Name: Cranberry Spread
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h 2 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh cranberries; 1 cup water; 1 cup orange juice; 1 cup sugar; 1 pinch ground cloves (about 1/16 teaspoon); 1 cinnamon stick

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Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Jo

CRANBERRY SPREAD – Sweet, tangy, and spiced with orange and cinnamon — this homemade cranberry spread is perfect for toast, desserts, or holiday charcuterie boards!

There’s something special about the scent of cranberries and cinnamon filling the kitchen—it just feels like the holidays! This cranberry spread is one of those simple, make-ahead recipes that adds a touch of homemade warmth to any meal. With its bright, tangy flavor and hints of orange and spice, it’s perfect for spreading on warm rolls, spooning over cheesecake, or serving alongside a holiday roast.

Ingredients

Fresh cranberries
Water
Orange juice
Sugar
Ground cloves
Cinnamon stick

Supplies you’ll need

Essentail

9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Strainer (for rinsing cranberries)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Blender or food processor
Airtight container or jars for storage

Optional but handy

Citrus juicer (for fresh orange juice)
Silicone spatula (helps scrape every bit from the pan)
Fine mesh sieve (for an extra-smooth spread)
Decorative jars (perfect for gifting!)
Cooling rack (to help the spread cool evenly)

Delicious Ways to Serve Cranberry Spread

For Breakfast or Brunch: Spread this cranberry goodness on warm toast, bagels, or English muffins. It’s also delicious swirled into Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or spooned over pancakes and waffles. For a cozy weekend treat, try it alongside buttery scones or biscuits.

For Lunch or Dinner: Serve it with roast turkey, ham, or chicken as a tangy-sweet condiment. Add a spoonful to grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches, or brush it over baked chicken or pork tenderloin as a simple glaze.

For Appetizers & Snacks: Pour it over warm brie or cream cheese and serve with crackers. It also pairs beautifully on a charcuterie board with cheeses, nuts, and crostini. For something fun, use it as a dipping sauce for cocktail meatballs or sausages.

For Dessert: Don’t forget dessert! This spread makes a lovely topping for cheesecake, pound cake, or ice cream. You can even layer it in parfaits or trifles for a festive, fruity finish.

Tips and Tricks

Choose fresh, firm cranberries: For the brightest flavor, look for berries that are plump and vibrant. Avoid soft or shriveled ones—they can make the spread taste dull or watery.

Don’t skip the cooling step: Letting the cranberry mixture cool completely before blending helps it thicken naturally and develop that perfect jam-like consistency.

Adjust sweetness if needed: Cranberries vary in tartness. If your spread tastes too tangy, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of sugar while it’s still warm.

Storing: Keep the spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage. It also makes a wonderful edible gift—just add a cute jar and ribbon!

I hope you love this cranberry spread as much as I do—it’s one of those simple recipes that instantly feels special. Whether you serve it at breakfast or alongside your holiday meal, it’s sure to bring a pop of color and flavor to the table. If you give it a try, let me know in the comments how you served it—or share a photo on Pinterest or Instagram so we can all be inspired!

More recipes you’ll love

Apple Cranberry Harvest Cake: A cozy, spiced cake combining Granny Smith apples, fresh cranberries, and walnuts, with a brown sugar topping.

Cranberry Cinnamon Bars: Layered bars that marry cranberries, cinnamon, and white chocolate for a sweet-tart dessert bar.

Cranberry Pecan Scones: Buttery scones with a nutty crunch from pecans and bursts of cranberry flavor.