There’s a warmth in the air as the holidays approach, and I can almost taste the nostalgia swirling around my kitchen. This time of year is all about gathering with loved ones, and what better way to enhance those cozy moments than with homemade Christmas Jam? I first discovered this delightful concoction during a holiday baking spree when I wanted to create something that would remind everyone of the season’s rich flavors—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tart-sweet burst from fresh cranberries and strawberries.
Whether you’re spreading it onto warm toast for breakfast or using it as a festive filling for pastries, this jam is both a crowd-pleaser and a simple joy to make. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on the holiday spirit while the delightful aroma fills your home. So put on your favorite holiday playlist and prepare to elevate your culinary game with this unforgettable Christmas Jam!
Why will you love this Christmas Jam?
Homemade Joy: There’s something special about crafting your own jam filled with seasonal flavors.
Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it work its magic, saving you time for festive activities.
Touch of Festivity: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg create a charming harmony, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Gourmet Gift: This delightful jam makes an ideal homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.
Versatile Delight: Use it on toast, pastries, or as a topping for holiday desserts; the possibilities are endless!
Christmas Jam Ingredients
For the Jam Base
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries – Essential for that tart kick that defines this Christmas Jam.
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries – Adds a delightful sweetness to balance the cranberries beautifully.
- 2 cups brown sugar – This ingredient helps to create that rich, comforting sweetness that pairs perfectly with the fruits.
For the Spices
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon – Infuses the jam with a warm, nostalgic smell reminiscent of holiday baking.
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg – A little goes a long way in providing that cozy, festive flavor.
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves – Adds a subtle spiciness that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger – A hint of warmth to round out the spice palette beautifully.
Dive into making this Christmas Jam and bring the essence of the festive season into every spread!
How to Make Christmas Jam
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the fresh cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, and all the spices. Stir gently until well mixed; this is where the festive aroma begins!
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Cook on High: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let it work its magic for 4 hours. Resist the temptation to peek; keep that lid closed for the best results and to allow those flavors to meld.
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Blend to Perfection: Once the cooking time is up, carefully pour the cooked mixture into a blender. Pulse until a jam forms, being careful not to over-blend—nobody wants cranberry butter instead! An immersion blender works just as well if you have one.
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Cool Before Storing: Allow the jam to cool for some time at room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into jars or containers for storage. Your homemade Christmas Jam is now ready to spread joy!
Optional: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over toasted bread topped with the jam for a gourmet twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Making Christmas Jam
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Choose Fresh Fruits: Try to pick the ripest cranberries and strawberries, as fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and texture of your Christmas Jam.
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Avoid Over-Blending: Blend just until you achieve the desired jam consistency. Over-blending can turn it into cranberry butter instead of the chunky, spreadable delight you want.
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Lid Closed: Remember, keeping the slow cooker lid on is crucial for perfecting the flavor infusion. Every time you open it, precious steam escapes!
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Storing Tips: Once cooled, store your jam in sterilized jars for best longevity. Refrigerate promptly to keep it fresh for your holiday feasts.
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Customize Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences; a pinch more nutmeg or a dash of allspice can truly elevate your Christmas Jam!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Jam jars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the fruit mixture (fresh cranberries and strawberries, sugar, and spices) up to 24 hours in advance by combining all the ingredients in a bowl, then store it in the refrigerator (this helps the flavors meld, enhancing the jam’s taste). When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to your slow cooker and follow the original cooking instructions. This way, you’ll have delicious homemade Christmas Jam just a blend away, ready to delight family and friends with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Christmas Jam?
There’s something enchanting about sharing a delightful spread alongside your warm, homemade jams to celebrate the season.
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Warm Croissants: Flaky, buttery goodness perfectly complements the sweet-tart flavors, making every bite heavenly.
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Cream Cheese Toast: The creamy texture provides a lovely contrast to the jam’s fruity sweetness, creating a delightful breakfast or snack.
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Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle this jam over your fluffy breakfast favorites for a festive touch that brightens your morning.
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Scones with Clotted Cream: The buttery scone paired with rich cream and vibrant jam brings a taste of the English countryside to your table.
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Yogurt Parfaits: Layer creamy yogurt with fresh fruits and a generous dollop of Christmas Jam for a refreshing and festive treat.
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Charcuterie Board: Include your jam as a delightful addition to a cheese platter, offering a sweet contrast to sharp cheeses and cured meats.
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Ice Cream Topping: For a unique dessert, spoon this jam over vanilla ice cream; the flavors combine for a delightful seasonal indulgence.
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Glazed Ham: Slather a bit of Christmas Jam on roasted meats for a sweet glaze that enhances savory flavors beautifully.
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Sparkling Wine: Pair this jam with a glass of bubbly for a festive toast, celebrating the joys of the season with every sip.
Christmas Jam Variations
Feel free to get creative with this festive recipe and make it truly your own!
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Berry Medley: Add a mix of 8 oz. blackberries or blueberries for a vibrant flavor twist and a pop of color.
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Spiced Citrus: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for a refreshing citrusy brightness that complements the warm spices beautifully.
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Chili Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to inject a warm, spicy zing for those who like a little heat in their jams.
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that adds depth to the smooth jam texture.
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Vanilla Infusion: Add 1 tsp. of vanilla extract right before blending for a sweet, aromatic finish that enhances the fruit flavors.
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Maple Sweetness: Replace half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a unique maple flavor, making it absolutely divine on pancakes!
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Cran-Apple Twist: Swap out half the strawberries for fresh diced apples, adding a naturally sweet and slightly tart essence that’s perfect for fall.
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Herbal Infusion: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh finely chopped mint or rosemary after blending for a refreshing, unexpected herbal note that sings of the season.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Jam
Fridge: Store your Christmas Jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring it remains fresh and ready for spreading delight on your holiday treats.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Leave some space at the top of the container, as the jam will expand while freezing.
Reheating: When ready to use frozen jam, thaw it overnight in the fridge or microwave in 15-30 second intervals. Stir to restore its lovely, spreadable consistency.
Sealing: If using jars, make sure the lids are sealed tightly to maintain freshness; this will help preserve the magical burst of flavors in your homemade Christmas Jam.
Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting cranberries and strawberries?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh cranberries, look for firm, plump berries with a deep red hue and no dark spots or blemishes. For strawberries, opt for berries that are bright red and free of white or green areas—those are indicators of ripeness. If you’re in the market for the best flavor, local or organic produce is always a delightful choice!
How should I store my Christmas Jam, and how long will it last?
Once your homemade Christmas Jam is cooled, transfer it to airtight jars and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, perfect for your holiday gatherings! For extended storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Just make sure to leave a bit of space at the top, as the jam expands when frozen.
Can I freeze the Christmas Jam? If so, how?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze your Christmas Jam! To do this, pour the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top to account for expansion. Seal the containers tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some jam, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or microwave it in short intervals, stirring well for the best consistency.
What if my jam turned out too runny?
If your jam is a bit too runny for your liking, don’t worry! You can fix it by returning the mixture to the slow cooker, simmering it on HIGH for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until it thickens to your preference. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. If you still have trouble, adding a tablespoon of pectin can help thicken it up—just ensure to mix in well.
Is this Christmas Jam safe for pets, particularly dogs?
While cranberries are generally safe for dogs in small amounts, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian regarding specific dietary needs or allergies your pet may have. The brown sugar and spices in this recipe might not be suitable for furry friends, so it’s best to keep this delightful jam for human enjoyment!
Can I adjust the spices in the Christmas Jam?
Very much so! If you prefer a spicier or more aromatic flavor profile, feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to your taste. A little extra nutmeg can create a warm holiday essence, while adding some allspice or cardamom can introduce your own unique twist. Don’t hesitate to experiment—the more the merrier!
Sweet Christmas Jam: A Festive Twist for Your Holiday Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the fresh cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, and all the spices. Stir gently until well mixed.
- Cook on High: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let it work its magic for 4 hours.
- Blend to Perfection: Once the cooking time is up, carefully pour the cooked mixture into a blender. Pulse until a jam forms.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the jam to cool for some time at room temperature, then transfer it into jars.