With a flick of a switch and the comforting hum of my slow cooker, the festive spirit begins to envelop my kitchen. This Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Jam with Cranberries and Strawberries transports me to the heart of holiday traditions, where the tartness of fresh cranberries meets the sweetness of sun-ripened strawberries. The best part? Not only is this homemade jam a delightful addition to your Christmas breakfast spread, but it also requires minimal prep time and no pectin, making it a breeze to whip up. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, allowing you to savor those joyful holiday flavors long after the celebrations have ended. Are you ready to spread a little festive cheer this season? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why is Christmas Jam a must-try?

Festive Flavor: With a blend of tart cranberries and sweet strawberries, this jam captures the essence of the holiday season.

No Pectin Needed: This recipe utilizes the natural pectin in cranberries, simplifying the process for new and experienced jam-makers alike.

Freezer-Friendly: Whip up a batch now and freeze it for delightful breakfasts during the winter months — it’s a great way to keep the holiday spirit alive!

Easy Prep: Simply toss ingredients in your slow cooker for effortless flavor creation — freeing up your time for holiday fun.

Gift-Worthy: Jar up this vibrant jam as a thoughtful homemade gift! It’s sure to impress and spread joy among friends and family.

This Christmas Jam pairs perfectly with scones or makes an outstanding topping for festive desserts, turning every meal into a cherished holiday moment.

Christmas Jam Ingredients

For the Jam Base
• Fresh Cranberries (24 oz., about 6 cups) – Provide the essential tartness and natural pectin for thickening; fresh is preferable, but frozen works well too.
• Fresh Strawberries (16 oz.) – Add a delightful sweetness; if fresh aren’t available, feel free to use frozen strawberries.
For the Spice Blend
• Ground Cinnamon (1.5 tsp) – Brings warmth and a lovely holiday spice profile to the jam.
• Ground Nutmeg (1 tsp) – Adds a rich, sweet-spicy aroma; can substitute with allspice in a pinch.
• Ground Cloves (0.5 tsp) – Enhances the spice complexity of the jam; swap with a smaller amount of ground allspice if desired.
• Ground Ginger (0.25 tsp) – Offers a zesty touch to balance the sweetness; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
For Sweetness
• Brown Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the jam and provides depth; feel free to replace with white sugar for a lighter taste.

This simple recipe is your ticket to creating an unforgettable Christmas Jam that captures the spirit of the season!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing 24 ounces of fresh cranberries and 16 ounces of fresh strawberries under cold water. If using frozen fruit, there’s no need to thaw. Remove any stems or bad berries from the strawberries, then slice them into halves or quarters for easier mixing with cranberries. Gather your spices—ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—along with brown sugar to have everything ready for the Christmas Jam.

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
In a slow cooker, combine the cranberries, strawberry pieces, 2 cups of brown sugar, and the spice blend (1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 0.5 teaspoon of cloves with 0.25 teaspoon of ginger if using). Stir the mixture well to ensure the fruits and sugar are fully incorporated. This initial step sets the stage for the delightful flavors that will develop while cooking your Christmas Jam.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to HIGH heat. Let the mixture cook for approximately 4 hours without lifting the lid, allowing the fruit to burst and release their juices. The jam will gradually bubble and thicken. As it cooks, the sweet and spicy aromas of the Christmas Jam will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Step 4: Blend the Jam
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid (watch out for the steam!). Using a blender or immersion blender, blend the jam mixture until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth or chunky, it’s your choice! Avoid over-blending to prevent turning it into cranberry butter. Achieving the right texture is key for a delightful Christmas Jam perfect for spreading.

Step 5: Cool and Store the Jam
Allow the blended jam to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the Christmas Jam into clean, airtight storage containers or jars, leaving about an inch of headspace if freezing. Label and date the containers for easy identification later. Your homemade Christmas Jam is now ready to enhance your holiday breakfasts or be gifted to friends and family, bringing festive joy to every meal!

What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Jam?

Nothing elevates the holiday spirit quite like a festive spread to accompany your homemade delights.

Fluffy Scones: Golden, buttery scones are the perfect vehicle for the vibrant jam, creating a cozy, indulgent breakfast treat.
Creamy Goat Cheese: The tangy creaminess of goat cheese provides a beautiful contrast to the sweet-tart jam, making it a standout on a holiday cheese board.
Crunchy Toast: Crisp, toasted bread serves as a delightful base for spreading this jam, complementing its fruity textures with each bite.
Gingerbread Muffins: The spiced warmth of gingerbread muffins pairs seamlessly with the bright notes of your Christmas Jam, enhancing those seasonal flavors.
Savory Charcuterie Board: Serve your jam alongside cured meats and pickles for a sweet-savory balance that impresses at any holiday gathering.
Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly perfectly complements the jam’s sweetness, making it a festive addition to your holiday brunch or dinner.
Warm Biscuits: Flaky, warm biscuits act as a delicious counterpoint, perfectly soaking up the luscious jam for a rich taste experience.

This joyful ensemble will leave your loved ones feeling cherished, transforming each meal into a heartfelt celebration of the season!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Jam

Fridge: Store the Christmas Jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 14 days to enjoy its fresh flavors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the jam in sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Properly stored, it can last for up to 6 months without compromising flavor.

Thawing: To enjoy your frozen Christmas Jam, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw, or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Reheating: If you’d like to spread it warm, gently heat the thawed jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Christmas Jam Variations & Substitutions

Embrace your culinary creativity and make this Christmas Jam truly your own with these delightful tweaks!

Spicy Boost: Increase the ground ginger for extra warmth or sneak in a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
Berry Fusion: Combine raspberries or blackberries with the cranberries and strawberries for a mixed berry jam that’s bursting with flavor. Each fruit adds its unique essence, transforming your jam into a berry medley that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar or swap it for a sugar alternative, like stevia or monk fruit, to create a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing note that complements the jam’s sweetness beautifully. A little citrus elevates the flavor profile, making your Christmas Jam sing with holiday cheer!
Nutty Twist: Stir in a handful of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, after blending for added crunch and a delightful texture contrast. The nuts introduce a nutty depth that harmonizes perfectly with the fruity elements.
Festival of Flavors: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice to add complexity and warmth. These subtle flavor enhancements transform the jam into a true celebration of holiday spices.

This vibrant Christmas Jam is perfect for slathering on scones or dolloping over festive desserts, making it a versatile addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Celebrate the season with these simple modifications and watch your family light up with joy!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Jam creations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the fruit mixture (washed cranberries and sliced strawberries combined with sugar and spices) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. This not only simplifies your cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to make the jam, simply transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and follow the cooking steps as usual. If you’ve already blended your jam, store it in airtight containers; it can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some headspace in the jars if freezing to prevent cracking. With these prep-ahead tips, you’ll have delightful Christmas Jam on hand, ready to elevate any festive meal!

Helpful Tricks for Christmas Jam

Fresh is Best: Always opt for fresh cranberries when possible; they not only provide better flavor but also contain more natural pectin for thickening your jam.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the cooking time; overcooking can lead to a jam that’s too thick and sticky. Remember, you want a spreadable texture!
Blending Balance: Blend until smooth but stop just before it turns into a puree; you want to maintain some chunks for that classic Christmas Jam feel.
Storage Know-How: If you’re freezing the jam, use freezer-safe containers and leave an inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
Gift Preparation: When giving jars as gifts, add festive labels and ribbons. It adds a personal touch and showcases the effort of your homemade Christmas Jam!

Christmas Jam Recipe FAQs

What kind of cranberries should I use for Christmas Jam?
I recommend using fresh cranberries for their tartness and natural pectin, which helps the jam thicken beautifully. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones straight from the freezer without thawing them first.

How long can I store my Christmas Jam in the fridge?
Your Christmas Jam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Just keep it sealed tight to maintain the wonderful flavor and freshness!

Can I freeze Christmas Jam?
Absolutely! For freezing, transfer the cooled jam into sterilized jars or freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Properly stored, the jam will last for up to 6 months in the freezer without losing its delightful flavor.

What should I do if my jam is too thick after cooking?
If your jam comes out too thick, don’t worry! You can incorporate a bit of water or fruit juice, then gently heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. Just be sure to avoid overcooking it again!

Are there any allergies I should consider when making this recipe?
Great question! The primary ingredients include cranberries, strawberries, and spices. If anyone has allergies, be cautious with the spices like cloves and ginger, which can be substituted or omitted as needed. If you’re preparing it as a gift, be sure to label the jam clearly to avoid any potential allergies.

How can I tell if my Christmas Jam is ready to be blended?
Your jam is ready to be blended when the cranberries have burst, and the mixture has thickened up nicely during the cooking process, usually around the 4-hour mark. If it has a glossy sheen and smells fragrant, that’s a perfect sign! Just remember to blend carefully to avoid turning it into a smooth puree; keep some texture for that delightful jam experience.