There’s nothing quite like the taste of Christmas captured in a jar. Christmas Jam is a delightful blend of cranberries, strawberries, citrus, and warm spices, simmered together into a sweet-tart preserve that smells just like the holidays. Whether spread over buttery toast, swirled into yogurt, layered in desserts, or used as a glaze for meats, this jam is as versatile as it is delicious.
Making a batch of Christmas Jam is more than just cooking—it’s about bottling up holiday cheer and creating homemade gifts your friends and family will treasure. Imagine gifting a jar tied with ribbon and a festive label—simple, personal, and heartwarming.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam ❤️
- Festive flavors: A mix of cranberries, strawberries, orange, and spices creates a nostalgic Christmas aroma.
- Homemade gift idea: Perfect for neighbors, teachers, and holiday baskets.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on breakfast breads, baked goods, or as a glaze for meats like ham and turkey.
- Beginner-friendly: No advanced canning skills needed—you can refrigerate or freeze it easily.
🕒 Cooking Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling/Setting Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: ~1 hour (plus setting)
- Yield: About 6 cups (fills 6–7 small jars)
🛒 Ingredients for Christmas Jam
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled & halved
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup apple juice (unsweetened)
- 1 medium orange, zest & juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the fruit
- Rinse cranberries and strawberries.
- Cut large strawberries into halves or quarters for even cooking.
2. Cook the base
- In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, strawberries, apple juice, orange juice, and zest.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, until the fruit softens.
3. Blend until smooth
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture right in the pot.
- (Or carefully transfer to a blender, then return to the saucepan.)
4. Add sugar & spices
- Stir in sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in pectin
- Add liquid pectin and boil for 1–2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately.
6. Jar the jam
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch space at the top.
- Seal with lids. For longer storage, process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
7. Cool & set
- Let jars cool at room temperature.
- The jam thickens as it sets (4–6 hours or overnight).
🎁 Tips for Gifting Christmas Jam
- Dress up jars with festive fabric covers, ribbons, or handwritten tags.
- Pair a jar with homemade scones, shortbread, or biscotti for a thoughtful gift basket.
- Add a label with serving suggestions like “Perfect on toast, pancakes, or with holiday roasts.”
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Spread over warm biscuits, toast, or croissants.
- Swirl into Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast.
- Use as a cake filling or cookie layer.
- Brush onto roast turkey, chicken, or ham as a glaze.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make it without pectin?
Yes! Just cook longer until the jam thickens naturally. It will have a softer set.
2. How long does Christmas Jam last?
- Canned & sealed: up to 12 months in a cool pantry.
- Opened: 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Freezer option: up to 6 months.
3. Can I use frozen fruit?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
4. Can I adjust the sugar?
You can reduce sugar slightly, but it may affect shelf life and consistency.
🧾 Nutrition Information (per 1 Tbsp)
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Sugars: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Jam recipe is more than just a preserve—it’s a jar full of memories, flavors, and festive warmth. Whether you enjoy it at your holiday breakfast table or gift it to loved ones, this jam is guaranteed to bring joy to the season. Make a batch, spread the cheer, and let your kitchen smell like Christmas magic!