Christmas jam is the perfect homemade treat to celebrate the flavors of the holiday season. Bursting with the bright, tangy sweetness of fresh fruits like cranberries, oranges, and apples, this jam is infused with festive spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, creating a vibrant, aromatic spread that’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, gift-giving, or enjoying with family and friends.
The base of Christmas jam usually features a mix of fruits, with cranberries being the star of the show. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced beautifully by the natural sweetness of apples and the citrusy zing of oranges, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The addition of holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg not only enhances the sweetness of the fruit but also brings a comforting, warm fragrance that’s reminiscent of the season.
Making Christmas jam is relatively simple. The fruit is combined with sugar and spices and cooked down until it thickens into a jam-like consistency. The mixture is simmered until the fruit breaks down and the syrupy texture is achieved, creating a spreadable treat that’s perfect for toast, scones, or even as a topping for holiday desserts. Some recipes even add a splash of vanilla or brandy to give the jam an extra depth of flavor, making it even more indulgent.
One of the best things about Christmas jam is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of ways: spread on warm biscuits, stirred into yogurt, or even drizzled over cheesecake or ice cream for a festive touch. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift, packaged in pretty jars with festive ribbons or labels, making it a thoughtful and personal present for friends and family.
Christmas jam captures the essence of the season in every bite. The combination of fresh fruits and spices, paired with the sweetness of sugar, makes it a delightful addition to any holiday spread. Whether you enjoy it at breakfast, as a gift, or as a festive treat throughout the season, Christmas jam is a delicious way to bring holiday cheer to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries hulled and mashed
- 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
- 4 cups sugar granulated
- 1 cup apple juice unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves optional
- 1 package liquid pectin 3-ounce package
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine strawberries, cranberries, sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, and cloves (if using) over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and soften.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then blend the mixture with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.
- Return blended mixture to the pot, bring back to a boil, and stir in the liquid pectin.
- Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace, and seal with lids.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before storing.
Uh… 10 minutes simmer is not long enough for cranberries, no way. Mine popped but stayed kinda tough. Maybe my stove runs cold? Either way, I think it needs more time.
Not for me. Too sweet! Next time I’ll cut the sugar.
Totally get it! It can be really sweet. Maybe try using less sugar next time or add some lemon juice for tang.
Sounds easy. I did it in one pot and didn’t overthink it. Turned out yummy. 10/10 would make again 😅
Yum! Just the right blend of flavors, especially with the cinnamon! 🍓❤️
Yum! Made this last night but I used orange juice instead of apple. Still turned out great!
I tried making this, but it turned out too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
I followed it exactly but my water bath time was 10 minutes—felt too short? Maybe my jars weren’t fully submerged? It didn’t seal on one jar, but the others were fine. Confusing.
10 minutes seems too short but idk. I always do longer just to be safe, like 15-20. Did you start timing when the water was already boiling, or from when you put the jars in? That timing difference can mess things up.
That does sound like a water-bath issue. If jars weren’t fully submerged or the water didn’t really stay at a rolling boil the whole time, seals can fail. Also, 10 minutes is pretty strict—make sure your water level covers the jars by at least 1–2 inches.
So easy to make! I didn’t have pectin so I just let it cook longer. Still turned out delicious!
Yum! I made it exactly like the recipe said. Surprised my friends with some jars as gifts. They were impressed! 🙂
Why do I have to blend it? I like my jam chunky. Maybe I’ll try it without blending. Seems like a lot of sugar too.
Not gonna lie, 4 cups sugar sounds like a lot. I get it’s jam, but it’s basically candy. Still smells amazing though—minus that, I’d rate higher.
Candy vibes for sure 😅 but you can’t really compare it 1:1 with eating straight sugar. If you want it less sweet, try reducing a bit—just don’t go too far or it won’t gel (pectin matters).
Haha I totally get what you mean. 4 cups sugar is a lot on paper—but for jam it’s what helps it set and keeps it shelf-stable. The flavor payoff is real!
This is my grandma’s recipe, I swear! Same exact ingredients. Thanks for sharing it!
I tried this but it was too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time. Also, the cranberries didn’t pop as much as I expected. Not sure if I did it right.
I missed a step! Can you blend while its hot, or wait? So confused!
Not sure about the apple juice. Can I just use water instead? 🤔
This recipe is kinda odd. Does anyone really use cloves in jam? It’s not like you can taste them anyway! 🤔
Love it. Super easy, minimal ingredients, and the cranberries give it that real holiday tang. 10/10 would gift in mason jars again.
Yes!! I love the cranberries in this—makes it feel so “holiday” without a ton of fuss. Definitely trying this in mason jars again 😄
Im not a baker or cook or whatever but I managed to make this. It was kinda fun! My jam isn’t as red as the pic tho. Help! Is that normal?
Congrats on making the jam! It’s totally normal for the color to vary a bit, depending on your fruit and mash technique. Just enjoy the sweetness!
I’m not sure if that’s right… my jam always turns out super red. Maybe you didn’t use enough strawberries? 🤔
I think you should boil it longer?! My cranberries didn’t pop like you said. What did I do wrong?
Boil longer? Nah, I think you just might have stale cranberries or something. Mine popped just fine at the recommended time! 🤷♀️
I had the same issue! Maybe your heat wasn’t high enough? I boil mine longer and it always works!
The instructions are clear, but I definitely had to stir way more at step 2. Otherwise the sugar wants to stick. Also, “1/4 inch headspace” took me a minute to eyeball lol.