Christmas Jam Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Jam is a delightful blend of fresh cranberries and strawberries infused with warm spices. Perfect for spreading on toast or serving alongside holiday dishes, it brings a festive touch to your breakfast table.

Ingredients

• 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
• 16 oz. fresh strawberries
• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp. ground cloves
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• 2 cups brown sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the cranberries, strawberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar to your slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time to allow flavors to meld.
3. Step 3: When cooking is complete, carefully transfer the contents to a blender. Pulse until the mixture forms a jam—avoid over blending to prevent turning it into cranberry butter. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Step 4: The jam will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries, so don’t worry if it seems loose at first.
5. Step 5: Let the jam cool completely before storing it in jars or containers.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker after cooking.
• Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
• If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• Use frozen cranberries and strawberries if fresh are not available; just adjust cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store the jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the mixture in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens, which may take about 30-45 minutes.

How do I prevent the jam from becoming too chunky or too smooth?

Pulse the blend just enough to mash the fruit into a jam-like consistency. Overblending will create a buttery texture, so blend in short bursts and check often to get your preferred texture.

Christmas Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

This festive Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices and brown sugar, slow-cooked to perfection for a rich, thick, and flavorful spread. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting, this jam offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness with cozy autumnal spices.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits

• 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
• 16 oz. fresh strawberries

Spices

• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp. ground cloves
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger

Sweetener

• 2 cups brown sugar

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add all the cranberries, strawberries, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar into the slow cooker and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
2. Cook the Mixture: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook the mixture for 4 hours, keeping the lid closed throughout to allow the fruit to break down and the flavors to meld.
3. Blend into Jam: After cooking, transfer the contents of the slow cooker into a blender and pulse gently until the jam reaches your desired consistency. Avoid over blending to prevent turning the jam into a buttery texture. An immersion blender can also be used for convenience.
4. Cool the Jam: Allow the jam to cool; it will naturally thicken thanks to the pectin in cranberries. Do not worry if it seems thin right after blending.
5. Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer the jam to clean jars or containers and refrigerate to preserve freshness. The jam is now ready to enjoy or gift for the holiday season.

Notes

• Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure proper thickening.
• Be careful not to over-blend the jam to avoid cranberry butter consistency.
• This jam will thicken further as it cools due to natural pectin in cranberries.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Store the jam in sealed containers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks.

Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, strawberry jam, holiday jam, slow cooker jam, festive jam recipe