Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam Recipe

There is something truly magical about the warmth and cheer a jar of Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam brings to the holiday table. This vibrant, spiced jam is bursting with the tart freshness of cranberries and strawberries, balanced perfectly by a touch of cinnamon, ginger, and cozy allspice notes. Whether you’re spreading it on fresh bread, stirring it into yogurt, or gifting it to loved ones, this jam captures the spirit of the season in every luscious spoonful. It’s a festive, sweet treat that’s surprisingly simple to prepare but delightfully complex in flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced, flavorful jam that feels both fresh and indulgent. The berries provide a natural tang and vivid color, sugar ensures it sets beautifully while adding sweetness, and the spices offer that unmistakable holiday hug in every bite.

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries: These add natural sweetness and softness to the jam’s texture.
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: Their tartness brightens the flavor and gives the jam its signature zing.
• 5 cups sugar: Provides the right amount of sweetness and helps in preserving the jam.
• 2 sachets liquid fruit pectin: Essential for the jam to set perfectly without being too runny.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice note that’s perfect for the season.
• 1 teaspoon ginger: Brings a gentle kick and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice: Contributes a complex aromatic note that enriches the jam.
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves: Imparts a cozy, inviting hint that ties all the spices together.

How to Make Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Step 1: Puree the Berries

Start by pureeing those vibrant strawberries and cranberries in a food processor. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen, this step softens the berries and melds their flavors beautifully. You might need to work in batches to get a smooth consistency. Once perfectly pureed, pour the luscious mix into a large saucepan — already smells like holiday magic, right?

Step 2: Add Sugar and Spices

Next up, measure out the sugar and your delightful mix of warm spices. Add these to the saucepan with the berries, then stir everything together thoroughly. This combination is what gives the jam its signature sweet and spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Step 3: Boil the Jam

Place the pan on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. This means bubbles are constantly breaking the surface even as you stir. Once you reach this stage, let it boil for a full minute to ensure the sugars dissolve completely and the fruit starts to thicken.

Step 4: Add Pectin and Boil Again

Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the liquid fruit pectin, the key to getting that perfect jam consistency. Return the saucepan to the stove and bring it back to a full boil. Boil for another full minute while stirring constantly—this step makes sure everything gels just right.

Step 5: Skim Foam and Fill Jars

Once boiled, the jam will create some foam on top—skim it off with a spoon to keep the jam clear and smooth. Then ladle the hot jam into pre-warmed jars, leaving a small headspace for expansion. Seal the jars with sterilized lids and bands just until fingertip tight, which helps maintain the vacuum seal while cooling.

Step 6: Process and Store the Jam

Place the filled jars into a canning pot filled with water, making sure it covers the jars by at least two inches. Cover and boil for 10 minutes to preserve the jam safely. Afterward, carefully remove the jars and set them on a heat-resistant surface to cool without disturbance for about 12 hours. Once cool, wipe them clean, label your beautiful Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam, and tuck them away in a cool, dark spot until ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation by swirling a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone atop your jam. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or a few whole cranberries can add a lovely visual contrast and a fragrant touch that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This jam loves company. Pair it effortlessly with warm toast, buttery scones, or even alongside roasted meats like turkey or ham where its tart sweetness cuts through rich flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the jar—use your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam as a glaze for holiday baked goods, stirred into oatmeal for a festive breakfast, or as a luscious topping for cheesecake and ice cream. It’s a versatile kitchen star that brightens up any dish with its joyful flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once opened, keep your jam refrigerated to maintain its freshness. Properly bottled, it can stay delicious for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy a little taste of the holidays any time you want.

Freezing

For longer storage, consider freezing your jam in airtight containers. This method preserves the flavor and texture well, so you can pull out a jar or two months down the line when those holiday cravings hit.

Reheating

If your jam thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will restore its luscious spreadability without compromising the vibrant taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh and frozen berries interchangeably?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen berries both work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen berries before pureeing for the best texture.

What if I don’t have liquid fruit pectin?

While liquid pectin helps the jam set perfectly, you can substitute with powdered pectin following the package instructions. Just remember to mix it properly as per the guidelines.

Is it possible to make this recipe sugar-free?

Reducing sugar too much affects both taste and the jam’s preservation. For a lower sugar version, consider using sugar substitutes designed for jams, but results may vary.

How long does the jam last once opened?

Once opened, keeping it refrigerated will keep your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam fresh for up to three weeks.

Can I adjust the spices to my liking?

Definitely! The cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves create the festive flavor, but feel free to tweak amounts or try your own favorite warming spices.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about stirring up a batch of Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe full of love, flavor, and festive spirit, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring quietly on a chilly evening. I hope you find joy in making and eating this delightful jam as much as I do—here’s to sweet, cozy holiday moments!

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