Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe

Picture this: the cozy warmth of your kitchen filled with the sweet-tart scent of fresh cranberries mingling with ripe strawberries, gently spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of cloves. This Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe will wrap you in holiday comfort, offering a luscious spread that’s bursting with festive flavor and made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The thickened, jewel-colored jam is a beautiful, tangy-sweet treasure perfect for making your morning toast or holiday treats extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe

• Bursting with Seasonal Flavor: The perfect blend of tart cranberries and juicy strawberries paired with warm spices creates a vibrant holiday taste that dances on your tongue.
• Simple Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, strawberries, and common pantry spices come together with brown sugar to craft a jam that’s both wholesome and delicious.
• Effortless Slow Cooker Method: Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic—it’s hands-off, allowing you to relax and enjoy the anticipation.
• Generous Yield: This recipe makes enough jam for 20 servings, perfect for gift-giving, party favors, or stocking your fridge with festive cheer.
• Versatile and Customizable: The warm spice blend can be adjusted to suit your taste buds—add more cinnamon for extra warmth or a pinch of ground ginger for subtle zing.

Why This Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it uses slow cooking to coax out the natural pectin in cranberries, resulting in a wonderfully thick jam that sets as it cools without extra preservatives. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger adds depth and holiday spirit, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, blending just enough to form a jam ensures the perfect texture—avoid over-blending to keep it from turning into a buttery spread. Using fresh, juicy strawberries alongside tart cranberries balances the sweetness beautifully, making this slow cooker method a foolproof way to get that ideal jam consistency every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these vibrant, fresh ingredients that bring this festive jam to life, each adding its own unique burst of flavor and aroma.

• 24 oz. fresh cranberries ((about 6 cups)): The holiday star with natural pectin that helps the jam thicken perfectly.
• 16 oz. fresh strawberries: Add juicy sweetness, mellowing the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon: Warms the jam with a familiar holiday spice note.
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy, nutty aroma that enhances the festive feel.
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves: Provides a rich, aromatic depth to the spice blend.
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing that lifts the flavors.
• 2 cups brown sugar: Sweetens the jam with a hint of molasses for a rich, caramelized flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Fresh cranberries: If fresh cranberries are hard to find, frozen cranberries work fine—just thaw before cooking.
• Fresh strawberries: Can be replaced with frozen strawberries, but avoid thawing completely to reduce extra liquid.
• Brown sugar: You can swap with coconut sugar for a slightly different caramel note and a healthier twist.
• Ground spices: Feel free to adjust amounts or use freshly grated versions for an extra fragrant jam.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe

Step 1: Add ingredients to slow cooker

Start by tossing every ingredient right into your slow cooker, giving everything a good stir to combine. This method lets the flavors mingle and intensify as the jam cooks slowly.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to mix gently, preserving the fruit’s shape while blending the spices evenly.

Step 2: Cook

Set the slow cooker to HIGH and let those berries bubble away for 4 hours, holding back on lifting the lid to keep the heat consistent and the magic unfolding.

💡 Pro Tip: This patient step is where the cranberries release their natural pectin, thickening your jam as it heats.

Step 3: Blend the jam

When cooking is complete, carefully transfer the rich berry mixture to a blender. Pulse just enough until a jam-like consistency emerges—remember, over-blending leads to cranberry butter, which is delicious but not the goal here! Alternatively, an immersion blender works beautifully right in the pot.

💡 Pro Tip: Blend in short bursts to control texture precisely and keep some chunkiness for that homemade charm.

Step 4: Jam will thicken

Don’t worry if the jam seems a bit runny at first; as it cools, the natural pectin in the cranberries will thicken it up nicely, creating that perfect spreadable texture.

💡 Pro Tip: Stir occasionally while cooling to prevent a skin from forming on top.

Step 5: Cool and store

Allow your fragrant jam to cool completely before transferring it to clean containers, ensuring freshness and flavor preservation for every spoonful.

💡 Pro Tip: Label your jars with the date and keep them refrigerated for the best quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Over-blending: Grinding too much turns your jam into butter, losing the fantastic jam texture.
• Peeking during cooking: Opening the lid lets heat escape and interrupts proper thickening.
• Using unripe berries: Tart or underripe fruit affects sweetness and texture negatively.
• Skipping the cooling step: Jam needs to cool fully to reach its ideal spreadable consistency.
• Not stirring after blending: The jam can develop a skin; gentle stirring helps prevent this.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe, let your creativity shine with these tasty twists!

Orange-Spiced Jam

Add freshly grated orange zest and a splash of orange juice to brighten the flavor and offer a tangy citrus kick that complements the spices perfectly.

Maple Cranberry Jam

Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, darker sweetness and a lovely autumnal aroma that pairs beautifully with the berries.

Apple Cinnamon Jam

Mix in diced apples with the berries for added texture and natural sweetness, enhancing that classic cinnamon-spiced flavor.

Vanilla Bean Infused Jam

Scrape in the seeds from a vanilla bean pod or add vanilla extract after cooking for a creamy undertone that adds depth and warmth.

Ginger-Cardamom Jam

Boost the ground ginger and add a pinch of cardamom for an exotic twist that gives your jam a festive, aromatic complexity.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped mint or a few whole cranberries on top of the jam when serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.

Side Dishes

This jam pairs beautifully with warm croissants, toasted brioche, or dolloped over creamy vanilla yogurt for a breakfast that feels like a holiday celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the jam in small decorative jars tied with festive ribbons as charming gifts or portion it into rustic mini mason jars for an inviting brunch spread. Try spreading on soft cream cheese for a sweet-and-savory appetizer that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare this jam up to a week in advance. Simply complete the cooking and blending steps, then cool and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Storage

Keep the jam refrigerated in airtight containers. It stays fresh for approximately 2 weeks, making it perfect for holiday meal planning or gift giving.

Freezing

This jam freezes well! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Gently warm your jam on the stove over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to loosen it if it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use fresh, quality fruit to maximize natural sweetness and pectin content.
• Keep the slow cooker lid on to maintain consistent temperature and optimal thickening.
• Blend carefully—jam should be chunky, not smooth like a puree.
• Cool the jam uncovered first to allow steam to escape and then cover to prevent skin formation.
• Store in sterilized containers to extend shelf life and maintain freshness.
• Adjust spices to your preference, but be subtle to keep the fruit flavors front and center.
• Label your jars with preparation dates for easy use and rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work well. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery jam.

How long does the jam last refrigerated?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this jam keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Can I make this jam without a slow cooker?

While it’s designed for slow cooking, you can simmer the mixture gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently until thickened, but watch closely to prevent burning or overcooking.

What can I use this jam for besides toast?

Try it as a topping for pancakes, stirred into yogurt, swirled into oatmeal, or served alongside cheese and crackers for a festive snack.

Is it possible to make this jam less sweet?

Absolutely! You can reduce the brown sugar slightly or substitute with less sweet alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup.

Why did my jam not thicken properly?

Make sure you don’t lift the lid during cooking and blend just enough to keep some fruit texture, as over-blending or too much liquid can prevent proper thickening.

Can I freeze the jam for longer storage?

Yes, freezing is a great option. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe captures the spirit of the holidays in every spoonful with its vibrant color, festive spices, and perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re gifting it to friends, dressing your breakfast spread, or simply indulging yourself, this jam is a heartwarming celebration of seasonal flavors. I can’t wait for you to make it part of your holiday traditions and share the joy of homemade goodness with those you love.

Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe

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This festive Christmas Jam features fresh cranberries and strawberries simmered with warm spices and brown sugar in a slow cooker to create a delicious, richly flavored homemade preserve perfect for holiday celebrations.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings 1x
• Category: Jam
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Ingredients

• 24 oz. fresh cranberries ((about 6 cups))
• 16 oz. fresh strawberries
• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 cups brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Add everything to the slow cooker and stir. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and mix well to incorporate the spices and sugar evenly among the berries.
2. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time. Allow the mixture to cook slowly and develop flavors without disturbing the lid for the full duration to ensure perfect jam consistency.
3. When the cooking time is up, add the contents from the slow cooker into a blender. Pulse until a jam forms. DO NOT OVER BLEND OR YOU WILL MAKE CRANBERRY BUTTER. You can use an immersion blender if you choose. Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to pulse the jam until it reaches your desired texture, being cautious not to blend too much.
4. The jam will thicken a lot while it cools, don’t fret. Cranberries have pectin in them. Trust that the natural pectin will help the jam set as it cools; some thickness changes are to be expected.
5. Let cool before storing. Allow the jam to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers for later use.

Notes

• Do not over blend the jam as it will turn into cranberry butter.
• The jam thickens significantly upon cooling due to natural pectin in cranberries.