Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries, accented by warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. It’s a festive, flavorful jam perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifts, or entertaining.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (approximately 1/2 pound)
• 5 cups sugar (around 2 1/2 pounds)
• 2 sachets liquid fruit pectin (using 2 pouches of Certo brand at 170 ml each)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Puree the strawberries and cranberries in a food processor. If needed, do this in batches. Transfer the pureed mixture to a large saucepan.
2. Step 2: Add the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil—bubbles should continue forming even while stirring. Boil for one full minute.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the mixture back to a full boil. Boil for another minute, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Let the bubbling settle, then skim off any foam with a spoon or ladle and discard it. Proceed to jar your jam as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother jam, strain the pureed berries through a fine mesh sieve before cooking to remove seeds.
• Adjust the spice levels to taste by adding more or less cinnamon and ginger.
• Use organic berries for the best natural flavor and fewer preservatives.
• Try substituting a portion of the strawberries with raspberries for an added tangy twist.

Storage

Store your cranberry jam in sterilized jars, sealed tightly. Keep unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. After opening, refrigerate and use within one month. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave if desired, stirring well before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries and cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Thaw them slightly before pureeing for easier processing.

What is liquid fruit pectin and why is it important?

Liquid fruit pectin is a natural gelling agent that helps the jam set to the right consistency. Without it, the jam may remain runny and not thicken properly.

Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam recipe combines fresh strawberries and cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves to create a fragrant and delicious holiday preserve. Utilizing liquid fruit pectin, the jam cooks quickly to a perfect consistency, ideal for spreading on toast or gifting during the festive season.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 to 7 half-pint jars 1x
• Category: Jam / Preserves
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Fruits

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (approximately 1/2 pound)

Sweeteners and Spices

• 5 cups sugar (around 2 1/2 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Other

• 2 sachets liquid fruit pectin (2 pouches of Certo brand at 170ml each)

Instructions

1. Puree the Berries: Begin by pureeing the fresh or frozen strawberries and cranberries in your food processor. Puree in batches if needed to accommodate the size of your processor. Transfer the pureed mixture to a large saucepan.
2. Add Sugar and Spices: Measure and add the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves to the saucepan with the pureed berries. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Boil the Jam: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil where constant bubbling is visible even when stirring. Boil this mixture for one full minute.
4. Add Pectin and Boil Again: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin thoroughly. Return the saucepan to heat and bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil. Boil for an additional full minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
5. Skim Foam and Fill Jars: Remove the pan from heat and let the bubbling settle. Use a spoon or ladle to skim off and discard any foam that has formed on the surface. Proceed to fill sterilized jars with the hot jam for storage or gifting.

Notes

• Frozen berries can be used without thawing, but puree in batches as needed.
• Boiling time is critical to ensure proper gelling; maintain a full rolling boil as described.
• Skimming foam improves the clarity and texture of the finished jam.
• Use sterilized jars and seal properly for safe long-term storage.
• This jam is perfect for holiday gifts or enjoying on toast, scones, or biscuits.

Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, strawberry cranberry preserves, holiday jam, spiced jam, fruit pectin jam, easy jam recipe