As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with echoes of laughter and the sweet scent of seasonal treats wafting from kitchens everywhere. One of my favorite traditions is making Christmas jam, a delicious blend of tart cranberries and luscious strawberries that captures the essence of festive gatherings. This simple slow cooker recipe brings joy without the fuss, allowing me to savor those cozy moments with family and friends.
The unexpected harmony of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevates this jam from ordinary to extraordinary, making it the perfect spread for holiday breakfasts or the ideal gift for neighbors. Plus, it’s a charming way to transform fresh seasonal fruits into something heartwarming and homemade. Whether enjoyed on toast, paired with cheese, or tucked into holiday gift baskets, this cranberry strawberry jam is sure to delight and impress everyone at your table. Let’s dive into the magic of creating this delightful holiday treat!
Why is Christmas Jam a must-try?
Irresistible flavor: The delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet strawberries creates a jam that’s bursting with holiday cheer!
Easy preparation: Thanks to the slow cooker, this jam requires minimal effort—simply stir and let it cook to perfection!
Warm spices: Infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe adds a cozy warmth, invoking the festive spirit of the season.
Versatile delight: Perfect on your morning toast, paired with cheese, or tucked into gift baskets, it’s sure to bring smiles all around.
Crowd-pleaser: Homemade gifts like this jam make a thoughtful surprise for friends and family during the holidays!
Christmas Jam Ingredients
Get ready to spread some joy!
For the Jam
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries – the tartness of cranberries brings that quintessential holiday flavor to your Christmas jam.
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries – their sweetness perfectly balances the cranberries, creating a deliciously vibrant blend.
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon – this warm spice adds a cozy note, enhancing the jam’s festive allure.
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg – a hint of nutmeg contributes to the bountiful flavor that embodies holiday cheer.
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves – these aromatic cloves deepen the flavor profile, making every bite more delightful.
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger – ginger provides warmth and a touch of zest, complementing the other spices beautifully.
- 2 cups brown sugar – this adds sweetness and a rich depth, balancing the tartness of the fruits perfectly in your Christmas jam.
How to Make Christmas Jam
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Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the fresh cranberries, strawberries, and all the spices. Give it a good stir to blend the flavors together beautifully.
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Cook patiently: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the mixture cook for 4 hours. Resist the urge to peek—keeping the lid on allows the fruits to cook in their own juices!
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Blend to perfection: Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the jam contents into a blender. Pulse until a jam-like consistency forms, ensuring not to over-blend, or you might end up with cranberry butter! An immersion blender works well too if you prefer.
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Cool down: Let your freshly blended jam cool completely before transferring it to jars. This step is crucial to preserve that delicious flavor and texture!
Optional: Serve with warm croissants for a festive treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Jam
- Choosing Fruits: Select fresh, ripe cranberries and strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe or mushy strawberries may lead to an undesirable texture in your Christmas jam.
- Spice Balance: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you’re a fan of cinnamon, add a touch more for a stronger flavor while avoiding overwhelming the rest of the mix.
- Cooking Time: Avoid the temptation to lift the slow cooker lid. Each time you open it, you lose steam, which can affect the cooking time and result in a less flavorful jam.
- Blending Technique: Blend until just smooth. Over-blending can turn the mixture into cranberry butter instead of a delightful jam. Use low pulses to maintain a nice texture!
- Storage Tips: After cooling, store your Christmas jam in airtight jars and refrigerate. It can last for several weeks, but I bet it won’t last long once everyone gets a taste!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Jam
Room Temperature: Unopened jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year, providing the perfect holiday treat on hand!
Fridge: Once opened, keep your Christmas jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Make sure the jar is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze your Christmas jam in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy!
Reheating: If desired, gently warm the jam on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, just until it reaches your preferred temperature.
Christmas Jam Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your jam with these delightful twists!
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Berry Medley: Substitute half of the strawberries with raspberries for a tangy twist that brightens the jam’s flavor.
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the mixture for a refreshing citrus kick that perfectly complements the sweetness.
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Sugar Substitute: Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetness while enhancing the overall flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick of heat, balancing the sweet and tart notes beautifully.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts after blending for an added crunch that brings texture to your jam.
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Herb Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking for a unique herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the berries.
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Vanilla Touch: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract post-blending for a warm undertone that enhances the jam’s sweetness.
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Chunky Style: For a chunkier jam, blend only half the mixture, leaving the rest intact for delightful bursts of fruit in every bite.
Let your imagination run wild, and enjoy crafting the perfect jar of Christmas cheer!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas jam preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can measure and mix the dry spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger) and store them in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, wash and prepare your cranberries and strawberries, placing them in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking. On the day you plan to make the jam, simply combine the fruits and spice mix in your slow cooker, cook for 4 hours, and blend as directed. This way, you’ll have delicious homemade Christmas jam ready to enjoy, delighting your family and friends with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Christmas Jam?
Add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings with delightful pairings that accentuate the sweet and tart flavors of this homemade jam.
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Warm Croissants: Flaky and buttery, croissants provide a perfect canvas for the jam’s vibrant flavors, making breakfast feel like a celebration.
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Cream Cheese Toast: The creamy richness of cream cheese contrasts beautifully with the fruity zing of the jam, creating a balanced bite that’s irresistible.
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Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, like sharp cheddar or creamy brie, brings out the warm spice notes in the jam while elevating your appetizer spread.
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Holiday Muffins: Serve the jam with freshly baked muffins to add a burst of flavor that dances with each sweet crumb—a delightful morning treat!
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Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzling this Christmas jam over pancakes or waffles transforms a simple breakfast into a festive feast that everyone will adore.
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Roasted Turkey: As a unique finishing touch, serve the jam alongside roasted turkey. The sweet-tart taste complements savory meats, adding a delightful twist to holiday meals.
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Sparkling Wine: Pairing your Christmas jam with a glass of sparkling wine enhances the celebratory atmosphere, making every sip feel like a toast to the season!
Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe FAQs
How do I know if cranberries and strawberries are ripe for making jam?
Absolutely! When selecting cranberries, look for bright, glossy berries with no dark spots or blemishes. They should bounce slightly when dropped—this means they’re fresh! For strawberries, choose those that are plump and firm, with a deep red color and a sweet fragrance. Avoid any that are mushy or have dark seeds, as this indicates overripeness.
How should I store my Christmas jam once it’s made?
Great question! After your jam has cooled, transfer it into airtight glass jars. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. However, once opened, keep it refrigerated—it can last up to 3 weeks in the fridge if the jar is kept tightly sealed.
Can I freeze Christmas jam?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Christmas jam, let it cool completely and then pour it into airtight containers or freezer-safe jars, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my jam is too runny?
If your jam ends up too runny after blending, no worries! You can return it to the slow cooker and cook it on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a quicker fix, mix a bit of cornstarch with water (about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of jam) and cook it for a few minutes until it thickens.
Is this Christmas jam safe for pets?
Very! This jam primarily consists of fruits and spices, but always check for ingredient sensitivities. Cranberries are safe for dogs, but large amounts of sugar and certain spices can upset their stomach. It’s always best to consult your veterinarian before sharing any human foods with your furry friends.
How long can I keep Christmas jam in the refrigerator?
Once opened, your delicious Christmas jam can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Make sure to keep the lid tightly sealed to preserve its freshness. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or mold, it’s best to discard it. Enjoy while it lasts!
Irresistible Christmas Jam: Sweeten Your Holidays with Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your slow cooker, add the fresh cranberries, strawberries, and all the spices. Give it a good stir to blend the flavors together beautifully.
- Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the mixture cook for 4 hours. Resist the urge to peek.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the jam contents into a blender. Pulse until a jam-like consistency forms.
- Let your freshly blended jam cool completely before transferring it to jars.