Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy recipe that will brighten your holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! My Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a warm hug in a jar. This jam has become a cherished staple in my home, often served during family gatherings or simply enjoyed on busy weeknights when I need a little comfort food. The vibrant colors and rich flavors of cranberries and strawberries make this jam perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or gifting to friends.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up! In just 35 minutes, you can create something truly special that will fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Deliciously versatile: Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or as a filling for pastries—your options are limitless!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy flavor of this jam.
• Make-ahead goodness: Prepare it ahead of time for holiday meals or as thoughtful gifts.
• Natural ingredients: Made with wholesome fruits and spices, it’s a treat you can feel good about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that the ingredients for Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam are simple and wholesome! They come together beautifully to create a deliciously festive treat.

For the Jam

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (approximately 1/2 pound)
• 5 cups sugar (around 2 1/2 pounds)
• 2 sachets liquid fruit pectin (using 2 pouches of certo brand at 170ml each)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

One of the best things about Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is how flexible it can be! Feel free to switch up some ingredients to tailor it to your taste.

• Add more spices: If you’re a spice lover, consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for an extra kick.
• Mix in other fruits: Try adding blueberries or raspberries to give your jam a twist.
• Use less sugar: For a healthier version, reduce the sugar slightly; it will still be delicious!
• Spice it up with zest: Adding orange or lemon zest can brighten up the flavors even more.

How to Make Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

Start by washing your strawberries and cranberries thoroughly. If you’re using frozen fruits, give them some time to thaw. Fresh berries are bursting with flavor, while frozen ones are just as convenient. Chopping the strawberries into smaller pieces helps them cook down faster into that lovely jam consistency!

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

In a large pot over medium heat, combine your prepared strawberries and cranberries with sugar. Stir gently until combined. Cooking allows the berries to release their juices which creates that beautiful syrupy base for our jam. Keep an eye on it; we want everything bubbling nicely but not sticking!

Step 3: Add Pectin and Spices

Once your mixture is boiling, add in the liquid fruit pectin along with all those warming spices—cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Stir well! This step is vital because pectin helps our jam set beautifully. The spices elevate the flavor profile, making every bite feel like Christmas!

Step 4: Boil Until Thickened

Continue boiling for about 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken noticeably. To test if it’s ready, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate; if it holds its shape after cooling slightly, you’re ready to jar it up!

Step 5: Jar It Up!

Carefully pour your hot jam into sterilized jars while still warm. Seal them tightly and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in the fridge or give them away as heartfelt gifts. There’s nothing quite like sharing homemade treats with loved ones!

And there you have it—a simple yet delightful Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam that brings joy to any table! Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Making cranberry jam can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your jam turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh or frozen berries provide the best flavor and texture. The vibrant taste of ripe strawberries and tart cranberries is what makes this jam truly special.

• Measure sugar accurately: Sugar acts not only as a sweetener but also as a preservative in jam. Using the right amount ensures that your jam sets properly and has a delightful sweetness without being overly sugary.

• Keep it at a rolling boil: Once you add the pectin, make sure to maintain a strong boil for at least one minute. This helps activate the pectin, allowing your jam to thicken beautifully.

• Skim off foam: After cooking, you might notice some foam on top of your jam. Skimming this off helps improve the appearance of your finished product, giving it a smooth, glossy finish.

• Sterilize jars properly: Before filling them with your tasty jam, sterilizing jars ensures that they are free from any bacteria. This step is crucial for prolonging shelf life and maintaining quality.

How to Serve Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! You can serve it in various ways to impress your family and friends during the holiday season.

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation of your cranberry jam, consider adding simple yet effective garnishes:

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet-tart flavors of the jam.

• Cinnamon sticks: Placing a cinnamon stick alongside your jam gives it an inviting look and reinforces the warm spices used in the recipe.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam with complementary side dishes can enhance its flavor profile. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

• Creamy goat cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese balances beautifully with the sweetness of cranberry jam, making it perfect for spreading on crackers.

• Baked brie: A warm wheel of baked brie topped with this homemade jam creates an irresistibly gooey appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Grilled chicken: Serve this jam as a sauce over grilled chicken for an unexpected twist on dinner. Its fruity flavor will brighten up any savory dish.

• Pancakes or waffles: Drizzle warm cranberry jam over breakfast favorites like pancakes or waffles for a festive morning treat that everyone will love.

Enjoy making and serving this delightful Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam! It’s sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it, and enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the holiday season.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the jam to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.

Freezing

• Pour the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Seal tightly and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating

• To thaw frozen jam, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or place it in a bowl of warm water for a quicker option.
• If you prefer it warm, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about making or using this delicious jam, you’re not alone!

Can I use frozen cranberries for Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. They’ll break down beautifully while cooking, giving you that vibrant color and flavor.

How long does Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, your homemade jam can last up to 3 weeks. If frozen, it can be kept for up to 6 months without losing flavor.

What can I serve with Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam?

This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, scones, or even as a topping on desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. Get creative!

Can I adjust the spices in Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam?

Certainly! Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste. If you love cinnamon or ginger, add a bit more!

Final Thoughts

Making Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is not just about creating a delicious treat; it’s about bringing warmth and joy into your kitchen during the festive season. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! It’s such a delightful way to celebrate and share with loved ones. Happy cooking!