Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam Recipe

If you want to add a truly festive touch to your holiday spread, look no further than this Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam. This delightful jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the natural sweetness of strawberries, all wrapped up with warm spices that evoke cozy holiday memories. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a rich, velvety texture that spreads beautifully on toast or jazzes up your favorite holiday dishes. Trust me, once you make this Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam, it will quickly become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam comes together with a handful of straightforward but essential ingredients that work in perfect harmony to create its signature flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the fresh burst of berries to the warming spices that make it uniquely festive.

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries: These provide a natural sweetness and juicy body to the jam, perfectly complementing the tart cranberries.
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: Their bright tartness is key for that classic Christmas kick and gorgeous red color.
• 5 cups sugar: The sugar balances the tartness and helps the jam achieve that perfect, spreadable consistency.
• 2 sachets liquid fruit pectin: This is what ensures your jam sets beautifully without being too runny.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice essential for festive flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ginger: Brings a subtle zing that brightens the overall taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice: Deepens the spice profile with a sweet and peppery note.
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves: Provides a fragrant, aromatic touch that completes the holiday essence.

How to Make Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Step 1: Puree the Berries

Start by pureeing both the strawberries and cranberries in your food processor. Whether using frozen or fresh berries, this step is the same, ensuring a smooth, luscious base for your jam. Depending on your machine’s capacity, you might need to work in batches. Once the berries are fully pureed, transfer the entire mixture into a large saucepan for the next steps.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Spices

Measure out the sugar along with the cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves, then add them to the pureed berries in the saucepan. Stir thoroughly to blend all these ingredients, balancing the tart berry flavors with sweet and warm spices that evoke that cozy Christmas feeling.

Step 3: Boil the Jam

Place your saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil—this means bubbles will constantly form even when stirring. Once you reach this critical stage, continue boiling for a full minute. This step helps dissolve the sugar completely and prepares the jam for the pectin addition.

Step 4: Add Pectin and Boil Again

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin. The pectin is what gives your jam the perfect gel-like structure. Return the saucepan to heat and bring the mixture back to a full boil, then boil for another full minute while stirring constantly to ensure even cooking and proper setting.

Step 5: Skim Foam and Fill Jars

After boiling, allow the bubbling to settle, then skim off any foam with a spoon or ladle—this will give your jam a clearer, prettier finish in the jar. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized, warm jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal each jar with a clean lid and finger-tighten the bands snugly without over-tightening.

Step 6: Process and Store the Jam

Submerge the filled jars in a canning pot of boiling water with enough depth to cover them by two inches. Boil the jars for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation. Once done, carefully remove the jars and place them on a heat-proof surface to cool undisturbed for 12 hours. After cooling, wipe the jars clean, label them with the date, and store in a cool, dark cabinet to enjoy all season long.

How to Serve Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of finely chopped fresh rosemary or a few whole cranberries on top of baked brie topped with this Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam. The herbal aroma pairs beautifully with the jam’s spices and adds a sophisticated touch to your presentation.

Side Dishes

This jam is a match made in heaven for holiday cheese boards, toasted artisan breads, or as a topping on warm pancakes and waffles. It’s also wonderful alongside roasted turkey or pork, where its sweet and tart flavors can really shine on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try swirling the Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam into Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some granola for a festive breakfast parfait. Or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies and thumbprint cookies to give classic treats a seasonal twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any jam left after your holiday festivities, seal the jars well and keep them in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a month for the best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam by placing it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thawed jam might have a slightly altered texture but will retain all the wonderful flavors you love.

Reheating

If your jam has thickened too much or crystallized in the fridge, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid boiling it again to preserve its fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh and frozen berries interchangeably?

Yes! Both fresh and frozen strawberries and cranberries work great in this recipe. Frozen fruit can be a convenient option when fresh berries are out of season and won’t affect the final flavor or texture.

Do I have to use liquid fruit pectin?

Using liquid fruit pectin ensures your jam sets properly and has a perfect spreadable consistency. While you might try leaving it out, the jam may turn out runnier and less shelf-stable.

How spicy will the jam be from the cinnamon and other spices?

The spices add warmth and depth but should never overpower the fruit’s natural flavors. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to slightly reduce the spice quantities.

What’s the best jar size for canning this jam?

Half-pint or pint jars work wonderfully for Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam. They are easy to handle and perfect for gift-giving or enjoying over a few weeks.

Can I customize the spices for different flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of orange zest to give your jam a unique twist that fits your holiday palette.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, making Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is one of the most rewarding holiday kitchen projects you can try. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and fills your home with the most comforting aromas. Plus, sharing it on toast, cheese boards, or with your favorite winter dishes adds a special homemade touch that everyone appreciates. Give it a go this year — I promise it will brighten up your celebrations and become a treasured staple in your holiday recipe collection!

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