Christmas Jam: 4 Hour Slow Cooker Magic

Christmas Jam has always been my favorite part of the holiday season, filling my kitchen with the most amazing aromas. I remember my mom making batches of these festive fruit preserves every year, and the sweet, spiced scent of cranberries and strawberries was the official announcement that Christmas was truly here. This easy homemade Christmas jam captures that magic perfectly. It’s so simple to whip up in the slow cooker, and the taste is just incredible – a perfect balance of tart fruit and warm spices. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam

• Incredible Taste: A perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet strawberries with warm, cozy spices.
• Super Quick Prep: Get this festive fruit preserves ready in just 15 minutes of prep time.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fruit and spices, it’s a naturally gluten-free and wholesome treat.
• Budget-Friendly: Making your own holiday jam recipes is much more economical than store-bought.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this easy Christmas jam.
• Perfect for Gifting: This homemade Christmas jam makes a beautiful and thoughtful present.
• Versatile Use: Wonderful on toast, scones, yogurt, or as a glaze for meats.
• A Delightful Holiday Jam Recipe: It’s the perfect addition to your festive baking and gifting list.

Ingredients for Christmas Jam

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this amazing Christmas Jam. You’ll need 24 oz fresh cranberries, which provide that signature tartness that really shines through. I also love adding 16 oz fresh strawberries because they bring a lovely sweetness and beautiful red color, making it a perfect cranberry Christmas jam. For that warm, festive flavor, we’ll use 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp ground cloves, and 1 tsp ground ginger. These spices are key to that cozy holiday aroma! Finally, you’ll need 2 cups brown sugar to sweeten everything up and help it set.

How to Make Christmas Jam

Making this Christmas Jam is surprisingly simple, especially with the slow cooker! It’s one of my favorite easy Christmas jam recipes because it practically makes itself. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most delightful holiday scents!

1. Step 1: Start by giving your 24 oz fresh cranberries a good rinse under cool water. Also, wash your 16 oz fresh strawberries and gently remove their stems. For the strawberries, chop them into smaller pieces – this helps them break down nicely in the jam.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all your prepared fruit. Add the warming spices: 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp ground cloves, and 1 tsp ground ginger. Pour in the 2 cups brown sugar. Stir everything together really well until all the fruit and spices are evenly coated. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
3. Step 3: Carefully transfer this festive fruit mixture into your slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH. Let it cook for about 4 hours. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine as the spices meld with the fruit.
4. Step 4: Once the cooking time is up, the fruit should be very soft. For this easy Christmas jam, I like to use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to get a smooth, jam-like consistency. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. Blend until you reach your desired texture – a little chunky or super smooth, it’s up to you! This is where it truly becomes a spreadable jam.
5. Step 5: Spoon your beautiful, glistening Christmas Jam into clean jars. Let the jars cool on the counter for about an hour. This allows the jam to start thickening up before you seal them. Once they’ve cooled, you can seal them tightly.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Jam

To ensure your Christmas Jam turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These tips will help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor that makes this festive fruit preserves so special.

• For the smoothest jam, consider using an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker after cooking. It’s so much easier than transferring hot mixtures!
• Don’t be tempted to open the slow cooker lid too often while it’s cooking; this releases heat and can prolong the cooking time.
• If you prefer a thicker jam, you can leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
• Always use ripe, but not overly soft, fruit for the best flavor and texture in your homemade Christmas jam.

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Jam?

The secret to a truly perfect Christmas Jam lies in the combination of fruits and slow, even cooking. Using both cranberries and strawberries creates a balanced tartness and sweetness. The blend of spices makes it a wonderfully spiced Christmas jam, and the slow cooker melds these flavors beautifully without overcooking. For more delicious recipes, check out our full recipe collection.

Can I make Christmas Jam ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the fruit and spice mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before transferring it to the slow cooker. This is a great way to get a head start on your holiday preparations, making it a truly easy holiday jam recipe.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Jam?

A common pitfall is overcooking, which can lead to a tough or sugary jam. Avoid this by closely monitoring the time. Another mistake is not blending enough; ensure you get your desired consistency for a smooth spread. Also, be sure to let the jam cool properly before sealing to prevent spoilage. For more tips on food preservation, you can explore resources on food safety.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Jam

This delightful Christmas Jam is incredibly versatile and adds a festive flair to so many dishes. One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is simply spread warm on a buttery scone or a slice of toasted brioche. The sweet and spicy notes of this festive fruit preserves really complement baked goods beautifully. It’s also fantastic dolloped on top of creamy vanilla yogurt or oatmeal for a special breakfast treat. Don’t forget to try it as a glaze for pork tenderloin or roasted chicken – the tartness cuts through the richness of the meat perfectly! If you’re looking for more savory options, consider our Persian Chicken Recipe.

Nutrition Facts for Christmas Jam

This Christmas Jam is a sweet treat perfect for the holidays. Here’s a look at the nutritional information per tablespoon serving, so you know what you’re enjoying with your festive treats. It’s a wonderful way to add flavor without a lot of added fat.

• Calories: 50
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Jam

Once your beautiful Christmas Jam has cooled down after cooking, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. I always let mine cool completely on the counter for at least an hour or two. Then, I transfer it into clean, airtight jars. For immediate enjoyment or gifting, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’re making a big batch to last through the season or preparing Christmas jam for gifts, freezing is your best bet! Fill your jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top for expansion, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw frozen jam overnight in the fridge before using. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave until spreadable. For more delicious preserves, explore our Romanian Fried Meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Jam

What is Christmas Jam and why is it special?

Christmas Jam is a special preserve made with seasonal fruits and warming spices, traditionally prepared around the holidays. It’s often a blend of tart cranberries and sweet berries, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Its unique flavor profile and festive aroma make it a beloved part of holiday traditions, perfect for gifting or enjoying on baked goods. For a different kind of festive flavor, try our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

How do I make Christmas Jam if I don’t have a slow cooker?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can absolutely still make this delicious Christmas Jam on the stovetop! Combine all your ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 45-60 minutes, or until it reaches your desired jam consistency. It’s a slightly more hands-on process, but the result is just as delightful! You might also enjoy our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo.

Can I use different fruits in my Christmas Jam?

Yes, you can! While cranberries and strawberries are classic for this homemade Christmas jam, feel free to experiment. Pears, apples, or even oranges can be lovely additions. Just ensure you maintain a good balance of tart and sweet fruits to get the best flavor. This flexibility is part of why it’s one of my favorite holiday jam recipes.

How long does homemade Christmas Jam last?

Properly stored, your Christmas Jam will last about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freezing is best – it can last up to 6 months. If you plan on gifting it or keeping it for a special occasion, make sure to use clean jars and seal them tightly to maintain freshness. For another festive dish, consider our Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole.

Variations of Christmas Jam You Can Try

While this recipe for Christmas Jam is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different flavors and methods to create unique sweet Christmas preserves. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Spiced Orange & Cranberry: Add the zest and juice of one orange to the mix for a bright, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
• Pear & Ginger: Swap the strawberries for diced pears and increase the ginger to 2 tsp for a warming, slightly less tart jam.
• Sugar-Free Option: For a lower-sugar version, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or xylitol, adjusting the amount to your taste.
• Stovetop Method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can easily make this jam in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. For more sheet pan ideas, check out our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.

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