Christmas Jam Recipe

Posted on December 20, 2025

Make a festive Christmas Jam Recipe that brings joy to your holiday celebrations! This delightful cranberry and strawberry jam is perfect for Christmas breakfasts, brunches, or even as thoughtful gifts. With its vibrant colors and unique flavors, it stands out on any table. Easy to make and deliciously versatile, this jam will become a holiday favorite for years to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this jam effortlessly.
Slow Cooker Convenience: Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the festivities.
Flavorful Blend: The combination of cranberries and strawberries creates a unique taste that’s both tart and sweet.
Perfect for Gifting: This homemade jam makes an excellent gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
Versatile Use: Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Christmas Jam, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow cooker
Blender or immersion blender
Measuring cups
Mixing spoon

Why These Tools Matter

Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring your jam simmers perfectly without needing constant supervision.
Blender or immersion blender: Essential for achieving the right texture of your jam; blending creates a smooth consistency that’s delightful spread on your favorite breakfast items.

Ingredients

Make a festive cranberry/strawberry jam for the holidays! Great for serving for Christmas breakfasts or brunches or gift giving.

For the Jam

24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
16 oz. fresh strawberries
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
2 cups brown sugar

How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients into your slow cooker and stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during this cooking time. This helps maintain proper heat and moisture levels.

Step 3: Blend into Jam

Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer the contents from the slow cooker into a blender. Pulse until you achieve a jam-like consistency. Be cautious not to over blend as that could turn it into cranberry butter instead. You may also use an immersion blender if preferred.

Step 4: Allow to Thicken

Let the blended jam cool down before storing it in jars. It will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries.

Step 5: Store or Gift

Once cooled, store your Christmas jam in airtight containers or jars. It’s ready to be enjoyed at home or given away as a lovely homemade gift!

Enjoy making this delightful Christmas Jam Recipe that adds sweetness to your holiday season!

How to Serve Christmas Jam Recipe

Christmas Jam is a delightful addition to your holiday table. It can elevate any meal, especially during festive breakfasts or brunches. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this tasty jam.

On Toast

Toasted bread or bagels topped with a generous spread of Christmas jam makes for a sweet and festive breakfast option.

With Cheese

Pair the jam with assorted cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a delightful cheese board that contrasts sweet and savory flavors.

As a Filling

Use Christmas jam as a filling in pastries, like croissants or Danish, for a festive twist on classic baked goods.

In Yogurt Parfaits

Layer the jam with yogurt and granola for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

On Pancakes or Waffles

Drizzle warm Christmas jam over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a holiday-inspired breakfast treat.

Gifts in Jars

Fill small jars with Christmas jam to give as thoughtful gifts. Add a festive ribbon and label for an extra special touch.

How to Perfect Christmas Jam Recipe

To ensure your Christmas Jam turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use fresh fruit: Always opt for ripe and fresh cranberries and strawberries for the best flavor and consistency in your jam.
Don’t rush the cooking: Allow the slow cooker to do its magic on HIGH for 4 hours; this helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Monitor blending: Be cautious not to over-blend; pulse until you reach your desired consistency but keep some texture for authenticity.
Cool before storing: Let the jam cool completely before transferring it to jars; this ensures it thickens properly.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference; more cinnamon can add warmth while nutmeg enhances depth.
Store properly: Keep your Christmas jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Jam Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Jam can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

Savory Scones: Fluffy scones infused with herbs provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the jam.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture complements the fruity notes of the jam, creating an unexpected yet harmonious pairing.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooey cheese against the sweet-tart jam creates an indulgent comfort food combination.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits balances out richer dishes while complementing the flavors of the jam.
Brussels Sprouts with Turkey turkey bacon: Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy chicken will add crunch and depth beside your sweet spread.
Roasted Root Vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes brings earthy sweetness that pairs well with cranberry-strawberry flavors.
Quiche Lorraine: This savory egg dish adds protein and richness, making it an excellent match for sweet jams at brunch gatherings.
Warm Biscuits: Flaky biscuits served warm provide a delightful vehicle for spreading Christmas Jam, enhancing both taste and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Jam can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to stumble. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Boldly ignore the cooking time: Cooking the jam for too long can lead to a burnt taste. Stick to the recommended 4 hours on HIGH and resist the urge to peek.
Boldly blend too much: Over blending can turn your jam into a puree instead of a chunky jam. Pulse gently until you reach your desired consistency.
Boldly skip the cooling time: Not allowing the jam to cool properly can affect its thickness. Remember that it thickens significantly as it cools.
Boldly overlook storage containers: Using inappropriate containers can lead to spoilage. Store your jam in clean, airtight jars for maximum freshness.
Boldly misjudge sweetness: Not tasting your mixture before it cooks may result in an overly sweet or bland jam. Taste and adjust sugar levels before cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Ensure the jar is sealed tightly after each use.

Freezing Christmas Jam Recipe

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Christmas Jam Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place jar (without lid) on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts (15-20 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Place jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Christmas Jam Recipe?

Christmas Jam Recipe is a festive spread made with cranberries and strawberries, perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifts.

How long does homemade Christmas Jam last?

When stored properly, homemade Christmas Jam lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 6 months when frozen.

Can I customize my Christmas Jam Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or spices such as allspice for unique flavors tailored to your taste.

What do I serve with Christmas Jam?

This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, scones, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake.

Conclusion

This Christmas Jam Recipe is not only simple but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or thoughtful gifts. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or fruits to make it uniquely yours!