Print

Dreamsicle Jelly Recipe

Dreamsicle Jelly Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Dreamsicle Jelly is a delightful homemade orange jelly infused with rich vanilla bean flavor, reminiscent of the classic Dreamsicle ice cream treat. This sweet and tangy jelly combines freshly squeezed orange juice with vanilla for a luscious spread that’s perfect for toast, pastries, or as a gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Jelly Ingredients

  • 4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
  • 1 pat of butter (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 box fruit pectin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Strain the Juice: Strain the freshly squeezed orange juice through cheesecloth to remove any pulp, ensuring a smooth jelly texture free from seeds and fibrous bits.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the strained orange juice, sugar, butter, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and the split vanilla bean pods. The butter helps reduce foaming during boiling.
  3. Boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent scorching.
  4. Add Pectin (if using): If using fruit pectin, add it now and stir continuously until the mixture returns to a rolling boil. Let it boil for exactly 1 minute to activate the pectin’s gelling properties.
  5. Without Pectin: If you choose to skip pectin, continue boiling the mixture until it reaches 220°F (104°C) and maintain this temperature for 3 minutes to ensure proper gel formation.
  6. Remove from Heat: Take the pot off the heat source immediately after the boiling time is reached to prevent overcooking.
  7. Remove Vanilla Beans and Ladle Jelly: Carefully remove the vanilla bean pods from the pot. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars while still hot to maximize shelf life.
  8. Seal Jars: Wipe the rims of jars clean with a damp cloth, place the lids on top, and tighten the bands to fingertip tightness to prepare for canning.
  9. Process the Jars: Process the sealed jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes to safely preserve the jelly and prevent bacterial growth.
  10. Cool and Flip: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and set them on a towel-lined countertop away from drafts to cool for several hours. Flip the jars upside down every 10 minutes initially, then turn them upright again to evenly distribute the vanilla specks throughout the jelly.
  11. Check Seals: Once cooled, check the seal on each jar by pressing the lid center. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used soon, while sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry.

Notes

  • Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best natural flavor; commercial juice may have additives affecting jelly set.
  • Butter helps reduce foaming during boiling but can be omitted if desired.
  • Using pectin shortens cooking time and guarantees a firm set; skipping pectin results in a more natural jelly but requires closer temperature monitoring.
  • Flipping jars during cooling helps disperse vanilla seeds evenly for visual appeal and flavor distribution.
  • Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dreamsicle jelly, orange jelly, vanilla jelly, homemade jelly, canned jelly, fruit preserves, orange vanilla spread

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/dreamsicle-jelly-recipe/