Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spiced Crockpot Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Jam Crockpot recipe is a simple and festive way to create a delicious homemade jam packed with seasonal flavors. Using fresh or frozen berries and warm spices, it’s perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional: zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Add cranberries, strawberries, both sugars, and spices to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on high for four hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Step 3: Blend the hot mixture with an immersion blender or in batches with a countertop blender. Pulse just two to three times for a jam-like texture.
- Step 4: Ladle hot jam into clean jars. Wipe rims and secure lids lightly. Let cool at room temperature.
- Step 5: Refrigerate overnight before using.
Tips & Variations
- For extra brightness, add the zest of one orange or a tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the tartness.
- Use frozen berries if fresh are out of season; no need to thaw before cooking.
- Adjust sugar amounts to your taste, but keep in mind sugar helps with preservation and texture.
Storage
Store the jam in the refrigerator in airtight jars. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before serving if desired, or enjoy chilled on toast or with cheese.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use just one type of berry?
Yes, you can use only cranberries or strawberries if preferred, but combining them provides a balanced flavor and texture.
Do I need to sterilize the jars?
For short-term refrigeration, clean jars are sufficient, but sterilizing them is recommended if you plan to preserve the jam long term or gift it.
PrintChristmas Cranberry Strawberry Spiced Crockpot Jam Recipe
This festive Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe combines tart cranberries and sweet strawberries with warm spices, slow-cooked to create a luscious, homemade jam perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifts. The slow cooker method hands you a hands-off approach to make a delightful jam with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups (approximately 2 standard 8-ounce jars) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Condiments, Spreads
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 ½ pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen
Sweeteners
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Optional
- Zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cook in Crockpot: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for four hours. Stir the mixture once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
- Blend Jam: Once cooked, blend the hot fruit mixture using an immersion blender directly in the crockpot or transfer in batches to a countertop blender. Pulse two to three times to achieve a chunky, jam-like texture without over-blending.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into clean sterilized jars carefully. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, then secure the lids lightly but not tightly to allow cooling.
- Cool and Store: Allow jars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate the jam overnight before serving to let the flavors meld and the jam to set properly.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries without thawing; frozen works very well.
- Using an immersion blender provides more control over jam consistency.
- Optional citrus zest or lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to balance sweetness.
- Store jam in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks for best freshness.
- Ensure jars are clean and sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry strawberry jam, crockpot jam recipe, holiday spreads, slow cooker jam
