Description
This festive Christmas Jam made in a crockpot combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices to create a delightful holiday spread. Slow-cooked to perfection and gently blended for a traditional jam-like texture, it’s ideal for toast, pastries, or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1 ½ pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen
Sweeteners
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Optional
- Zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger into the crockpot. If using, add the orange zest or lemon juice as well. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the sugars and spices.
- Cook the Jam: Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for 4 hours. Stir the mixture once halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Blend the Mixture: Once cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot or transfer the hot mixture in batches to a countertop blender. Pulse the mixture two to three times to achieve a jam-like texture that retains some fruit chunks.
- Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean jars. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth to prevent sealing issues, then secure the lids lightly but firmly.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the jam overnight before using to let the flavors meld and the jam thicken.
Notes
- The optional citrus zest or juice brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Use fresh or frozen berries; if frozen, do not thaw before cooking.
- The jam will thicken further as it cools in the refrigerator.
- Use clean, sterilized jars to extend shelf life.
- Store refrigerated and consume within 2 to 3 weeks for best quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry jam, strawberry jam, crockpot jam, holiday jam, slow cooker jam, festive jam recipe
