Christmas Jam Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday kitchen tradition that blends bold flavors with comforting nostalgia, this Christmas Jam Recipe is sure to steal your heart (and taste buds!). Sweet strawberries and tart cranberries unite in a fragrant medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—creating a jam that bursts with scarlet color and rich festive flavor. Whether you swirl it into your morning oatmeal, spread it over warm scones, or tuck it into DIY gift baskets, this Christmas Jam Recipe is both easy to make and endlessly delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Jam Recipe adds something magical—rich color, tangy depth, or warming spice. With every spoonful, you’ll taste why these classics are the stars of so many holiday tables. Let’s break down the essentials for your very own pot of holiday cheer!

• Fresh Cranberries (24 oz, about 6 cups): The tart burst and natural pectin help the jam set beautifully while delivering bright flavor.
• Fresh Strawberries (16 oz): These sweeten things up and mellow out the cranberries, plus they add a gorgeous ruby hue.
• Ground Cinnamon (1½ tsp): A touch of cinnamon brings cozy warmth and holiday aroma.
• Ground Nutmeg (1 tsp): This tiny bit of nutmeg adds another dimension of spice and depth.
• Ground Cloves (1/2 tsp): Just enough to deepen the fragrance without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Ground Ginger (1/4 tsp): The subtle zing sharpens and enlivens the jam while keeping it balanced.
• Brown Sugar (2 cups): Rich and mellow, brown sugar sweetens the jam while adding a caramelly note that white sugar just can’t replicate.

How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Start by adding all your cranberries, strawberries, spices, and brown sugar straight into your slow cooker. Give everything a really good stir—this helps the fruit and spices mingle from the very beginning. The aroma that starts to drift up instantly feels like Christmas morning!

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let it work its magic for four hours. Resist the urge to peek or stir! The sealed environment intensifies the berry flavors and lets the spices steep, creating that thick, jewel-toned jam that makes this Christmas Jam Recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Blend Until Jammy

Once the slow cooker beeps, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender, or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Pulse gently—just enough to break up the berries and blend everything into a spreadable jam. Don’t over-blend, unless you’re after a super-smooth cranberry butter instead!

Step 4: Let the Jam Thicken as It Cools

You might notice the jam still looks a touch loose when it’s warm, but don’t worry. Thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries, the jam will thicken up dramatically as it cools. Set the pot aside until it comes to room temperature for that luscious, spoonable consistency.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once the jam has cooled, spoon it into clean jars or containers with tight-fitting lids. That’s it—you’re ready to gift a jar, dress up your holiday breakfast, or sneak a spoonful straight from the fridge (no judgment here!).

How to Serve Christmas Jam Recipe

Garnishes

This jam is beautiful all by itself, but if you want to impress, add a scatter of fresh cranberries or a spring of rosemary on top for festive flair. A pinch of orange zest just before serving can also add a zingy, fragrant finish that perks up every bite.

Side Dishes

The Christmas Jam Recipe is particularly dreamy on buttered toast, croissants, or your favorite crumpets. It’s also a wonderful accompaniment to a cheese board—think creamy brie or tangy goat cheese—where its sweetness plays perfectly against savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your ruby jam into mini glass jars and tie each with a holiday ribbon for ready-to-give gifts. For a breakfast spread, arrange it in a pretty bowl with a tiny spoon, or even swirl it into plain Greek yogurt for a holiday parfait. You could also layer it between cake for a festive surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Christmas Jam Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three weeks. Make sure your jars are completely clean and sealed tight to keep the flavors fresh and bright all season long.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead of the holiday bustle, the jam can be frozen for up to six months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

This jam is delicious straight from the fridge, but if you’d like it warmed, just spoon the amount you need into a saucepan and gently heat over low, stirring frequently. This brings back that just-cooked aroma and softens the texture if it’s extra thick from chilling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh cranberries or strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen—the Christmas Jam Recipe will still come out delicious. You don’t need to thaw them first; just toss them into the slow cooker as written, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can make a larger batch if you have a big enough slow cooker. Just be sure not to fill it beyond the maximum fill line, and you might want to extend the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure everything breaks down fully.

Why not open the slow cooker lid while it’s cooking?

Resist the temptation! Every time you lift the lid, you let out essential steam and heat, which means the jam will take longer to thicken. Keep it closed for best results—your patience will pay off.

How do I know if I’ve over-blended?

If your jam turns into an ultra-smooth, glossy paste, you’ve crossed into cranberry butter territory. It’ll still taste fabulous, but for classic jam texture, stick to a quick pulse or two—leaving a bit of fruit texture intact is perfect for spreading!

What’s the best way to give this jam as a gift?

The Christmas Jam Recipe makes a delightful holiday present! Spoon the cooled jam into small, sterilized jars, add a cheery ribbon, and attach a handwritten tag describing the flavors. Pair with a loaf of homemade bread or holiday scones for a memorable, heartfelt treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a homemade holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Christmas Jam Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect way to infuse your kitchen with the spirit of the season and create lasting memories. Pop open a jar, share it with friends, and let the flavors of Christmas shine!

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