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This sweet-tart Christmas Jam combines the bright flavors of cranberries and strawberries with warm holiday spices, creating a perfect spread for your winter breakfast table. The slow cooker does all the work while you fill your home with the most amazing holiday aroma.
I first made this jam when looking for unique homemade gifts for neighbors. The gorgeous ruby red color and perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors made it an instant hit. Now it's requested every December by family and friends who look forward to their annual jar.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cranberries fresh or frozen that provide the signature tartness and beautiful color
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries fresh or frozen add natural sweetness and smooth texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar balances the tartness of the berries
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice brings warm holiday flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds familiar comfort and warmth
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger contributes subtle heat and complexity
- Optional zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens all the flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients
- Add cranberries, strawberries, both sugars, and spices to your crockpot. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the sugars and spices are evenly distributed throughout the berries. This initial mixing is important as it helps the sugars begin drawing moisture from the berries.
- Slow Cook
- Cover the crockpot and set it to high for four hours. The slow cooking process allows the berries to break down naturally and the flavors to meld beautifully. Remember to stir once halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and to check the consistency.
- Blend
- Once cooking is complete, use an immersion blender right in the crockpot or carefully transfer batches to a countertop blender. Pulse only two to three times for the perfect jam texture. Over-blending will make it too smooth, while under-blending might leave it too chunky.
- Jar the Jam
- Ladle the hot jam immediately into clean jars. Be sure to wipe the rims clean of any drips before securing the lids. Only tighten the lids lightly at this point to allow for expansion as the jam cools.
- Cool and Set
- Allow the filled jars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. The jam needs to refrigerate overnight to fully set and develop its flavors.
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The combination of cranberry and strawberry creates the perfect balance in this jam. My grandmother always said cranberries need a sweet partner, and strawberries work beautifully without overwhelming the signature holiday tartness of the cranberries.
Storage Tips
This jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks when stored in airtight containers. The high sugar content acts as a natural preservative, but refrigeration is essential for safety. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to six months. Leave half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion when freezing. The texture may change slightly after thawing but the flavor will remain delicious.
Canning For Longer Storage
For shelf-stable jars that can be stored in the pantry, you will need to process this jam using proper water bath canning techniques. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims, apply new lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for half-pint jars or 15 minutes for pint jars. Properly processed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Always check seals before using and refrigerate after opening.
Serving Suggestions
Christmas Jam pairs beautifully with breakfast pastries, especially warm croissants, English muffins, or buttermilk biscuits. It also makes a stunning addition to holiday charcuterie boards alongside sharp cheddar or brie cheese. For a special holiday breakfast, swirl it into plain yogurt or oatmeal. You can even use it as a glaze for ham or pork by mixing with a little Dijon mustard. My favorite unexpected use is as a filling for thumbprint cookies or between layers of a vanilla cake.
Recipe Q&A
- → How long does this Christmas jam last in the refrigerator?
When properly stored in clean jars with tight-fitting lids, this Christmas jam will last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
- → Can I use frozen berries for this jam?
Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries and strawberries work perfectly in this recipe. There's no need to thaw frozen berries first—just add them directly to your slow cooker.
- → Is this jam suitable for water bath canning?
This specific recipe hasn't been tested for water bath canning safety. For safe preservation, you would need to follow a tested canning recipe that ensures proper acidity levels. As written, this jam is designed for refrigerator storage.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness of this jam?
Absolutely! Cranberries are naturally tart, so some sweetness is needed to balance the flavors. If you prefer a less sweet jam, start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that sugar acts as a preservative, so reducing it may affect shelf life.
- → What can I serve this Christmas jam with?
This versatile jam pairs beautifully with breakfast items like toast, English muffins, scones, or pancakes. It's also excellent on a holiday cheese board alongside brie or cream cheese, as a glaze for roasted meats, or stirred into yogurt or oatmeal.
- → Can I make this jam without an immersion blender?
Yes! If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the hot mixture in batches to a standard blender. Alternatively, for a chunkier jam, you can mash the berries with a potato masher to your desired consistency.