Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful spread combining fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices. Made effortlessly in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for holiday breakfasts or gift-giving.
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 to combine evenly.
- Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid once to maintain heat and consistency.
- Step 3: When cooked, transfer the jam mixture to a blender and pulse until thick jam forms. Avoid over blending to prevent turning it into cranberry butter. An immersion blender works well here too.
- Step 4: Allow the jam to cool; it will thicken as it cools thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- Step 5: Once cooled, the jam is ready to store or enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend.
- Adjust brown sugar to taste if you prefer it less sweet or more tart.
- Try adding a splash of orange juice or zest for extra citrus brightness.
- This jam also works well with frozen berries if fresh are unavailable—just add extra cooking time.
Storage
Store the cooled jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. Reheat gently if desired, but it tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this jam without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the mixture in a heavy-bottomed pot on medium-low heat, stirring often, until the berries break down and jam thickens, about 30–45 minutes.
How do I know when the jam is done?
The jam is ready when it has cooked for 4 hours in the slow cooker and blends into a thick, spreadable texture. It will also thicken more as it cools due to the cranberry pectin.
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Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups of jam 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Slow-cooked to perfection and then lightly blended, it results in a beautifully textured, naturally pectin-rich jam that thickens as it cools, perfect for spreading on toast or serving with holiday cheeses.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
Spices
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
Sweetener
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Combine the fresh cranberries, strawberries, spices, and brown sugar in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly before cooking.
- Cook on High: Set the slow cooker on HIGH and cook for 4 hours. Do not open the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking and thickness development.
- Blend to Jam Consistency: Once cooking is complete, transfer the mixture into a blender or use an immersion blender. Pulse gently until a spreadable jam forms. Avoid over-blending to prevent turning the jam into cranberry butter.
- Cool and Thicken: Allow the jam to cool completely. The natural pectin in cranberries will cause the jam to thicken significantly as it cools.
- Store: Once cooled, transfer the jam into sterilized containers or jars and store appropriately for future use.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure even thickening.
- Avoid over-blending to prevent creating cranberry butter instead of jam.
- The jam will thicken as it cools due to natural pectin in cranberries.
- This jam can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust sugar quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, holiday jam, slow cooker jam, festive spread, fruit jam recipe, cranberry strawberry jam
