If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, nostalgic aromas of the season, this Spiced Christmas Jam is just what your holiday table (and gift list!) is craving. Bursting with tart cranberries, juicy strawberries, crisp apple, and the bright notes of orange, every spoonful dances with comforting spices—cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whether you’re spreading it on breakfast toast, swirling it into Greek yogurt, or giving a homemade gift from the heart, this jam brings festive cheer to every jar. Spiced Christmas Jam is the secret to capturing holiday magic you can enjoy (or share) all winter long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
- 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
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (powdered)
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Cranberry Strawberry Jam:
Additional Ingredients:
How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam
Step 1: Combine the Fruits and Spices
Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot and combine your cranberries, chopped strawberries, apple, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The colors and scent at this stage are irresistible! Set the pot over medium heat and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the fruit softens and begins to break down into a beautiful confetti.
Step 2: Mash for Texture
Once your fruit is tender, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to gently break things up. You’re aiming for a rustic texture here—some bits of fruit are welcome, so don’t overdo it. This step gives your Spiced Christmas Jam that classic, homemade feel.
Step 3: Add the Pectin
Stir in the powdered fruit pectin with confidence. Turn up the heat and bring your fruit mixture to a rolling boil. This is a big, bubbling boil you can’t stir down, essential for helping your jam set. Make sure to keep stirring so nothing sticks or scorches.
Step 4: Add the Sugar and Boil Hard
Pour in all the sugar at once, then stir to dissolve. Crank the heat if needed and return the mixture to a roaring boil. Boil vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring the whole time. This fast and furious boil activates the pectin and ensures your jam will set up beautifully.
Step 5: Jar and Process
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any frothy foam from the top. Ladle the hot Spiced Christmas Jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims, apply lids, and seal tightly. For pantry storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. If you’re keeping the jam in the fridge, let the jars cool to room temperature before storing.
How to Serve Spiced Christmas Jam
Garnishes
Dress up your Spiced Christmas Jam with a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a tiny pinch of cinnamon right before serving, especially if you’re putting it out on the holiday brunch table. These little finishes not only look lovely but also intensify those cozy, inviting aromas.
Side Dishes
This jam is divine spread on warm toast, fresh buttermilk biscuits, or pillowy scones. Try it swirled into oatmeal, spooned over pancakes, or dolloped alongside a cheese board—the contrast with sharp cheddar or creamy brie is simply out of this world.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your guests by glazing roasted ham or turkey with a generous brush of Spiced Christmas Jam, or tuck jars into holiday gift baskets with a handwritten tag. For something really unique, layer it into a trifle or swirl it through Greek yogurt parfaits for a pop of festive flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Unopened jars of Spiced Christmas Jam can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year—perfect for enjoying the taste of Christmas any time. Once opened, keep your jar in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks for the freshest flavor and color.
Freezing
If you prefer, you can freeze the jam (provided you’ve left enough headspace in your jars for expansion). Let prepared jam cool to room temperature before sealing and freezing. Frozen, it will keep its bright, bold flavor for up to 6 months—just thaw in the fridge before using.
Reheating
If you want to soften chilled jam for drizzling, simply warm the jar briefly in a pan of hot (not boiling) water or microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl for 10 to 15 seconds. Give it a good stir and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Absolutely! The beauty of Spiced Christmas Jam is its flexibility. You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries—no need to thaw them before adding to the pot, making this a fantastic year-round recipe.
How do I know if my jam has set?
After boiling and processing, let a spoonful cool on a cold plate for a minute, then gently push it with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly and holds its shape, your jam is ready. If not, return to a full boil for another minute and test again.
Can I make this jam less sweet?
For proper set and consistency, it’s best to stick to the full amount of sugar listed. Cutting back may prevent it from thickening properly, but you can always pair the jam with tangy or unsweetened foods for balance.
Is this jam suitable for gifting?
Without a doubt! Spiced Christmas Jam makes a delightful homemade gift. Pour it into pretty jars, decorate with festive ribbon or tags, and your loved ones will absolutely light up when they taste it.
What if I don’t have fruit pectin?
While powdered fruit pectin is key for getting the right set, in a pinch you can try boiling the jam a bit longer—though it may turn out a bit softer. For the classic texture and reliable results, pectin is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Spiced Christmas Jam finds a special place in your holiday lineup and brings a little extra sparkle to your breakfasts, desserts, and gifts. It truly is the taste of Christmas in a jar—don’t wait to share the joy, or savor it by the spoonful yourself!
Print
Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
This Spiced Christmas Jam is a delightful holiday treat bursting with the flavors of cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (powdered)
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Cranberry Strawberry Jam:
Additional Ingredients:
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, apple, orange zest and juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Cook for 10–15 minutes until the fruit breaks down slightly.
- Add Pectin and Sugar: Stir in the pectin and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sugar, return to a boil, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top. Seal and process in a water bath or refrigerate.
Notes
- This jam is a great holiday gift.
- No need to thaw frozen fruit before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
