Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Jam Recipe
Introduction
This festive Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices for a vibrant, seasonal spread. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy way to bring holiday flavors to your breakfast or desserts.
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 to combine.
- Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, making sure not to open the lid during this time to retain heat and moisture.
- Step 3: Once cooked, transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse just until a jam forms. Avoid over-blending to prevent turning it into cranberry butter. An immersion blender works well for this step.
- Step 4: Allow the jam to cool; it will thicken significantly as it cools due to natural pectin in the cranberries.
- Step 5: Once cooled, store your jam for later use.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, carefully pulse the blend a few more times, but avoid over-processing.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest to enhance the citrus notes.
- Use fresh or frozen fruit depending on availability, but adjust cooking time slightly if using frozen.
Storage
Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions and thaw as needed. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries and strawberries?
Yes, frozen berries work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to maintain the right consistency.
How do I know when the jam is done?
The jam is ready once the fruit has softened and the mixture has thickened in the slow cooker. After blending, it will thicken further as it cools. Resist the urge to cook longer to avoid over-thickening.
Print
Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups of jam 1x
Description
A festive and flavorful Christmas Jam made from fresh cranberries and strawberries, blended with warm spices and brown sugar, cooked slowly to develop a rich, thick texture perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifts.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 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
- Combine ingredients: Add cranberries, strawberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar all into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook jam: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 4 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and consistency.
- Blend to desired texture: Once cooked, transfer the fruit mixture into a blender or use an immersion blender to pulse until a jam forms. Avoid over-blending to prevent turning the jam into cranberry butter.
- Cool and thicken: Allow the jam to cool; it will thicken significantly due to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- Store: After cooling, transfer the jam into jars or airtight containers for storage and use as a delicious spread during the holidays.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure proper jam consistency.
- Pulse blending to avoid over-processing and creating cranberry butter.
- Cranberries naturally contain pectin, which helps the jam to thicken as it cools.
- Use an immersion blender for easier blending directly in the slow cooker bowl.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator and consume within 2 weeks or freeze for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, strawberry jam, holiday jam, slow cooker jam, fruit jam, festive recipe
