If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season, this Christmas Jam Recipe is just what you need! Nothing quite captures the spirit of Christmas like the sweet-tart combination of fresh cranberries and strawberries, spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. This jam isn’t just for spreading on toast; it can elevate your breakfast table or make a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a jar of festive goodness ready to enjoy during those cozy holiday mornings or as a sweet treat for your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic. Perfect for busy mornings!
Deliciously Festive Flavor: The blend of cranberries and strawberries with spices creates a flavor profile that screams holiday cheer.
Great for Gifting: Package this jam in cute jars, and you’ve got delightful homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the taste, making it a hit at breakfast tables or brunch gatherings.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this jam ahead of time, so it’s one less thing to worry about during the holiday rush!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this fabulous Christmas Jam Recipe, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious treat!

For the Jam

24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
16 oz. fresh strawberries
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
2 cups brown sugar

Variations

This Christmas Jam Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and adjust it to your taste.

Add More Fruit: Try incorporating raspberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
Sugar Substitute: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Zesty Twist: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a refreshing citrus note.

How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by adding all your ingredients into the slow cooker. Give them a good stir to mix everything together evenly. This step is crucial because it helps all those lovely flavors meld right from the start!

Step 2: Let It Cook

Set your slow cooker on HIGH and let it cook for 4 hours without peeking! Trust me on this one; keeping the lid closed ensures that all those wonderful juices stay trapped inside, creating a rich flavor as they cook down together.

Step 3: Blend into Jam

Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the contents from the slow cooker into a blender. Pulse until you reach your desired jam consistency—just be careful not to over-blend! We want jam, not cranberry butter! An immersion blender works great here if you have one.

Step 4: Cool and Store

As the jam cools, it will thicken quite nicely—don’t worry if it seems runny at first; cranberries naturally contain pectin which helps with thickening as it cools. Allow your beautiful creation to cool before transferring it into jars for storage.

Now you have a delicious batch of Christmas jam ready to enjoy! Whether you’re spreading it on toast or gifting it in pretty jars, it’s sure to bring joy this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Jam Recipe

Making jam can be a delightful experience, especially when you have these helpful tips in your back pocket!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and strawberries will give your jam the best flavor and texture. Overripe or frozen fruits can alter the taste and consistency of your jam.
Don’t skip the spices: The spices in this recipe—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—are what make this jam truly festive! They add warmth and depth to the flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Monitor the blending process: Be careful when blending your jam; pulse it until you reach a desirable consistency. If you over-blend, you risk turning it into cranberry butter instead of preserving that delightful jam texture.
Allow cooling time: Remember that the jam will thicken as it cools. Patience is key here! This helps ensure you achieve that perfect spreadable consistency.
Consider storage options: If you’re planning to gift your jam or keep it for later enjoyment, make sure to use sterilized jars for storage. This extends shelf life and keeps your delicious creation safe!

How to Serve Christmas Jam Recipe

Presenting your homemade Christmas Jam can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ways to showcase this festive treat at your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint on top add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
Zest of orange: A sprinkle of orange zest not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a citrusy brightness that complements the jam’s flavors.

Side Dishes

Warm scones: Fluffy scones are perfect for spreading this sweet jam. Their buttery flavor pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries.
Cream cheese spread: Serve with a block of cream cheese for a quick appetizer. Simply pour the jam over cream cheese and serve with crackers for a delightful contrast.
Pancakes or waffles: Drizzle this Christmas Jam over your favorite breakfast items for a festive twist on classic brunch dishes!
Cheese platter: Pair with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The sweet-tart flavor of the jam balances out rich cheeses perfectly, making it an excellent addition to any holiday cheese board.

Enjoy bringing joy to your table with this delightful Christmas Jam Recipe! It’s sure to become a cherished tradition in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Jam Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a big batch ahead of time for holiday breakfasts or as delightful gifts. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled jam in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions.

Freezing

Pour the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label with the date and freeze for up to six months.

Reheating

To thaw, place the frozen jam in the refrigerator overnight.
If you need it faster, submerge the container in warm water until thawed.
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat if desired, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious Christmas Jam Recipe:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Christmas Jam Recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well! Just ensure they are thawed before adding them to your slow cooker.

How can I adjust the sweetness in my Christmas Jam Recipe?

You can reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup for a lighter option.

How long will this Christmas Jam last in the fridge?

This jam will last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make this jam without added sugar?

You can experiment with fruit that is naturally sweeter or use a sugar substitute designed for cooking and canning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this festive Christmas Jam Recipe! It’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to spread cheer during the holiday season. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast or gifting it to loved ones, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every moment of your jam-making adventure, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences after trying it out!