Dreamsicle Jelly: Amazing 4sure Taste

A bright, nostalgic jelly capturing the creamy orange-vanilla essence of a Dreamsicle. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or desserts.

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Strain freshly squeezed orange juice through cheesecloth into a large pot.
Add sugar, vanilla bean pods and seeds, and butter.
Bring the mixture to a hard boil over high heat.
If using pectin: Stir in pectin. Keep stirring until it returns to a hard boil, then boil for exactly 1 minute.
If not using pectin: Keep boiling until it reaches 220°F (104°C) and hold that boil for 3 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and take out the vanilla bean pods.
Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, wiping rims clean before sealing.
Process jars in a boiling-water canner for 10 minutes.
Place jars on a towel-lined counter in a draft-free spot.
Every 10 minutes while cooling, gently flip jars upside down and back upright for even vanilla speck distribution.
Once cooled, check seals. Refrigerate unsealed jars, store sealed jars in the pantry.

This Dreamsicle Jelly recipe can be made with or without pectin.
If making without pectin, boil until the mixture reaches 220°F and hold for 3 minutes.
For a creamier twist, stir in a splash of coconut milk before filling jars. This will shorten shelf life, so refrigerate these batches.
A spiced version can be made by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom with the vanilla.
Citrus jellies may take up to a day or two to fully set.
If using bottled orange juice, ensure it is 100% juice with no additives.
To check for a proper seal, press the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the seal is good.