If you’re ready to fill your holiday season with warmth, color, and unforgettable flavor, then you absolutely must try The Best Christmas Jam Recipe. This delightful blend of strawberries, cranberries, and a splash of orange zest captures the very essence of festive cheer in a jar. The balance of sweet and tart combined with aromatic spices makes this homemade jam a perfect treat to enjoy on toast, swirl into yogurt, or gift to loved ones. Trust me, once you make this jam, it’s going to become a staple in your holiday traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a unique role in the final taste, texture, and festive appeal of the jam. Fresh fruit gives it body and natural sweetness, the citrus adds bright notes, and the spices wrap everything in warmth.
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped: Fresh or slightly thawed frozen strawberries bring a juicy sweetness and vibrant red color to the mix.
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen: These add a tart punch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: The zest injects a burst of citrus aroma that elevates the festive character of the jam.
- 1⁄4 cup orange juice: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that helps to meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and for helping the jam set properly.
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that brings cozy holiday vibes to every bite.
- 1⁄8 teaspoon ground clove: Just a pinch adds depth and fragrant complexity without overpowering the fruit.
- 1 pouch liquid pectin: This magical ingredient ensures your jam thickens to that perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make The Best Christmas Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by rinsing your fresh strawberries and cranberries carefully, making sure they’re clean and ready to shine. Hull and chop the strawberries so they’ll cook evenly, or if you’re using frozen fruit, let it thaw just a bit to jumpstart the cooking process. Don’t forget the orange—zest it to get all those oils and then juice it. These steps set the foundation for the jam’s rich flavors.
Step 2: Macerate the Fruit and Spices
In a large pot, mix together the strawberries, cranberries, orange zest and juice, sugar, cinnamon, and clove. Stir everything really well and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sugar to draw out the juices from the fruit, making the mixture wonderfully juicy and ready to bubble away into jam.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
Place the pot over medium heat and stir often as the fruit softens and begins to release more juice. Bring the whole mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring frequently and lightly mash some of the cranberries with your spoon to help the jam develop its signature texture.
Step 4: Add Pectin and Finish Cooking
Once your fruit mixture is bubbling beautifully, stir in the liquid pectin pouch. Return the pot to a boil and cook for an additional minute or two. This step is key for helping your jam set just right—thick, glossy, and full of holiday magic.
Step 5: Jar the Jam
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, making sure not to spill on the rims. Wipe the rims clean before sealing tightly with lids. Let the jars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate your delicious creation. It will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks refrigerated or you can freeze it for longer storage.
How to Serve The Best Christmas Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a twist of orange peel on top of your jam spread instantly ups the presentation and aroma. These simple garnishes echo the festive flavors inside the jam and make serving it on a cheese platter or breakfast table extra special.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs beautifully with warm buttered toast, creamy brie, or even dolloped onto pancakes and waffles. It also makes a charming accompaniment to holiday meats like roasted turkey or ham, where its sweet-tart profile cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try gifting your jam in rustic mason jars tied with twine and a sprig of pine or cinnamon stick for a thoughtful homemade present. You can also swirl it into plain yogurt or oatmeal to brighten your mornings during the chilly season, turning everyday dishes into festive treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover jam in sealed jars in the refrigerator where it will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and maintain quality.
Freezing
If you want to hold on to the holiday joy longer, freezing the jam is an excellent option. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftover jam gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring it back to that luscious spreadable state. Just be careful to heat it gently so you don’t break down the texture or flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries and cranberries work just fine. Thaw them a bit before cooking to ensure the jam cooks evenly and the texture turns out just right.
What if I don’t have liquid pectin?
While pectin is important for setting the jam, you can experiment with natural alternatives like chia seeds or longer cooking times, but the texture and firmness may vary.
How long does The Best Christmas Jam Recipe last?
When refrigerated, this jam keeps well for about 3 weeks. If frozen, it can last up to 6 months, making it perfect for preparing well ahead of the holidays.
Can I adjust the sugar for a less sweet jam?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind sugar also helps with preservation and the gel-formation. Decreasing it too much may affect the jam’s texture and shelf life.
Is this jam safe to gift?
Definitely! Just make sure the jars are properly sterilized and sealed for the best shelf stability. Homemade jam always makes a heartfelt and delicious gift.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making and sharing The Best Christmas Jam Recipe. Each spoonful invites memories of cozy gatherings, joyful celebrations, and the simple pleasure of homemade goodness. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’re not just making jam, you’re creating a treasured holiday tradition that everyone will adore.
Print
The Best Christmas Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups (about 3 servings)
- Category: Jam / Preserve
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant and festive Christmas Jam recipe combines fresh strawberries and cranberries with warm spices and a hint of orange, creating a deliciously tangy and sweet preserve perfect for holiday celebrations. Made on the stovetop with liquid pectin for easy setting, this jam is ideal for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Fruit and Citrus
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Spices and Sweetener
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground clove
Other
- 1 pouch liquid pectin
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit and Orange: Rinse fresh strawberries and cranberries thoroughly if using fresh. Hull and chop the strawberries into small pieces. If using frozen fruit, thaw them slightly to facilitate cooking. Zest the orange and then juice it to prepare the citrus components for the jam.
- Combine Ingredients and Macerate: In a large pot, combine the chopped strawberries, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and ground clove. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the sugar and spices. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the fruit can macerate, releasing its natural juices and developing flavors.
- Cook the Jam Base: Place the pot over medium heat. Stir frequently as the fruit softens and begins to release more juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir often and lightly mash the cranberries during this time to help break them down and thicken the jam.
- Add Pectin and Boil: Stir in the liquid pectin pouch until fully combined. Bring the jam back to a boil and maintain it for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to activate the pectin and help the jam set properly. Then remove the pot from heat.
- Jar and Store: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars using a ladle or spoon. Wipe the rims clean to ensure a good seal, then seal with sterilized lids. Let the jars cool to room temperature. Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months for longer preservation.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries; just ensure frozen are thawed slightly before cooking.
- For a smoother texture, mash more of the cranberries or use an immersion blender briefly during simmering.
- Ensure jars and lids are sterilized to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
- Adjust sugar amount slightly if you prefer a less sweet jam, but be aware this may affect setting.
- If you want a more intense orange flavor, add a bit more zest or a splash of orange liqueur after cooking.
