Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Jam is a delightful blend of fresh cranberries and strawberries, infused with warm spices to capture the festive spirit. It’s easy to make in a slow cooker and perfect for spreading on toast or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine evenly.
- Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, keeping the lid closed throughout to allow the jam to develop flavor and thicken.
- Step 3: When cooking is complete, transfer the mixture to a blender. Pulse gently until it reaches a jam-like consistency. Avoid over blending to prevent turning it into cranberry butter. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for easier control.
- Step 4: Allow the jam to cool completely; it will thicken as it cools thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- Step 5: Store the cooled jam in clean jars or containers for later use.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker once cooking is done.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet jam.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest to enhance the citrus notes.
- If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen can be used—just thaw before adding.
Storage
Store the jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen berries can be substituted. If using frozen, thaw them first to ensure even cooking and texture.
Why did my jam turn into cranberry butter?
This happens if the jam is over blended, breaking down the fruit too much. To avoid this, pulse the blender carefully or use an immersion blender in short bursts until you get the desired consistency.
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Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups of jam 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Jam blends tart fresh cranberries and sweet strawberries with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, all slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a thick, flavorful jam perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifts, or festive desserts.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
Spices
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Sweetener
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fresh cranberries, strawberries, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Slow Cook: Cook the mixture on HIGH for 4 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking to maintain heat and moisture, allowing the fruit to break down and the flavors to meld.
- Blend to Jam Consistency: After cooking, transfer the contents of the slow cooker to a blender and pulse briefly until the mixture becomes a jam. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can turn the mixture into cranberry butter. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker.
- Thicken While Cooling: Allow the jam to cool naturally. It will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries, resulting in a perfect jam texture.
- Store Properly: Once cool, transfer the jam to airtight containers or jars and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking, as this affects cooking time and texture.
- Pulse blend carefully to avoid over-processing; the goal is thick jam, not cranberry butter.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and cranberries for the best flavor and natural pectin content.
- This jam can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- The warm spices can be adjusted to taste or substituted based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Jam
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: christmas jam, cranberry jam, slow cooker jam, holiday jam, festive recipe, slow cooker recipe, cranberry strawberry jam
