Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful spread combining fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a gift, it brings a delicious seasonal twist to your 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
- Step 1: Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
- Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, keeping the lid closed during the entire cooking time.
- Step 3: When done, transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse gently until jam forms. Avoid over blending to prevent making cranberry butter. You can also use an immersion blender for this step.
- Step 4: Allow the jam to cool—it will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- Step 5: Once cooled, store the jam in clean jars or containers.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender and blend just until chunks break down without pureeing completely.
- Adjust the brown sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet jam.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for extra citrus brightness.
Storage
Store the Christmas jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe jars for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use and stir gently to restore consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries and strawberries can be used. Thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the slow cooker to avoid a watery jam.
How can I tell when the jam is done cooking?
The jam is ready when the berries have fully softened, spices are well blended, and it thickens slightly during cooking. It will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
PrintChristmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe
This festive Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Cooked slowly in a crockpot and lightly blended to preserve texture, it offers a rich, tangy-sweet spread perfect for holiday breakfasts, snacks, or gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups of jam 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruits
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
Spices
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Sweetener
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add fresh cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, and all ground spices into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the sugar and spices among the fruit.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours, ensuring the lid remains closed throughout the cooking process to prevent heat loss and allow the fruit to break down properly.
- Blend the Mixture: Once cooking is complete, transfer the hot mixture carefully into a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Pulse just enough to form a jam consistency, avoiding over-blending which can make the texture too smooth like cranberry butter.
- Cool the Jam: Pour the blended jam into jars or containers and let it cool. The jam will thicken further due to natural pectin in the cranberries, so do not be alarmed by the texture change as it cools.
- Store Before Serving: Once cooled, seal and store the jam in the refrigerator. It is ready to be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or as a festive condiment.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during the 4-hour cooking time to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
- Be careful not to over-blend the jam to maintain a pleasant chunky texture instead of turning it into cranberry butter.
- The jam thickens as it cools because cranberries naturally contain pectin, so the final consistency will be firmer than when it’s hot.
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Store in airtight containers and refrigerate. For longer storage, consider canning or freezing.
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry strawberry jam, holiday jam recipe, slow cooker jam, slow cooker cranberry jam, festive fruit jam
