If you’re looking for a delightful way to spread some holiday cheer, this Christmas Jam Recipe is just the thing! This festive blend of cranberries and strawberries will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of spices, making it the perfect addition to your Christmas breakfast or brunch. Plus, it’s an excellent gift idea that’s sure to impress friends and family.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and the joyful flavors that come together effortlessly in a slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just enjoying a cozy morning at home, this Christmas jam will add a sweet touch to your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Deliciously festive: The combination of cranberries and strawberries with warm spices creates a jam that’s bursting with holiday flavor.
Perfect for gifting: Share jars of this homemade jam with loved ones for a heartfelt holiday present.
Family-friendly: Kids will love spreading this colorful jam on toast, pancakes, or waffles.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance so it’s ready when you need it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up this delightful Christmas jam. Gather these items and get ready for a fun cooking adventure!

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 mix things up and create your own unique version.

Add citrus zest: For a bright twist, incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the mix for extra freshness.
Incorporate other fruits: Try adding raspberries or blueberries for additional layers of flavor.
Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a surprising kick.
Use different sweeteners: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup or honey if you prefer a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by adding all the fresh cranberries, strawberries, and spices into your slow cooker. Stir everything together well! Mixing them before cooking helps ensure that all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully as they cook.

Step 2: Cook on High

Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for about four hours. Resist the urge to peek inside; keeping the lid closed helps create steam, which is essential for softening the fruit and releasing its natural pectin.

Step 3: Blend It Up

Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the contents from your slow cooker into a blender (or use an immersion blender). Pulse until you reach your desired jam consistency—just remember not to over-blend! We want jam here, not cranberry butter.

Step 4: Let It Thicken

After blending, don’t worry if it looks thin at first; this jam will thicken quite nicely as it cools down. The natural pectin from cranberries works wonders in giving your jam that perfect spreadable texture.

Step 5: Cool Before Storing

Let your Christmas jam cool completely before transferring it into jars for storage. This ensures you maintain that lovely consistency while also making it easy to give away as gifts!

Now that you have this wonderful Christmas Jam Recipe at hand, you can spread joy through delicious taste any time during the holidays! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Jam Recipe

Making jam can feel intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cranberries and strawberries ensures that your jam is bursting with flavor and has the best texture. The fresher the fruit, the better the end result!
Don’t Over Blend: When you blend the cooked mixture, pulse it just enough to reach a jam-like consistency. Over-blending can turn your delicious jam into cranberry butter, which is not what we want!
Patience is Key: After cooking, allow the jam to cool down before storing. It will continue to thicken as it sits, so don’t rush this step; patience will yield a beautifully textured spread.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add or adjust spices according to your taste! Adding more cinnamon or even a hint of cardamom can create a unique flavor profile that makes your jam stand out.
Perfect for Gifting: If you’re planning to give this festive jam as gifts, consider sterilizing jars and decorating them with ribbons or labels for a personal touch. Homemade gifts are always cherished!

How to Serve Christmas Jam Recipe

Serving your Christmas Jam can be as festive and creative as you desire! Here are some delightful ways to present this seasonal treat.

Garnishes

Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a lovely pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the jam.
Cinnamon Sticks: Place a cinnamon stick alongside your jam jar for a beautiful presentation while enhancing that warm spice aroma.

Side Dishes

Buttermilk Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with Christmas Jam make for an indulgent breakfast that everyone will love. The tartness of the jam pairs perfectly with the sweetness of syrup.
Toast with Cream Cheese: Spread cream cheese on whole-grain toast and top it with a generous scoop of Christmas Jam. The creamy texture balances out the fruitiness beautifully.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and Christmas Jam in a glass for a delightful breakfast or snack. The combination offers creaminess, crunch, and fruity goodness all in one bite.
Cheese Platter: Serve your jam alongside an assortment of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese. The sweet-tart flavor of the jam contrasts wonderfully with savory cheeses, making it an excellent appetizer for holiday gatherings.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Christmas Jam! Whether you’re spreading it on toast or gifting it to loved ones, it’s bound to bring joy to any holiday celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Jam Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy festive flavors throughout the holiday season. You can prepare it in advance and store it for later use, whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast or looking for a thoughtful gift.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover jam in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Always use a clean spoon when scooping out the jam to maintain freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
The jam will keep well in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating

If you prefer your jam warm, place the desired amount in a small saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally until warmed through, but do not boil to preserve texture and flavor.
Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about this delightful Christmas Jam Recipe.

Can I make this Christmas Jam Recipe without strawberries?

Yes! You can replace strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, adjusting sweetness as needed. This will give you a different flavor profile while still enjoying that delicious cranberry base.

How long does this Christmas Jam Recipe last?

When stored properly in the fridge, this jam can last up to two weeks. If frozen, it can be enjoyed for up to six months. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before using!

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Christmas Jam Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure they are thawed before adding them to your slow cooker.

What can I serve with this Christmas Jam Recipe?

This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, scones, or bagels. It also makes a lovely topping for yogurt or pancakes, adding a festive touch to your breakfast table!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Christmas Jam Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a spread; it’s a little jar of holiday joy that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. Whether you’re savoring it yourself or gifting it to someone special, this jam is bound to spread smiles all around. Happy cooking and may your holidays be filled with love and sweet treats!