Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe
Introduction
This festive Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices for a deliciously tangy and sweet spread. Made easily in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for gifting or adding a homemade touch to your holiday 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 your slow cooker and stir well to combine.
- Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, making sure not to open the lid during the cooking process to retain heat and moisture.
- Step 3: Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to pulse until a jam forms. Be careful not to over-blend, or the texture may turn into cranberry butter.
- Step 4: Allow the jam to cool completely; it will thicken as it cools thanks to the natural pectin in the cranberries.
- Step 5: Store the cooled jam in clean jars or containers.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, blend half the mixture until smooth and stir in the remaining whole fruit.
- Adjust the spices to your taste; adding a splash of orange juice or zest can add a bright citrus flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and cranberries for the best flavor and natural pectin.
Storage
Store the jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe jars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. Reheat gently if desired, though the jam is delicious spread cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen cranberries and strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using to prevent a runny jam.
Do I need to add pectin to this recipe?
No, the natural pectin in cranberries is enough to thicken the jam as it cools, so additional pectin is not necessary.
PrintChristmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe
This homemade Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices and brown sugar, slow-cooked to perfection. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a festive, richly spiced jam perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 all the fresh cranberries, strawberries, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ground ginger, and brown sugar into a slow cooker and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 4 hours without opening the lid to ensure proper cooking and flavor development.
- Blend the Mixture: After cooking, transfer the fruit mixture into a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Pulse gently to form a jam, taking care not to overblend to avoid turning it into cranberry butter.
- Cool and Store: Let the jam cool completely; it will thicken as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries. Once cooled, store in sterilized jars for later use.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during the cooking process to maintain even heat and proper consistency.
- Use an immersion blender carefully to avoid overprocessing the jam, which can affect texture.
- The jam will thicken significantly upon cooling because of the natural pectin in cranberries.
- Store the cooled jam in sterilized airtight containers to preserve freshness.
- This recipe makes a festive and flavorful jam ideal for holiday breakfasts or gifts.
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, strawberry jam, holiday recipe, slow cooker jam, festive spread
