Christmas Jam is the perfect spread to enjoy this holiday season. Simple ingredients gives this homemade jam recipes so much flavor.
There is nothing better than making homemade jam. You can easily control the ingredients and the perfect holiday gift. If you are into jam making, then this is the recipe to make. The sweet-tart flavor will impress your friends and family.
Making Christmas Recipes is my favorite time of the year. From making homemade gifts to preparing a holiday dinner, these recipes are easy to make with simple ingredients. You may also like these recipes – Bacon Jam Recipe or No Cook Raspberry Freeze Jam.
Table of Contents
What is Christmas Jam?
Spiced Christmas Jam is packed with strawberries, cranberries, cinnamon and more. Adding liquid pectin thickens the jam while the sugar sweetens it.
Simple ingredients makes this jam a family favorite and is loaded with flavor. If you are looking for a Homemade Christmas gift, this jam is the one to make. You may even love this Christmas Potpourri Stove Top Recipe.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Cranberries
- Orange Zest
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Cloves
- Allspice
- Granulated Sugar
- Liquid Fruit Pectin
For the full recipe and ingredients, scroll to the bottom of the post for the recipe card.
Variation Ideas:
- Berries Variations – Feel free to use fresh fruit or frozen cranberries and strawberries. Just make sure they are thawed if using frozen.
- Sugar – Do not try to substitute the sugar in this recipe. You will use the entire 4 pounds of sugar.
- Seasoning – If you prefer you can easily add in ginger or nutmeg. We start with a teaspoon but you can easily add in more. If you prefer you can also add in fresh lemon juice. It is the perfect addition to this strawberry cranberry jam.
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1 – Place the fresh strawberries and fresh cranberries in a food processor and pulse the ingredients into large pieces but do not puree.
Step 2 – Pour the mixture into a large pot or dutch oven. Stir in the sugar and spices – orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, all spice and granulated sugar.
Step 3 – Bring to a full rolling boil boil for 1 minute and stir. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Returns to a full and boil for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
Step 4 – Pour the mixture into a storing jar leaving approximately ¼ inch of space toward the tops. Process the jar in a water bath for 10 minutes.
Recipe Tips:
- Preparing Fruit – Use a food processor to chop the fruit. You do not want to puree the fruit for this recipe.
- Boiling Mixture – You only want the mixture to boil for about a minute. Make sure to continue to stir as you are combining the ingredients.
- Adding in Fruit Pectin – It is important when adding in the liquid pectin that you only boil for 1 minute. This helps to thicken the jam and boiling to long could cause the mixture to break down.
- Thaw Fruit – If using frozen strawberries or frozen cranberries, make sure to allow them to thaw before chopping.
- Jars – When placing the jam in the jars, make sure to wipe the lids and rims with a cloth. Make sure their is a good seal before storing. Make sure to leave room for the jam to expand when storing.
How to Serve:
This jam is perfect for gift-giving to friends and family for the holidays. We love to serve on our holiday charcuterie board to serve with our favorite sides. Try this Christmas Jam on these favorite options:
- Biscuits
- Toast
- Crackers and Cheese
How to Store:
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For any jars that did not seal, refrigerate for up to 1 month. The remaining sealed jars should last in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.
More Easy Christmas Recipes:
We love hearing from you. Make sure to leave us a comment, if you make this Christmas Jam Recipe.
Christmas Jam
Ingredients
- 40 ounces Fresh or Frozen Strawberries thaw out if using frozen
- 16 ounces Fresh or Frozen Cranberries thaw out if using frozen
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Zest
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ¼ teaspoon Allspice
- 4 pounds Granulated Sugar
- 6 ounces Liquid Fruit Pectin
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Place 40 ounces fresh strawberries and 16 ounces fresh cranberries in a food processor. If using frozen fruit, thaw it first. Pulse until the fruit is chopped into large pieces, but do not puree.
- Transfer the fruit mixture to a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons orange zest, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, and 4 pounds granulated sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Once it reaches a full boil, continue boiling for 1 minute.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 6 ounces liquid fruit pectin. Return the mixture to a full boil and boil for 1 additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface.
- Ladle the jam into clean canning jars, leaving approximately ¼ inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
- Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth, place the lids on the jars, and tighten the bands.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and dry them with a clean towel. Let the jars sit undisturbed at room temperature for 12 hours.
- Check that each jar has sealed properly. Refrigerate any jars that did not seal and use them within 1 month. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Refrigerate after opening.
We tried the pear and Christmas jam. We made them to add to the families Christmas gifts. However, they were so delicious we kept them for ourself. SORRY KIDS!
We plan to try the slow cooker ribs next. Can’t wait.
Hey David – So glad you enjoyed! Maybe the kids will get some next year haha!
How many pints does this make?
This recipe usually make around 4 pints.
This Christmas Jam is SO GOOD! I did add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and it turned out perfectly! It tastes amazing on biscuits and truly is Christmas in a jar!