Christmas jam recipe

Christmas Jam Recipe: A Festive Homemade Gift Packed with Flavor

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This jam recipe is one of the most beloved homemade gifts and seasonal treats you can make during the holidays. Bursting with cranberries, strawberries, warming spices, and just the right balance of sweetness and tang, this jam perfectly captures the flavors of the season in every spoonful.

Whether you’re spreading it on warm biscuits on Christmas morning, giving it as a thoughtful gift, or serving it on a holiday charcuterie board, this jam is as versatile as it is delicious. In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive Christmas jam recipe, including tips on canning, storage, variations, and creative ways to enjoy and gift it.

What is this christmas jam recipe about?

A traditional jam recipe features cranberries and strawberries simmered together with sugar and holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves. The flavor is bright, rich, and warming — just like the season. This jam is a vibrant red preserve that brings festive charm to every breakfast table, cheese platter, or holiday basket.

You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients for this Christmas jam recipe. It’s approachable enough for first-time jam makers and makes a beautiful, practical gift straight from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Jam Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Christmas jam recipe:

  • Only 5 ingredients
  • No complicated canning needed (optional water bath)
  • Packed with real fruit and natural pectin
  • Stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer
  • Ideal for gifting, entertaining, or personal indulgence

Even if you’re new to making preserves, this Christmas jam recipe will be a success on the first try.

Ingredients for the Best Christmas Jam Recipe

To make this jam recipe, you’ll need:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries (frozen OK)
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful jam that tastes like holiday magic in a jar.

Equipment You’ll Need

No specialty gear is required for this jam recipe, but the following tools will help:

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Ladle and funnel
  • Sterilized glass jars with lids (half-pint or smaller)
  • A potato masher or hand blender (for smoother texture)
  • Water bath canner (optional for longer shelf life)

Step-by-Step instructions

1. Prep the Fruit

Wash your fruit well. Hull the strawberries and cut into halves. Place the strawberries and cranberries into a large saucepan or Dutch oven.

2. Simmer and Mash

Add water to the fruit, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Use a potato masher to break up the fruit. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, until the cranberries burst.

3. Add Sugar and Spices

Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

4. Add Pectin

Add the liquid pectin. Stir constantly and boil hard for one full minute. Remove from heat immediately.

5. Add Lemon Juice

Stir in lemon juice to balance flavor and preserve the jam’s vibrant red color.

6. Fill and Seal Jars

Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids and bands, and process in a water bath if desired.

This Christmas jam recipe yields about 7 to 8 half-pint jars — perfect for gifts and storage.

Storage and Shelf Life

This jam recipe is freezer-friendly and shelf-stable (with water bath processing):

  • Refrigerated: up to 3 weeks
  • Frozen: up to 6 months
  • Canned: 12 months in a cool pantry

Be sure to label jars with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Christmas Jam Recipe Variations

Want to personalize your Christmas jam recipe? Try one of these fun twists:

  • Orange-Cranberry Christmas Jam Recipe: Add orange zest and swap half the lemon juice for orange juice.
  • Mixed Berry Christmas Jam Recipe: Add raspberries or blueberries for added depth.
  • Apple-Cinnamon Christmas Jam Recipe: Replace strawberries with diced apples and add nutmeg for a cozy twist.

Each variation brings a different character to the base Christmas jam recipe.

How to Use This Christmas Jam Recipe

This Christmas jam recipe isn’t just for toast. Here are more creative ideas:

  • Swirl into yogurt, oatmeal, or cheesecake
  • Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies
  • Add to holiday cocktails or mulled wine
  • Spread on croissants, biscuits, or muffins
  • Pair with brie, cheddar, or goat cheese on a holiday charcuterie board

The possibilities are endless — and delicious.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Jam Recipe Every Time

Follow these tips to guarantee success with your Christmas jam recipe:

  • Use fresh lemon juice to ensure proper acidity and set
  • Stir continuously to prevent sticking or burning
  • Skim off foam before filling jars for a clean, professional finish
  • Do a “wrinkle test” on a chilled plate to check if the jam has set

Even without canning, this Christmas jam recipe holds up well for gifting or freezing.

Make it as a Gift

Homemade jam is a thoughtful and appreciated holiday gift. This Christmas jam recipe makes it easy:

  • Use decorative jars with holiday-themed labels
  • Add festive ribbon or twine around the lid
  • Include a handwritten note or printable recipe card
  • Pair with homemade bread, scones, or tea for a full gift basket

Gifting a jar of your Christmas jam recipe shows you’ve put care into creating something meaningful — and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen fruit in my jam ?
Yes, both strawberries and cranberries can be used frozen. Just thaw before cooking.

Do I need to use pectin in this recipe?
Yes. This recipe uses liquid pectin for a consistent set. You can use powdered pectin, but adjust the sugar ratio accordingly.

Can I reduce the sugar?
For a low-sugar version, use low-sugar pectin and follow the package instructions.

Why didn’t my jam set?
Your mixture may not have reached a high enough temperature, or the ratio of sugar to fruit was too low. Let it cool fully before checking.

Nutrition Info (Per Tablespoon)

  • Calories: 55
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Nutri-Score: C

Final Thoughts

This festive jam recipe is more than a preserve — it’s a heartfelt homemade gift, a breakfast upgrade, and a seasonal flavor explosion in a jar. With just 5 ingredients, no complicated equipment, and endless ways to enjoy it, this jam may become your favorite new holiday tradition.

Make it once and you’ll find yourself returning to this Christmas jam recipe year after year — to share, savor, and spread the joy of the season.

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