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Orange Marmalade

Super simple and delicious Homemade Orange Marmalade recipe
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orange marmalade

Looking for a simple yet wonderful homemade Orange Marmalade Recipe? You’ve found it!

Orange Marmalade is the perfect spread for toast, croissants and other breakfast favourites. This recipe includes plenty of rind to highlight that bitter and sweet balance that makes marmalade so wonderful.

Best of all, this recipe is suitable for home cooks who have absolutely zero jam-making experience. And you’ll have your two medium jars of marmalade in under an hour!

orange marmalade

Making Orange Marmalade (the easy way!)

Making jams and marmalades can be tricky, and I’ve ended in a hot and sticky mess several times following the “traditional” methods.

While I love “traditional” I also love “easy”, and I love having more time to do other things. Because there is always so much to do!

And who wants to spend hours making jam only to end up with toffee? Not me.

So I’ve cut all the corners here to make this recipe as simple as possible while still achieving that unbeatable homemade taste.

You’ll end up with about 700-800 mls of marmalade which will fill about two medium jars.

The ingredient list

To make this marmalade you’ll need one 500 gram packet of jam setting sugar, vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) and two large oranges.

You’ll also add water to these ingredients.

Which oranges make the best marmalade jam?

The answer to this question really depends on your own preferences.

If you prefer your marmalade more sweet than bitter, use a sweet orange variety such as Navel, Valencia or a blood orange.

For those who love a more bitter marmalade, choose Seville oranges.

orange marmalade ingredients

Orange Marmalade: the method

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve attempted to make this recipe a real breeze with guaranteed results.

Some of the simple steps include:

  • using the dishwasher to sterilise the jars (if you have one, of course – otherwise boil and allow to air dry)
  • using jam-setting sugar (available at most supermarkets)
  • cutting the oranges into quarters, removing the middle pith and ends (along with any stray seeds) and then simply slicing finely.

The trickiest part is knowing when the marmalade reaches setting point. It should be around the 20 to 30 minute mark after you add the sugar. You’ll see it change from watery to a more glossy, thick consistency. 

Be sure to carefully observe the consistency as it cooks, as the best way of getting to know when it’s ready is knowing what it should look like.

If you take the marmalade off the heat a little early and it doesn’t set properly, remember that you can simply put it back in the saucepan and cook a little longer. 

The result: citrus bliss!

By following this recipe you should end up with two medium jars of wonderfully chunky Orange Marmalade.

Every time I enjoy some chunky Orange Marmalade, I think of Melbourne.

I wasn’t really a fan of marmalade until I tried homemade-style marmalade at a bakery in Melbourne about 15 or so years ago.

Before the kids came along, my husband and I loved to visit Melbourne for the weekend. Who doesn’t love Melbourne, with its laneways, brilliant coffee, eclectic shopping options and overall vibe.

And the food! 

I may not get to venture as frequently or far these days with the kids in tow, but this homemade Orange Marmalade takes me on an adventure every time I sit down to enjoy it.

orange marmalade and toast on plate

Enjoying and storing your marmalade

Your marmalade should last a few months in the pantry until opened, or even longer if stored in the fridge.

It’s a great spread for toast, crumpets, croissants and more.

It’s also an ingredient in Orange Marmalade Cookies and Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins.

orange marmalade

Orange Marmalade

Super simple and delicious Homemade Orange Marmalade recipe
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Australian
Keyword: orange marmalade
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2 medium jars
Calories: 1095kcal

Ingredients

  • 500 grams thinly sliced orange (2 large oranges)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 2 1/2 cups jam setting sugar (500 grams)
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  • Sterilise two medium jars (you can use the dishwasher and then allow to air dry if it's still a little wet.)
  • Wash and dry oranges. You'll need about 2 large or 3 medium oranges.
  • Chop oranges into quarters and then slice off and discard the middle pith and very ends of the orange quarter. Remove any visible seeds, too.
    orange marmalade method
  • Thinly slice the quarters until you have 500 grams and then place into a saucepan.
    sliced orange for marmalade
  • Add vanilla and water.
  • Bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every now and then.
  • Take off heat, add sugar and stir before returning to heat.
  • Bring to the boil again and then adjust so the mixture is simmering at a medium pace, not furiously and not gently.
  • Allow to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know the jam is ready when it loses its watery appearance and starts to look shiny and "grab" the bottom of the saucepan a little as you stir.
  • Pour into the jars and seal with a lid.
  • Store marmalade in fridge.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 1095kcal | Carbohydrates: 281g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 274g | Vitamin A: 563IU | Vitamin C: 133mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg
Recipe Rating




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Julie

Friday 14th of July 2023

Thanks Libby great recipe for orange marmalade, lm just putting into jars and wondered if this will set when cold as is very runny

Libby Hakim

Sunday 16th of July 2023

Hi Julie. If it's still too runny when cold, you can just pop it back in the saucepan and cook further. It's hard to give precise times for jams as it depends on the fruit and so many factors. I try to describe but it's really one of those things you sometimes have to learn by trial and error. I can now tell just by looking at the mixture in the saucepan and find that the look of it is the easiest way to tell once you get the hang of it. Better if it's undercooked though cause you can cook more! Burnt jam is not much fun.

Kim Farrell

Saturday 31st of July 2021

10/10 Not difficult as you said used jam setting sugar. Hubby tasted said to enter in this years show as have 6 entries to enter (2 are jars of Marmalade.) Have made a lime one. Won 3rd prize 2019 with Worchestershire Sauce no Royal Show 2020 due to Covid

Libby

Monday 2nd of August 2021

Hi Kim - awesome feedback! Thanks and good luck with your show entries. Hopefully we can have shows again soon. My kids have been so disappointed our local one was cancelled. Take care, Libby

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