If you’re looking to capture the heart and soul of the holiday season in a jar, this Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with vibrant cranberries, sweet strawberries, and a warm hug of spices like cinnamon and cloves, this jam brings festive cheer to any breakfast table or holiday gathering. Whether spread on toast, dolloped on biscuits, or used as a glaze, it’s a delightful way to infuse your celebrations with homemade love and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a special role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and spice, creating a jam that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: These give the jam its signature tartness and a vibrant red hue that screams holiday spirit.
- 2 cups chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen): Strawberries add natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped: Apples bring natural pectin and gentle sweetness that help the jam set perfectly.
- 1 orange, zested and juiced: Orange zest brightens the flavors, while the juice contributes a fresh citrusy tang.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice enhances the jam’s tartness and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and that unmistakable holiday spice note.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Cloves provide a rich, aromatic depth that feels cozy and festive.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg lends a subtle nutty spice that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (powdered): This essential ingredient helps the jam thicken up and set with the perfect consistency.
- 5 cups granulated sugar: Sugar balances out the tart fruits and aids in the jam’s preservation.
How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Simmer the Fruit
Start by adding the cranberries, strawberries, chopped apple, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, and warm spices—cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—into a large pot. Place it over medium heat and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cooking it for 10 to 15 minutes breaks down the fruit just enough to release all those vibrant juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and get ready for that lovely fruity aroma to fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Mash to Desired Texture
Once the fruit softens, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to gently break up the mixture. The goal is to maintain some chunks for delightful texture while allowing the flavors to meld. This step ensures your jam has that perfect balance of smoothness and bite.
Step 3: Add Pectin and Boil
Sprinkle in the powdered fruit pectin and stir well. Bring the mixture up to a full rolling boil over high heat — a boil that can’t be stirred down. The pectin activates during this intense boiling phase, which is crucial for a jam that sets beautifully once cooled.
Step 4: Stir in Sugar and Boil Hard
Remove the pot momentarily from the heat to add all five cups of sugar at once. Return it to the stove and bring back to a vigorous boil. Boil hard for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely and lock in that glossy finish.
Step 5: Skim Foam and Jar
Take the pot off the heat and use a spoon to carefully skim off any foam that has formed; this leaves you with a crystal-clear, jewel-toned jam. Then, ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small headspace to allow for expansion. Wipe jar rims clean, seal with lids, and if you want to store for the long term, process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. If not canning, simply let the jars cool and store them in the fridge for daily enjoyment.
How to Serve Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe by pairing it with sprigs of fresh rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar right on top. Toasted nuts sprinkled over a dollop of jam on creamy cheese create a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor. These little touches bring out the festive essence and make serving a memorable experience.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of breakfast classics like warm buttered toast, flaky scones, or rich buttery biscuits. Beyond the morning table, try it alongside roasted meats or ham as a sweet and spicy glaze—the warmth of the spices complements savory dishes spectacularly, perfect for those holiday feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming holiday gift, spoon your spiced jam into decorative jars tied with twine and personalized tags. Pair it with a fresh baguette or a block of sharp cheddar cheese to create a thoughtful gift basket. At parties, serve the jam in miniature jars or ramekins alongside crackers and charcuterie boards for easy, elegant entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe refrigerated. Properly sealed jars can last for several weeks, maintaining that gorgeous flavor and smooth texture. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination and keep the jam fresh for as long as possible.
Freezing
If you want to stash some jam for later, freezing is an excellent option. Simply leave some headspace in freezer-safe containers to allow for expansion, and your jam can last for months without losing its flavor or texture. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen or chilled jam, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This brings back the spreadable consistency without cooking off those bright, festive flavors. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate spices.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen for the Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit works wonderfully and will give you a slightly different texture, often a bit firmer. Frozen fruit is convenient and just as flavorful, especially when fresh berries are out of season.
How long does the Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe take to set?
Thanks to the powdered pectin, the jam sets within a few hours once cooled and refrigerated. If it’s not firm enough after chilling overnight, you can re-boil with a little extra pectin following package instructions.
Is this jam suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, definitely! The Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, using only fruit, sugar, and plant-based spices—perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Sugar plays a crucial role in both flavor and preservation, so reducing it significantly may affect the jam’s consistency and shelf life. You can experiment with a slight reduction, but be mindful of how it impacts the final result.
What are some creative ways to use leftover Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe?
Beyond spreading on toast, try stirring a spoonful into yogurt or oatmeal, glazing roasted vegetables, mixing into salad dressings, or layering it in holiday desserts like cheesecakes and tarts for a festive twist.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe is truly a holiday treasure that brings warmth, color, and joy to any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the magic of making something homemade from the heart. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a cherished tradition, spreading happiness jar by jar during the most wonderful time of the year.
Print
Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
This Spiced Christmas Jam is a delightful holiday preserve combining cranberries, strawberries, apple, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a glaze for meats, it’s a festive and flavorful treat that captures the spirit of the season. The jam is cooked on the stovetop and can be canned or refrigerated for freshness.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Spices & Additives
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (powdered)
Sweetener
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, chopped apple, orange zest and juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer Fruit Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit begins to break down and soften, creating a rich, flavorful base.
- Break Up Fruit: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to slightly mash the mixture, leaving some texture to maintain the jam’s rustic appeal.
- Add Pectin and Boil: Stir in the powdered fruit pectin and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat to activate the pectin’s gelling properties.
- Add Sugar and Boil Hard: Once boiling, add the granulated sugar all at once. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and boil hard for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Remove Foam and Jar: Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼-inch headspace.
- Seal and Process or Store: Wipe the rims clean, seal jars with lids, and if canning, process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Alternatively, allow the jam to cool and store it in the refrigerator for immediate use.
Notes
- This jam makes a wonderful holiday gift, perfect for friends and family.
- Ideal for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a glaze for ham or roasted meats.
- If using frozen fruit, there is no need to thaw before cooking, saving prep time.
