Christmas Jam Recipe

Make this delightful Christmas Jam to spread holiday cheer! Sweet strawberries and tart cranberries come together with a hint of cinnamon, creating a festive treat perfect for any occasion.

What’s in this Christmas Jam Recipe?

This Christmas Jam combines vibrant flavors and a beautiful color, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table. The star ingredients are frozen strawberries and cranberries, blended to perfection. You’ll also find granulated sugar to enhance the sweetness, fresh orange juice for a citrusy kick, and liquid fruit pectin to achieve that perfect jam consistency. Optional spices like cinnamon can add warmth and depth, but even without them, this jam is simply delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll whip up a batch that yields 14 jars, perfect for sharing or gifting!

Key Ingredients

• 40 ounces frozen strawberries, thawed (or 2 & 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries, hulled)
• 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
• 5 pounds granulated sugar (11 & 1/3 cups)
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin (3 ounces each)

Optional Ingredients & Additions

Consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra flavor. You can also experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Christmas Jam

Preparing the Fruit

To start making your Christmas Jam, blend the thawed strawberries and cranberries in a food processor until mostly smooth. This will create a lovely fruit base for your jam, ensuring a delightful texture.

Cooking the Jam

Transfer the blended fruit mixture to a large pot. Add the granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, optional cinnamon, and salt. Bring this mixture to a full boil and cook for 1 minute. After boiling, remove the pot from heat, stir in the pectin, and return it to a boil for another minute while stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken nicely during this process.

Canning and Storage Tips

After boiling, let the jam cool for 5 minutes and skim off any foam. Pour the hot jam into clean, warm 8-ounce jars, leaving a 1/2-inch space at the top. Ensure you remove air bubbles, clean the jar rims, and seal them tightly with lids. For preservation, cool completely at room temperature or process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Tips & Variations for Perfect Christmas Jam

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcooking the jam, as this can lead to a thick consistency. Ensure your jars are clean and warm to prevent breakage. Also, don’t skip skimming the foam, which can affect the appearance of your jam.

Flavor Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize your Christmas Jam! Try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a festive kick. You could also mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a varied taste.

Do I Have To Process The Jars For Canning?

Yes, processing the jars for canning is essential for long-term storage. It helps to create a vacuum seal that keeps the jam fresh and safe to eat. If you prefer, you can skip this step by keeping unprocessed jars in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Ways To Enjoy Christmas Jam

Serving Suggestions

Spread this Christmas Jam on warm, buttery toast or use it as a filling for pastries. It pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses on charcuterie boards, enhancing your holiday gatherings.

Creative Uses for Christmas Jam

Get creative! Use your Christmas Jam as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. It also makes a lovely addition to yogurt dishes or smoothies, bringing a festive flair to your breakfast or dessert.

Proper Storage for Your Christmas Jam

Processed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year. If you leave jars unprocessed, they should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within several weeks. You can also freeze the jam for up to three months if you want to save some for later.

FAQ about Christmas Jam

Conclusion

Now that you have this Christmas Jam recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Not only will you enjoy a delicious treat, but you can also share it with loved ones. So, cozy up in your kitchen and spread some joy with this festive delight.

For more inspiration, explore our Christmas Recipes Collection, and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for even more seasonal ideas and festive favorites!

Christmas Jam Recipe

This Christmas Jam combines sweet strawberries and tart cranberries for a festive spread that’s perfect for the holidays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 14 jars

Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

• food processor
• Large pot
• 8-ounce glass jars

Ingredients

  

• 40 ounces frozen strawberries, thawed or 2 & 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
• 5 pounds granulated sugar (11 & 1/3 cups)
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin (3 ounces each)

Instructions

 

• Blend strawberries and cranberries until mostly smooth, then transfer to a large pot.
• Mix in sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt, then bring to a full boil and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in pectin and return to a boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes, then skim off foam.
• Pour hot jam into clean, warm jars, leaving 1/2-inch space at the top, and seal with lids.
• Cool completely at room temperature or process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Notes

Have extra jars ready for any overflow. Thaw frozen fruit before blending for better consistency. Avoid overcooking the jam to prevent it from becoming too thick. Consider adding other spices like cloves or allspice for additional flavor.