Christmas Jam Recipe – A Festive Homemade Treat

The holiday season is all about warmth, comfort, and sharing special treats with loved ones. One of the most delightful ways to capture the flavors of Christmas is through a homemade jar of Christmas Jam. Sweet, spiced, and full of fruity goodness, this jam is the perfect spread to enjoy during cozy winter mornings.

Christmas Jam combines seasonal fruits, sugar, and aromatic spices to create a festive preserve that pairs beautifully with toast, scones, pancakes, or even as a glaze for meats. Its rich flavors make it an ideal homemade gift for family and friends.

Whether you’re an experienced jam maker or just trying it for the first time, this recipe is simple, rewarding, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the aroma of Christmas cheer.

Cooking Time & Serving

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Cooling/Setting Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)

• Total Time: About 1 hour (plus cooling)

• Servings: Makes about 6 cups (approximately 6–7 small jars)

Ingredients for Christmas Jam

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and halved)

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup apple juice (unsweetened)

• 1 medium orange (zest and juice)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin

How to Make Christmas Jam

1. Prepare the fruit: Rinse cranberries and strawberries. Chop strawberries into halves or quarters if large.

2. Cook the base: In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, strawberries, apple juice, and orange juice with zest. Cook over medium heat until berries soften (about 10–12 minutes).

3. Blend: Use an immersion blender (or transfer carefully to a regular blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.

4. Add sugar & spices: Return mixture to the saucepan. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.

5. Add pectin: Stir in liquid pectin. Boil for 1–2 more minutes, then remove from heat.

6. Jar the jam: Carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (optional for longer storage).

7. Cool & set: Let jars cool at room temperature. The jam will thicken as it sets (usually 4–6 hours or overnight).

Notes

• You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, but reducing sugar may affect shelf life and set.

• If you don’t have strawberries, substitute with raspberries for a tangier flavor.

• The jam can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or frozen for 6 months if not processed in a water bath.

• Great for gifting: add a festive ribbon and tag to each jar!

FAQs

1. Can I make Christmas Jam without pectin?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the fruit longer until it naturally thickens. The texture will be softer.

2. How long does Christmas Jam last?
If canned properly, it lasts up to 12 months unopened. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2–3 weeks.

3. Can I use frozen fruit?
Absolutely! Just thaw before cooking and drain excess liquid.

4. What can I serve Christmas Jam with?
It’s delicious on toast, croissants, pancakes, or as a glaze for ham, turkey, or roasted chicken.

Nutrition Information (Per 1 Tbsp Serving)

Values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Disclaimer

This recipe is intended as a festive treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. People with food allergies (such as sensitivity to citrus, strawberries, or spices) should check ingredients carefully before consuming. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns.