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.
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?
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.
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! 🤔
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 blending step confused me—like do you blend while it’s hot? I blended it carefully and it turned out smooth, but I definitely splashed a bit. Nice recipe though.
Yeah—best practice is let it cool *a bit* first. Step 4 says “cool slightly,” so you don’t turn your blender into a strawberry bomb 😅. Glad you got it smooth though!
Wait, I think blending right after boiling makes it thinner?? Like the pectin won’t set right. I always skip blending and just mash more—still tastes great.
I’ve never made jam before, but this was easy to follow! Thanks for sharing!
Made this for our cookie night and it turned out gorgeous—deep red, perfect thickness, and the cinnamon/clove combo is super cozy. Followed the pectin step exactly and it set beautifully.
Delicious! Reminds me of my grandma’s recipe. ❤️
This jam is so tasty! I made it for Christmas and everyone loved it. Definitely a keeper! 🎄
I love the combination but I think cranberries are way too sour. Bleh.
Is this really a Christmas jam? I mean, it’s good, but I think it tastes better in the summer. Just my opinion tho.
I dunno about this, sounds too sweet with all that sugar. Tried reducing it but didn’t turn out right. Next time, I think I’ll skip the apple juice.
This jam is amazing! It’s like Christmas in a jar. My family loved it!
I totally agree! This jam is the best. Makes every breakfast feel like the holidays!
This jam turned out amazing! The blend of strawberries and cranberries is so delightful. My family loved it over toast. Definitely making this every Christmas!
I don’t really get why you need pectin. Can’t you just cook it longer?
This jam turned out way too sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar.
Wow, I can’t believe I actually made jam! Took a bit longer than I thought but tasted amazing! Yum! 🍓
That’s awesome! Making jam is such a fun project, and it sounds delicious! I might give it a try too. 🍓
Why do you have to process it in a water bath?? Seems unnecessary. I just jarred it raw!
Processing in a water bath is actually really important for safety! It helps to seal the jars properly and prevents bacteria. Just jarring it raw might not be safe in the long run. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Can you really use frozen cranberries? I thought they had to be fresh. 🤔