve. Let the jam cool in the pot for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6 — Jar and Store

While the jam is still warm, carefully ladle it into clean, dry jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely to room temperature on the counter.

Storage Tip: This 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin is not processed for shelf-stability. Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~45 kcal
Protein	0.2 g
Carbohydrates	11.5 g
Fat	0.1 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sodium	< 1 mg

Note: Estimates are per tablespoon and based on typical ingredients and serving size. This 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin is a source of vitamin C.

Healthier Alternatives

This simple 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin is already naturally gluten-free and vegan. For those looking to tailor it further, here are some practical ingredient swaps.

• Honey or Maple Syrup for Sugar — Use a 1:1 ratio for a more natural, unrefined sweetener. Note that this will subtly change the flavor profile and may affect the jam’s set.
• Low-Sugar Alternative — Replace half the sugar with a powdered erythritol or monk fruit blend to reduce the carb content while maintaining sweetness.
• Citrus Variations — Swap some oranges for blood oranges for a deeper color and berry-like notes, or use tangerines for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Spice Adjustments — For a lower-sodium option, omit the pinch of salt. You can also experiment with a cinnamon stick or whole cloves for a more subtle, infused spice flavor instead of ground spices.
• Dairy-Free Butter Alternative — While optional, if you add a pat of butter for shine, use a high-quality vegan butter to keep the jam dairy-free.
• Added Protein Boost — Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds after cooking for extra fiber, protein, and a thicker, more nutrient-dense spread.
• Sugar-Free Pectin Option — Though this is a no-pectin recipe, using a small amount of a sugar-free pectin like Pomona’s can allow you to drastically cut the sugar while still achieving a good set.

Serving Suggestions

• Spread this 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin generously on warm, flaky croissants or toasted sourdough for a cozy breakfast.
• Pair it with a sharp, aged cheddar or creamy brie on a cheese board for a perfect sweet and savory contrast.
• Use it as a festive filling for thumbprint cookies or as a glaze for roasted ham or chicken during holiday dinners.
• Stir a spoonful into plain yogurt or oatmeal to add a burst of citrus and spice to your morning routine.
• Layer it in a parfait with Greek yogurt and granola, or dollop it over vanilla ice cream or panna cotta for a simple dessert.
• Gift it in small, decorated jars—this homemade jam makes a thoughtful and delicious present for friends and family.

This versatile jam shines in both sweet and savory applications, bringing a warm, spiced orange flavor to any dish with minimal effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Not washing the oranges thoroughly, leaving wax or residue. Fix: Scrub the oranges under hot water with a brush to remove any coating.
• Mistake: Slicing the oranges too thickly, resulting in tough rind pieces. Fix: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them paper-thin for a tender texture.
• Mistake: Adding all the sugar at the beginning, which can hinder pectin release. Fix: Simmer the fruit with a little water first, then add sugar to dissolve completely.
• Mistake: Cooking at a rapid boil, which can scorch the sugar and evaporate liquid too fast. Fix: Maintain a gentle, steady simmer and stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Mistake: Not testing for the gel set, leading to a runny 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin. Fix: Use the cold plate test: a spoonful should wrinkle when pushed after cooling.
• Mistake: Over-reducing the jam, making it overly thick and candy-like once cooled. Fix: Remember it will thicken significantly as it cools; stop cooking when it just coats the spoon.
• Mistake: Using a pot that’s too small, causing messy boil-overs. Fix: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot that’s at least 3-4 times the volume of your ingredients.
• Mistake: Jarring the jam while it’s too hot, which can create condensation and spoil shelf life. Fix: Let the jam cool for 15-20 minutes in the pot before transferring to clean, dry jars.
• Mistake: Storing the jam improperly, risking mold growth. Fix: Keep opened jars refrigerated and use within a month, or process in a water bath for pantry storage.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the jam completely, then transfer it to a clean, airtight jar. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving ½-inch headspace. It can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
• Reheat: If the jam becomes too firm, gently warm the desired amount in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Ensure it does not exceed a simmer to preserve flavor.

Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination, and ensure the jam is stored at or below 40°F (4°C) in the refrigerator for food safety. This simple 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin maintains its bright, spiced flavor beautifully when stored properly.

Conclusion

This 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam is a simple, pectin-free delight. We hope you enjoy making and sharing it! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below. For more seasonal ideas, try our Winter Fruit Salad Recipe or Orange Vinaigrette Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy recipes!

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FAQs

How long does this 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin last?

Properly sealed in sterilized jars, this jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Because it contains no commercial pectin or preservatives, it has a shorter shelf life than store-bought versions. For longer storage, you can freeze it for several months.

Can I use other citrus fruits for this no-pectin jam?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe with other citrus like clementines or blood oranges. The natural pectin in the fruit’s skin and seeds is what allows this 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin to set. Just ensure you use the same total weight of whole fruit for consistent results.

Why is my jam too runny or not setting?

A runny jam usually means it needs more cooking time to reduce and thicken. The natural pectin in the orange peels needs sufficient simmering to activate. Continue cooking the 3 Ingredient Winter Spiced Orange Jam No Pectin over low heat, stirring frequently, until it passes a plate test for the desired consistency.