As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and ripe fruit wafted through the air, instantly transforming my home into a cozy holiday retreat. This easy homemade Christmas Jam, a delightful blend of fresh cranberries and strawberries, encapsulates the spirit of the season with its vibrant flavors and warming spices. Preparing this jam in a slow cooker not only captures the essence of festive aromas but also makes it an incredibly quick and easy project—perfect for busy days leading up to the holiday. Plus, it’s gluten-free and a wonderful homemade gift option that will impress friends and family alike. Curious about how to create this festive treat that brings cheer to any breakfast table? Let’s dive in!

Why Is This Christmas Jam So Special?

Festive Flavors: This Christmas Jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a vibrant and delicious spread.

Effortless Preparation: Using a slow cooker, this recipe is incredibly hands-off, making it perfect for busy cooks who still want to enjoy homemade flavors.

Unique Gift Idea: Packaged in cute jars, this jam transforms into a heartfelt holiday gift that friends and family will treasure. Think about pairing it with homemade treats, like Sweet Orange Jam for an extra special touch!

Versatile Uses: No need to limit this jam to breakfast; it’s divine on scones, as a topping on desserts, or even mixed into yogurt.

Healthy and Delicious: Rich in Vitamin C and fiber, this jam allows you to indulge guilt-free during the holiday season. Enjoy the flavors and health benefits all in one delightful jar!

Christmas Jam Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this festive delight!

For the Fruit
• Fresh Cranberries – about 24 oz. (6 cups); essential for tartness and structure—frozen is a fine substitute if fresh isn’t at hand.
• Fresh Strawberries – requires 16 oz. (about 1 quart); adds sweet notes that perfectly balance the tart cranberries.

For the Spices
• Ground Cinnamon – warms up the jam with a holiday touch; substitute with allspice if preferred.
• Ground Nutmeg – enhances the seasonal flavor; no substitutions necessary for that signature taste.
• Ground Cloves – adds depth; feel free to reduce the amount to suit your taste.
• Ground Ginger – brings a hint of spiciness that pairs beautifully with the other spices.

For Sweetening
• Brown Sugar – the main sweetener at 2 cups; can be switched with white sugar using a 1:1 ratio if needed.

With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’ll craft a delightful Christmas Jam that spreads cheer and flavor in every jar!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by washing 24 oz. of fresh cranberries and 16 oz. of fresh strawberries. Remove any stems, and chop the strawberries into small pieces to help release their juices. In a large bowl, combine the cranberries and strawberries, then add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and 2 cups of brown sugar. Stir everything together thoroughly until the fruit is well-coated.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the fruit mixture into your slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably without overflowing. Spread it out evenly within the pot, which helps with even cooking. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it to HIGH, and let it cook for 4 hours. Keeping the lid closed will trap moisture and flavor, ensuring a luscious Christmas Jam.

Step 3: Blend the Mixture
After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid of the slow cooker and check the fruit mixture. It should be soft and steaming. Using a blender, pulse the mixture in small batches to achieve a jam-like consistency. Be mindful not to over-blend; you want it smooth but still slightly chunky to preserve the fruit texture in your Christmas Jam.

Step 4: Cool and Store
Once blended to your liking, transfer the Christmas Jam into clean jars. Allow the jam to cool at room temperature for about an hour before sealing the jars with their lids. This will help prevent condensation. Store the cooled jam in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage, making sure to leave an inch of space in the jars for expansion.

What to Serve with Easy Homemade Christmas Jam?

Imagine the joy of spreading this luscious Christmas Jam on warm, buttery scones or fluffy pancakes, creating a delightful holiday meal that warms both your heart and home.

Warm Scones: Perfectly flaky and buttery, they provide the ideal canvas for the sweet and tangy jam, enhancing every bite with festive flavor.
Creamy Clotted Cream: This luxurious addition balances the sweetness of the jam, creating a rich and indulgent treat that’s simply irresistible.
Vanilla Yogurt: A refreshing, creamy base for a fruit parfait when layered with granola and Christmas Jam, it’s a healthy yet festive breakfast option.
Toasted Bagels: The crispy texture and mild flavor of bagels pair wonderfully with the jam, making for a delightful morning or afternoon snack.
Savory Cheese Platter: Combine with creamy brie or sharp cheddar; the sweet jam beautifully contrasts the rich flavors, creating a balanced bite.
Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle over these fluffy breakfast staples for a holiday-inspired brunch that will impress everyone at the table.
Gingerbread Cookies: Spread this festive jam on gingerbread cookies for a burst of fruity flavor that brings warmth and joy to your holiday dessert platter.
Sparkling Cider: Serve this refreshing drink alongside your jam-infused treats for a bubbly twist that lifts the festive spirit.
Chocolate Cake: A surprising but delightful pairing; the tanginess of the jam enhances the chocolate’s richness, creating a harmonious and memorable dessert experience.

Expert Tips for Christmas Jam

• Maintain Moisture: Keep the lid closed on the slow cooker during cooking to prevent moisture loss, which is crucial for a rich Christmas Jam.

• Perfect Consistency: Pulse the blended jam just enough to create texture; avoid over-blending, which can turn it into a smooth puree.

• Taste Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet jam, adjust the brown sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries. A small tweak makes a big difference!

• Berry Variations: Feel free to experiment with other berries like blueberries in place of strawberries for a creative twist on your Christmas Jam.

• Storage Space: When freezing, ensure to leave an inch of space in jars to allow for expansion—this keeps your jam intact and prevents spills.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Jam

Refrigerator: Store your Christmas Jam in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. This keeps the flavors fresh and delightful.

Freezer: If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the jam in jars, leaving an inch of space at the top for expansion. It can last up to 6 months.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen jam, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Gift Preparation: If giving as a gift, ensure to label the jars with storage instructions and encourage the recipient to refrigerate or freeze as needed.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Jam preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can easily prepare the fresh fruit mixture (cranberries and strawberries with spices and sugar) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl, cover it tightly, and refrigerate to keep flavors fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to make your jam, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and cook as directed. To maintain quality, be sure to blend the jam right after cooking to capture the luscious texture. This way, you’ll have a festive homemade Christmas Jam ready with minimal effort, making your holiday celebrations truly special!

Christmas Jam Variations & Substitutions

Customize your Christmas Jam with these delightful twists and substitutions that will elevate your holiday experience!

Berry Swap: Substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a unique flavor burst. Each berry brings its own charm while maintaining that festive vibe.
Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some fresh chopped ginger for an unexpected warmth. This will give your jam a delightful kick, perfect for adventurous palates!
Sugar Alternatives: Try using honey or agave syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener option. Adjust the quantity to taste, keeping in mind honey is sweeter and may alter the consistency slightly.
Citrus Zing: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon to brighten the flavors of your jam. The citrus notes add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, capturing the essence of holiday cheer.
Herbal Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking for an earthy herbal undertone. Remove the herbs before blending for a gentle infusion that harmonizes beautifully with the fruit.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans after blending for a delightful texture twist. This adds a pleasing crunch that pairs wonderfully with soft scones or toast.
Caramelized Flavor: Sauté the fruit mixture with a bit of butter before adding it to the slow cooker for a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste. Just make sure to keep an eye on sweetness levels!
For a Tasting Duo: Pair your Christmas Jam with Sweet Orange Jam to offer a lovely gift set; the contrasting flavors will brighten anyone’s breakfast table.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect Christmas Jam. Each choice transforms this delightful recipe into something uniquely yours!

Christmas Jam Recipe FAQs

What kind of cranberries should I use for this Christmas Jam?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries are essential for the tartness and structure of the jam. You’ll need about 24 oz. (6 cups). If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen ones—just ensure they are thawed and drained before use.

How long can I store homemade Christmas Jam, and how should I store it?
Very good question! You can keep your homemade Christmas Jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in jars while leaving an inch of space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 6 months!

Can I freeze Christmas Jam, and if so, how do I do it properly?
Certainly! To freeze your Christmas Jam, pour it into jars but leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. After sealing the jars, label them with the date, and it will keep well for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the jam in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

What can I do if my jam is too sweet?
If you find your jam overly sweet, don’t worry! You can adjust the sweetness by adding a splash of lemon juice to balance it out, or if you prefer, add a pinch of salt, which heightens flavors without making it taste salty. Tasting as you go will help you achieve your perfect balance.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! This Christmas Jam is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, be mindful if giving it as a gift to anyone with allergies, particularly to nuts and spices like cloves or ginger, which are used in the recipe. Always check with recipients to ensure it’s safe for them to enjoy!

Can I use other fruits for this Christmas Jam?
The more the merrier! Yes, feel free to play with the ingredients. You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for different flavor profiles. For an exciting twist, consider adding a bit of chopped fresh ginger or even a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick!