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    Home » Recipes » Jams and Jellies

    Quick and Easy Small-Batch Orange Marmalade

    Jan 6, 2021 | by Jennifer | Last Updated: Dec 1, 2021

    Jump to Recipe

    Enjoy homemade orange marmalade anytime with this quick and easy recipe. Small-batch, no pectin needed, no canning and ready in 1 hour!

    orange marmalade in jar and on toast

    It's citrus season and if you find yourself with a big bowl of wonderful oranges, maybe left-over from the holidays, there is no better use for them than to turn them into some marmalade!

    There is something incredibly satisfying about making a lovely jar of marmalade. I think it's even better when you can do it all with just 3 ingredients (oranges, lemon and sugar) and in less than an hour!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQ
    • Recipe
    • Save or share this recipe
    • Comments, Questions and Reviews

    Ingredient Notes

    Oranges - While you can technically make orange marmalade from any orange, I recommend mandarin oranges. They are thin-skinned, with little bitter pith (the white stuff) and wonderfully flavourful. As they are also a little sweeter, your marmalade will be a little on the sweeter side, which is great if you don't like a really sour marmalade. Since there are a wide variety of mandarin orange, if you don't have a scale, as a general guide, you will need about 2 Satsumas or Halos. You will need 3 clementines (or maybe 4 if they are especially small). Again, aim for 300g of orange to start your marmalade.

    If using navel oranges, you will need to be very careful to remove just the outermost orange peel for slicing, then remove and discard the pith layer, before chopping the fruit, to avoid a bitter marmalade. A vegetable peeler or really sharp paring knife works well for this. You will probably need just one navel orange if they are a good size.

    If you like a more bitter marmalade and you can find some Seville Oranges, they are fine, too. Just increase the amount of added sugar to equal the weight of your oranges, so your marmalade isn't too bitter.

    Sugar - Regular white granulated sugar is all you need here. Don't be tempted to reduce the amount of sugar here, or your marmalade may not set. A certain amount of sugar is needed for this process and just remember, it's a condiment, so you won't be eating the whole jar in one sitting :) In this case, I am using a 3:2 ratio or orange to sugar, so starting with 300g of oranges means 200g of sugar (or 1 cup).

    If you'd prefer to use honey, instead of white sugar, you can try replacing the 1 cup of white sugar with 3/4 cup of honey (I haven't tested this).

    Lemon - I generally add in the flesh and peel of 1/2 a lemon, for a little extra natural pectin and a slight bit of tangy flavour. If you find yourself lemon-less or you prefer to use just oranges, you can omit the lemon completely and still have a nice marmalade.

    Optional Add-ins - If you'd like to add a little something to your marmalade, you can stir in whatever you like right at the end of cooking. I've use some chopped red glacé cherries here, as I had some left-over after holiday baking. Red Maraschino cherries are nice, too. Chopped cranberries would work, as well. For something a little different, you can stir in a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, for a nice twist.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    This is a visual summary of the steps to make this marmalade. Always refer to the complete instructions in the Recipe Card below.

    Hopefully you have a scale in your kitchen, as it takes out the guesswork. These are Halo mandarin oranges and 2 average ones will total the 300g you need. If you need to guess, I've put one in my (small) hands, so you can see the approximate size.

    Take your time cutting the peel into even-sized slices, as it makes all the different in the finished marmalade. You can cut them thin or thicker, depending on how chunky you like your marmalade.

    Once you have sliced up the peel, you will simmer, covered, for 20 minutes to soften the peel.

    Once the peel has simmered, add the sugar and the chopped oranges and lemon. Stir and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for about 10-12 minutes, or until it tests ready (see the Recipe Card for details). If you like, stir in some cherries at the end.

    Spoon into a jar and refrigerate. This recipe will make about 1 1/2 cups of marmalade.

    FAQ

    What type of pot should I use to make the marmalade? Use a large saucepan for a single batch of this marmalade. Be sure it is a non-reactive pan (not aluminum or cast iron). A good, heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan is perfect.

    How can I make it more/less chunky? To make a chunkier marmalade (a thick-cut marmalade), simply cut your peel into wider slices. For a less chunky or smoother marmalade, simply blend with the immersion blender longer, to break up the peel a bit more.

    How do I know when it's done? I prefer to use the "cold plate" test for this marmalade, which is detailed in the recipe card below. You may be wondering why I don't use a thermometer here. My experience is that if you try to get this mixture to 220F, you will have a dark, thick and sticky caramelized marmalade, rather than the bright flavours of orange. I have tested this mix with a thermometer and have found it is perfectly done when the thermometer registers just 212F.

    You will find the while very hot, the mixture looks somewhat runny when done. If you've used the cold-plate test though, you will have proven that that mixture will "set" when it cools. And it will. Once your marmalade has cooled and spent some time in the refrigerator, you will find it has a perfect soft set from the natural pectin in the oranges (as opposed to a jello-like set that you might get with a marmalade that uses added pectin).

    What if my marmalade didn't set? Even if your marmalade doesn't set perfectly and is too runny for toast, it will still be quite useful to use for cooking or other uses, such as stirring into yogurt etc.

    How long will the marmalade keep in the fridge? It should keep well in the fridge for up to 3 months, but it likely won't last that long :)

    Can I freeze the marmalade Yes! Just make sure your container isn't filled completely, to allow for expansion as it freezers. Marmalade will freeze well up to a year.

    What can I do with my orange marmalade besides putting it on toast?salmon recipe uses orange marmalade and is one of my favourites! Or try some in this bread recipe!

    Can I make a bigger batch? You can, though the beauty of this recipe is that it is so quick and easy, you can really just make marmalade "on demand", as you need it.

    Can I can/preserve this marmalade for longer storage? You probably can, though I am not an expert on preserving, so I can't give advice on canning. I would refer you to a reputable source for proper canning requirements.

    orange marmalade in jar and spread on toast

    Recipe

    orange marmalade in jar and on toast

    Quick and Easy Small-Batch Orange Marmalade

    A quick and easy orange marmalade, with no added pectin and no canning required. Makes a small batch of just 1 1/2 cups of marmalade.
    Author: Jennifer
    5 stars from 8 ratings
    Print it Pin it + Collection Go to Collections Share by Email
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Condiments
    Servings 24 servings

    Ingredients
     

    • 10 1/2 oz mandarin oranges, such as Halo or Satsuma, about 2 large *see Notes
    • 1 cup water
    • 1/2 medium lemon, *see Notes
    • 7 oz white sugar, about 1 cup
    • 1/4 cup chopped cherries or dried cranberries, optional
    Prevent screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Before you start, take a small plate and pop it in your freezer. We will use it later to test our marmalade.
    • Peel the orange and set the peel on a cutting board. Set the orange pieces aside for now. Get your sharpest knife and cut the peel into small slices. You can make them smaller, for a less chunky marmalade or larger for a chunky marmalade. Do try to make them all the same size, whichever way you go. I like a thin slice about 3/4-1-inch long.
    • Using a sharp vegetable peeler, remove the peel from 1/2 a lemon, trying your best to get just the yellow and little of the white. Slice the lemon peel thinly and add to your orange slices. Cut the lemon in half and set the peeled half lemon aside with the peeled oranges for now.
    • Add the sliced orange and lemon peel to a large saucepan (not aluminum or cast iron). Add the water and bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes. **Check the pot after about 15 minutes to make sure there is still enough liquid in the pot. If not, add a bit more.
    • Meanwhile, chop the orange by cutting across the equator of the oranges and breaking into smaller pieces, checking for and discarding any pits you might find. Place the orange pieces into a bowl (to keep the juices contained). Chop the half lemon, removing and discarding any pits. Add to the bowl with the orange pieces.
    • Remove lid when peel has simmered. Add the white sugar and the chopped orange and lemon flesh to the pot. Increase heat to High and stir until mixture comes to a boil and sugar is dissolved. Allow mixture to boil, stirring only once or twice, for 8 minutes. At this point, use a few pulses with an immersion blender in the pot (or a potato masher), to break up the orange flesh a bit more, for a smoother marmalade. Just a couple of pulses are needed, as you don't want to break down the peel slices. Continue boiling for about 2-4 minutes more, then start testing the liquid on the cold plate from your freezer. *Total boiling time should be about 10-12 minutes in most cases.
    • To test the marmalade: Drop a bit of the liquid from the marmalade on the cold plate and run your pinky finger through it. If the liquid runs back together and fills in the line you just made with your finger, you need to cook longer. If the line remains and the edges of the line look "set" or a bit wrinkled, your marmalade is ready!
    • Remove pot from heat. Stir in any add-ins at this point. If you notice any chunks of the white pith from the lemon still visible, you can spoon out and discard. Let marmalade stand in the pot while you get your jar ready. Clean a 2-cup/16oz jar and dry. If you have a wide-mouth funnel, that would be handy here, too. Spoon marmalade into clean jar and let stand, uncovered, for 15 minutes, then place lid on jar (not too tight) and refrigerate.
    • Marmalade will keep well refrigerated for up to 3 months or can also be frozen for up to one year.

    Notes

    I love using mandarin orange for this recipe, as they have thin skin, little pith and wonderful orange flavour. As mandarin oranges vary in size, weighing is the best option. Start with about 10oz/300g of oranges, weighed before peeling.
    That said, you can use any type of orange with this marmalade. Please refer to the Ingredient Notes above the Recipe Card for more details. Whatever type of orange you start with, you will want to use 300g of orange and 200g of white sugar. The 3:2 ratio of orange to sugar will ensure a nice set to the marmalade.
    The lemon is added just for a little more citrus flavour and adds a bit more natural pectin to the mix. If you don't have or want to use lemon, you can just omit and use oranges only.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Tbsp | Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon to make personal health decisions.

    Course Condiments
    Cuisine American, Canadian
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    Meet the Author:
    Hi! I'm Jennifer, a home-cook of many years and a lifelong seeker of delicious food! I'm an equal opportunity eater. I enjoy eating all the foods!

    I love to share the classic recipes that I have enjoyed for years, as well as newer discoveries, that have become fast favourites.
    More about me here ...


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kems says

      May 26, 2022 at 9:16 am

      Hi Jennifer thank you for this recipe you posted, your recipe seems simple and easy to follow...but I was wondering what happened to the seeds of your oranges? Did you slice the oranges with the seeds in it? Or did you take it all out before slicing it? I am just wondering how did you do that part? As I am about to do this recipe but I feel like I don’t want to include the seeds in it.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        May 26, 2022 at 9:25 am

        Hi Kems and no, you definitely don't want any seeds in it. The oranges I used were seedless. If yours have seeds, pick them out and discard when you chop the pulp.

        Reply
    2. Melissa says

      March 15, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for the delicious recipe!! I am loving this marmalade on toast with a spread of fromage Blanc 😋 I like the method of removing peels first, it's easier to get really thin peel slices in contrast to slicing the whole fruit as I see on other recipes. I made a double batch, one for now and one for the freezer, and boiled for about 25-30 minutes - could have gone longer but I'm happy with the slightly looser consistency than what I would buy at the store. I just gave the pulp a few pulses before adding to the peels which worked great.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 15, 2022 at 7:00 pm

        So glad you are enjoying it, Melissa :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Cristina says

      January 19, 2022 at 8:34 pm

      Thanks for adding the shelf life of non-canned marmalade. I'm making some with Meyer lemon and was wondering how long it was good unopened in the fridge.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 19, 2022 at 8:43 pm

        Enjoy Cristina :)

        Reply
    4. Robbie says

      December 19, 2021 at 1:39 pm

      5 stars
      Super recipe thanks, it worked perfectly for me !

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 19, 2021 at 2:18 pm

        So glad to hear, Robbie :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    5. Marion Tibbett says

      December 09, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      I doubled the recipe, weighed everything but it turned out quite thin. I used frozen orange peel that I had kept for this occasion. Maybe not a good idea? I used pectin to fix the issue. Am I wrong to freeze chopped peel?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 09, 2021 at 6:51 pm

        Hi Marian, what did you use for the orange flesh that is added to the marmalade (beyond the frozen peel)?

        Reply
    6. Heather Surcouf says

      November 28, 2021 at 10:55 am

      Hi! Can you make this with satsumas instead of oranges?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 28, 2021 at 6:39 pm

        Hi Heather and yes, you can use any orange actually, as long as you stick to the same total weight of orange as specified in the recipe. Enjoy :)

        Reply
    7. Linda says

      September 25, 2021 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you, a wonderful easy recipe. I really enjoyed making the marmalade. Mine came out beautifully and everyone enjoyed it so much.
      The only comment I have, is when you look at recipe for x2 or x3 it says the correct amount, but in words says one cup which could be confusing.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        September 25, 2021 at 7:50 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, Linda :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    8. Norma Sullivan says

      August 23, 2021 at 7:51 pm

      Hi Jennifer --- I have a question. The first batch recipe calls for two mandarin oranges (300 g).
      The double recipe calls for 4 oranges (300g). Should that not say 600g (weight of 4 oranges)?

      Hi Jennifer - I have a question. The smallest marmalade recipe uses 2 mandarin oranges (300g). The double recipe uses 4 oranges (300g) 6 oranges also (300g).I would love to make this recipe (double or triple) I'm thinking that 4 mandarin oranges would weigh 600g? and 6 oranges would be 900g. Perhaps I'm not reading the recipe correctly. This recipe comes across as so 'non-stressful' as compared to many others online. And your notes on this recipe are so informative and easy to follow. I will let you know how this goes for me. thanks. Norma Sullivan

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        August 23, 2021 at 7:58 pm

        Hi Norma and yes. The way I've written it, the amounts in parenthesis won't scale with the 1X/2X/3X buttons. I'm going to fix that right now. In the meantime, if you want to scale it, it's easy enough to just do the math manually. And yes, this is a super simple marmalade and so easy to make anytime. That's why I personally just make a small batch to enjoy fresh, as I know I can easily make more whenever I like :)

        Reply
    9. Denise Brackna says

      July 05, 2021 at 11:42 am

      I plan on freezing the marmalade. Do I need to let it set at room temperature for 24 hours before freezing?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        July 05, 2021 at 12:24 pm

        Hi Denise, I would refrigerate in the container for 24 hours (once it cools to room temperature), then transfer to the freezer. Enjoy!

        Reply
    10. Ruth Cook says

      February 05, 2021 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      Oranges from our tree in Portugal needed using quickly. Have made several double batches, each slightly different as I have been bad and not really measured anything! All set beautifully and very tasty. Omitted the lemon as oranges so fresh no worry on pectin.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 05, 2021 at 10:03 am

        So glad you are enjoying it, Ruth :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    11. Barb P says

      January 14, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      I made this today using an orange/lemon combo; delicious! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 15, 2021 at 10:09 am

        So glad to hear, Barb :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    12. Julie M says

      January 11, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and tasty! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 11, 2021 at 3:01 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, Julie :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
        • Jan says

          March 05, 2021 at 8:13 am

          Hi Jennifer, Love the small batch version. Question: do you remove the membrane from the orange segments?

          Reply
          • Jennifer says

            March 05, 2021 at 8:58 am

            Hi Jan and no, I don't. Some of it breaks down in the cooking process, but what doesn't is easy to spot in the pot and I just fish it out and discard at the end of cooking. Much easier than trying trying to remove the membrane or supreme such small segments. That said, if starting with a larger orange, where you can much more easily cut the segment out from the membrane, that might not be a bad idea.

            Reply
    13. Mhairi Nolan says

      January 11, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      Hi. I am not a fan of chunky marmalade so could you omit the steps involving cooking the peel?
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 11, 2021 at 3:04 pm

        Hi Mhairi, As I haven't tested it, I can't say for sure if you could skip it. I think I would do the simmer, then puree it in a food processor, together with the citrus segments, then return it all to the pan to boil/set. It might work without the simmer, if the peel is in really tiny pieces, but if it doesn't and they stay quite firm, it wouldn't be a pleasant marmalade, so better safe than sorry, I think.

        Reply
    14. Leanne says

      January 07, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      I was just looking at a big bowl of oranges on my counter from the holidays and wondering how I was going to get through all of them. Now I know! I've always wanted to make homemade marmalade so this is a sign!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 07, 2021 at 7:39 pm

        It is, Leanne :) Enjoy!

        Reply
    15. Melanie says

      January 06, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      Uhhm, did I miss it somewhere of how much water to add? What do you reccomend? Thank you! This is my first time making orange marmalade!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 06, 2021 at 5:59 pm

        Sorry Melanie, forgot to add it in the ingredient list. Just a cup :) Added it now. Thanks for pointing this out.

        Reply
    16. Milena says

      January 06, 2021 at 11:51 am

      Just what I needed! We have an excess of oranges from several Christmas gifts from Florida relatives and now I get to make two small batches of your marmalade recipe. Love it as a dip for coconut shrimp!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 06, 2021 at 1:10 pm

        I was in the same boat, Milena (though not straight from Florida unfortunately). It's a great way turn extra oranges into something tasty :) Enjoy!

        Reply
    17. diana koziol says

      January 06, 2021 at 11:14 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for this easy, tasty and very interchangeable recipe. I have leftover oranges and lemons from the holidays. This was an easy way to use them up.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 06, 2021 at 1:10 pm

        So glad to hear, Diana :) Thanks so much and enjoy!

        Reply

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