Christmas Jam Recipe

There’s something magical about the way a homemade Christmas Jam Recipe fills your kitchen with the aroma of berries and spices, instantly putting you in the holiday mood. Imagine a vibrant, jewel-toned spread brimming with cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices, all blended into a perfectly balanced jam that’s sweet, tangy, and totally irresistible. Whether you spoon it over freshly baked scones, swirl it into yogurt, or gift it to friends in a cute jar, this jam is truly the taste of the holidays. Prepare to fall in love with how simple it is to make—and how unforgettable every spoonful will be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Christmas Jam Recipe such a crowd-pleaser is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients that work together seamlessly. Each one has a specific role in texture, color, or flavor, and the list is refreshingly short—perfect for busy holiday kitchens.

• Fresh cranberries: Bursting with tartness and natural pectin, these give the jam its signature jewel-red color and thick texture.
• Fresh strawberries: Their natural sweetness mellows out the cranberries and adds a summer brightness to every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: The earthy warmth of cinnamon infuses the jam with classic Christmas spice.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a touch transforms the jam into a festive treat with a subtle, sweet aroma.
• Ground cloves: Infuses each spoonful with bold, nostalgic spice that deepens the flavor.
• Ground ginger: Adds a gentle kick and a hint of heat that rounds out the jam’s complexity.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens naturally, while bringing lovely molasses notes and enhancing all the spices.

How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Simply add the fresh cranberries, hulled strawberries, all your spices, and brown sugar directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so the berries are evenly coated with the fragrant sugar and spices. This one-pot approach is perfect during the holidays when every minute counts.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to HIGH, cover with the lid, and resist the urge to peek—keeping the lid closed is key for proper thickening! Let your mixture cook and come together for four hours. By the end, your kitchen will smell exactly how Christmas should.

Step 3: Blend into Jam (Carefully!)

Once the cooking time is complete, transfer the hot fruit mixture into a blender, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Pulse the mixture just until a chunky jam forms, being careful not to over-blend. Over-blending can turn your jam into cranberry butter; you want lush, spoonable jam with texture.

Step 4: Let It Thicken and Cool

Don’t worry if your jam seems a little loose at first. Cranberries are naturally high in pectin and will help the jam set as it cools. Allow the Christmas Jam Recipe to cool to room temperature before storing—it will thicken up beautifully, I promise!

Step 5: Store Properly for Best Results

Spoon your finished jam into clean jars, letting it reach room temperature before sealing tightly. At this stage, the jam is ready to enjoy, share, or gift!

How to Serve Christmas Jam Recipe

Garnishes

A little flourish makes every serving feel special! Try a sprinkle of fresh orange zest, a couple of sugared cranberries, or even a sprig of mint atop your jam for a festive presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This jam is a holiday rockstar and plays well with a variety of treats. Spoon it over warm toast, swirl it into oatmeal, dollop it onto pancakes or waffles, or spread on a freshly baked scone for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack. It also makes a fabulous contrast on a cheese and charcuterie board.

Creative Ways to Present

Get into the giving spirit by transferring your Christmas Jam Recipe into pretty jars, adding festive ribbons, and attaching handwritten labels. Gift them as delightful homemade presents, or use the jars as charming place settings at your holiday table. You can even layer it with creamy yogurt and granola for a gorgeous parfait!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your jam has cooled, transfer it to clean, airtight jars or containers and refrigerate. Properly sealed, it will keep for up to two weeks, remaining fresh and bold in flavor. Always use a clean spoon for serving to extend shelf life.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on holiday prep, you can absolutely freeze this Christmas Jam Recipe. Spoon cooled jam into freezer-safe jars or containers—just leave a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

This jam is typically served chilled or at room temperature, but if you’d like it slightly warmed (think: over pancakes!), gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Both frozen cranberries and strawberries work well for this Christmas Jam Recipe. No need to thaw them—just add straight to the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Is this recipe suitable for canning?

While this Christmas Jam Recipe is refrigerator- and freezer-friendly, it has not been tested for safe canning via water bath methods. For gifting or longer storage, stick to proper refrigeration or freezing.

Can I adjust the sugar or spices?

Definitely! If you prefer your jam less sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sweetness helps balance the tart cranberries. Feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your own taste.

What if my jam is too thick or too thin?

If your jam is thicker than you’d like, just stir in a splash of water or orange juice until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cool completely—cranberries set as they cool. It may surprise you just how thick it becomes!

How long does this Christmas Jam Recipe last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, your Christmas Jam Recipe will stay fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for your own table or sharing the joy with loved ones, this Christmas Jam Recipe is sure to become a holiday tradition. It’s bursting with flavor, impossibly easy, and guaranteed to spread a little extra cheer with every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such a show-stopping treat!

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