This Christmas jam combines strawberries, cranberries, orange and warm spices in a sweet-tart fruit spread. Use it on toast, in yogurt or between cake layers. This version is a refrigerator spread; keep it chilled and do not treat a closed lid as evidence that it is safe for pantry storage.
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: A seasonal gift when kept refrigerated and labeled clearly.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on breakfast breads, baked goods, or as a glaze for meats like ham and turkey.
- Beginner-friendly: Prepared for refrigerator storage; no pantry-canning claim.
🕒 Cooking Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking: Simmer fruit until soft, then boil as directed for the liquid pectin
- Setting: Allow to thicken in the refrigerator, preferably overnight; the set may be soft
- Time to serve: Preparation and cooking, plus cooling and refrigerated setting
- Yield: Varies with fruit size and evaporation; have several small containers ready
🛒 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 fl oz / about 90 ml) 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 the liquid pectin and boil for the time directed by its manufacturer. Pectin products are not interchangeable; this fruit-and-sugar ratio may produce a softer spread.
- Remove from heat immediately.
6. Jar the jam
- Transfer to clean, heat-safe jars or small containers suitable for refrigerator storage.
- Cover and refrigerate promptly after initial cooling. This recipe does not include a verified water bath process for shelf-stable storage.
7. Cool & set
- Avoid leaving the containers out for extended setting; let the spread finish thickening in the refrigerator.
- Check the texture after chilling overnight. A soft set can still be used as a fruit spread or dessert topping.
🎁 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 “Keep refrigerated. Serve on toast, pancakes or yogurt.”
🍽 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
Can I store this jam in the pantry?
No. This version is intended for refrigerator storage. For shelf-stable jars, follow a research-based canning recipe with its exact fruit, sugar, pectin, jar size and processing directions.
Why did my jam stay soft?
Gel formation depends on the fruit, acidity, sugar and pectin. The listed ratio may give a soft spread, especially with standard liquid pectin. Follow the package instructions for a predictable firm set and use a soft batch as a topping.
Can I replace liquid pectin with powdered pectin?
Do not substitute them directly. They use different ingredient ratios and mixing sequences. Choose a recipe written for the pectin you have.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Less sugar changes the set. For a lower-sugar jam, choose a recipe and pectin designed for that purpose rather than adjusting a conventional jam formula.
How should I keep it after cooking?
Refrigerate in covered containers and use a clean spoon. Discard the whole container if you see mold or notice fermentation or other spoilage.
🧾 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.)