Limoncello Marmalade – Sweet, Zesty, and Brunch-Ready

Introduction

If you’re looking for a bright way to wake up your breakfast table, this Limoncello Marmalade is the flavor-packed spread your toast has been dreaming of. With a luscious blend of citrus fruits and the elegant zing of limoncello, it strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. And thanks to its smooth texture and brilliant color, it’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Whether you’re smearing it on warm bread, spooning it over yogurt, or adding a dollop to a charcuterie board, this homemade marmalade brings a burst of sunshine to every bite.

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Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about preserving seasonal fruit into something that feels both nostalgic and gourmet. The limoncello adds a floral, lemony brightness that elevates the citrus blend into something special. The result is a smooth, spreadable marmalade that’s bold, tangy, and a touch indulgent.

It also pairs beautifully with soft baked goods like pumpkin spice muffins or spooned over a bowl of banana pudding.

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Ingredients

• 5 cups chopped citrus (oranges, lemons, and/or grapefruits)
• 1/2 cup limoncello
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon stick butter
• 1 box powdered pectin
• 7 cups sugar

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Ingredient Notes & Tips

• Citrus Options: Use a mix of sweet and tart citrus—navel oranges, Meyer lemons, and ruby red grapefruit all work beautifully.
• Limoncello: Adds a depth of flavor and light bitterness. Don’t skip it—it’s what makes this marmalade unique.
• Butter: Helps reduce foaming during boiling.
• Pectin: Use powdered pectin for a smooth, thick set.

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How to Make Limoncello Marmalade

Step 1: Blend the Citrus

Chop your citrus, removing seeds and pith, and toss into a blender or food processor up to the 5-cup line. Add the limoncello and water and blend until you have a smooth, juicy puree.

Step 2: Add Pectin and Butter

Add the butter and powdered pectin to the blender and pulse until fully combined.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture

Transfer your citrus blend to a large stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Add the Sugar

Once it’s boiling, stir in the sugar. Keep stirring until it’s completely dissolved.

Step 5: Boil Again

Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and continue to boil for 90 seconds while stirring constantly.

Step 6: Jar It

Remove from heat and carefully ladle the hot marmalade into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.

Step 7: Process

Seal the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Let jars cool at room temperature for 24 hours. Once set, check the seals, label, and store.

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Tips for Success

• Use a deep pot to avoid splatter as the marmalade boils.
• Sterilize your jars by boiling them or running through a hot dishwasher cycle.
• Test for doneness by spooning a bit onto a chilled plate—it should wrinkle when pushed if set.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This vibrant marmalade is wildly versatile. Try it:

• Spread on toast, English muffins, or croissants
• Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
• Layered in a parfait with chocolate chip oatmeal breakfast cookies
• Drizzled over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake
• Paired with a glass of blueberry lemonade for a refreshing citrus moment
• Spooned on top of edible cookie dough for a sweet-sour contrast

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Storage Tips

• Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
• Refrigerate after opening and use within 3 weeks.
• Freeze extra marmalade in freezer-safe jars for up to 6 months.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you love citrus, sweetness, and fun in the kitchen, here are more treats to try:

• Pumpkin Spice Muffins
• Big Family Banana Pudding
• Blueberry Lemonade
• 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Edible Cookie Dough

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Final Thoughts

This Limoncello Marmalade is like bottling a slice of citrus heaven. It’s zingy, sweet, and elegant enough to impress—yet simple enough to make in an afternoon. Perfect for gifting, brunching, or treating yourself to something sunny and homemade.

Made a batch? Tag @ChefManiac and show off your golden jars! And for more citrus-spiked and sweet-tooth-satisfying recipes, head over to ChefManiac.com.