Name: Sweet & Spicy Christmas Jam Crockpot Magic for Your Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 615 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces Cranberries (Fresh or frozen); 2 cups Strawberries (Chopped); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Light Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Allspice; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Ginger; Optional Citrus (Orange Zest or Lemon Juice) (Use to brighten flavor)

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Each holiday season, I find myself transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was thick with warm spices and sweet aromas. That sensory overload inspires my Crockpot Christmas Jam recipe, a delightful blend of cranberries and strawberries simmered to perfection. This easy crockpot recipe captures the essence of the holidays, making it a fantastic addition to festive breakfasts or charcuterie boards, and even a thoughtful, homemade gift. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a luscious refrigerator jam that bursts with flavor, inviting your loved ones to savor the season. Ready to create a holiday treat that’ll keep your heart and taste buds warm? Let’s get started!

Why is Christmas Jam a Must-Make?

Festive Flavor Explosion: The blend of tart cranberries and sweet strawberries captures the holiday spirit, ensuring every bite is a delightful celebration.

Effortless Preparation: With the magic of the crockpot, you can relax while your jam cooks, filling your home with amazing aromas.

Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in decorative jars, this homemade jam makes a thoughtful gift that friends and family will adore.

Versatile Use: It’s not just for toast! Enhance your charcuterie boards or use it as a topping for desserts for an extra holiday touch.

No Canning Needed: This refrigerator jam is designed for easy storage—just keep it in the fridge for a fresh treat anytime.

Make your holidays sweeter with this perfect blend of flavors!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Ingredients

• A delightful blend to create festive magic!

For the Jam
• Cranberries – Provides tartness and natural pectin; either fresh or frozen works wonderfully.
• Strawberries – Adds a burst of fruity sweetness to beautifully complement the cranberries.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the jam and aids in setting for that perfect consistency.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes a caramel note and a deeper flavor profile to the jam.
• Holiday Spices (Allspice, Cinnamon, Ginger) – Infuses warmth and festivity into your Christmas jam.
• Optional Citrus (Orange Zest or Lemon Juice) – Brightens the overall flavor profile, making it sing with holiday cheer!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by rinsing 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries and 2 cups of strawberries. If using fresh strawberries, remove the stems and chop them into quarters. In your crockpot, combine the cranberries, strawberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and a teaspoon each of allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir everything well to ensure the fruits are fully coated in the sugars and spices.

Step 2: Cook the Jam
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 4 hours. After the first 2 hours, give the mixture a good stir to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking. As the jam cooks, you’ll hear the cranberries popping, releasing their juices and creating a lovely aromatic blend that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Blend the Mixture
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid and use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches a thick and spreadable consistency. Be sure to blend partially to maintain some texture, giving your Christmas Jam Crockpot that delightful homemade quality. If you prefer a smoother jam, continue blending until your desired texture is reached.

Step 4: Jar the Jam
Ladle the warm jam into clean, sterilized jars. As you fill each jar, pay attention to the rim and wipe it clean to ensure a good seal. Lightly secure the lids; don’t tighten them fully just yet. Let the jars cool to room temperature on the countertop, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as they cool.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Jam
Once the jam has cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. This chilling process allows the jam to thicken further, perfecting its consistency for spreading. Remember, this delicious Christmas Jam Crockpot is intended for refrigeration, so keep it stored in the fridge or freeze it for longer storage!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Jam Crockpot preparations are perfect for busy home cooks who want to streamline their holiday meal planning! You can combine the cranberries, strawberries, sugars, and spices and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to your crockpot and set it to high for 4 hours. To maintain quality, blend only partially for a delightful texture and refrigerate the finished jam for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving. This way, your Christmas Jam is just as delicious and hassle-free, bringing warmth and joy to your festive gatherings with minimal effort.

What to Serve with Christmas Jam Crockpot?

Indulge in a festive flavor journey that perfectly complements the warmth and sweetness of your Christmas jam.

Warm Toast: The crispy texture of buttered toast serves as a delightful vehicle for the luscious jam, offering a classic holiday breakfast treat.
Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of creamy, tangy cream cheese on crackers or bread to offset the sweetness of the jam—a perfect charcuterie board addition.
Buttermilk Pancakes: Pile on fluffy pancakes drizzled with Christmas jam for a cheerful brunch delight that will make mornings feel extra special.
Savory Brie: Baked brie topped with this fruity jam creates an irresistible sweet-savory contrast, making it an impressive appetizer for gatherings.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer your Christmas jam with yogurt and granola to create a healthy and festive breakfast or snack bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Hot Tea or Mulled Wine: Complement your jam with these warming drinks, enhancing the holiday spirit while enjoying the rich, aromatic flavors of the season.
Decorative Jars as Gifts: Fill beautiful jars with Christmas jam to share the joy with loved ones; this thoughtful gesture will surely warm their hearts.
Chocolate Dessert: Use the jam as a topping on dark chocolate brownies; its tartness beautifully balances the rich, sweet flavors, making every bite divine.
Roasted Turkey Glaze: Brush your holiday turkey with the jam during the final moments of roasting, allowing it to caramelize and add an extra layer of flavor.
Cheese Selection: Pair with a variety of cheeses—like aged cheddar or goat cheese—for an elevated cheese board that sings with delightful holiday harmony.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Jam Crockpot

Fridge: Store your Christmas Jam Crockpot in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.

Freezer: If you’d like to extend the shelf life, freeze the jam in airtight containers, ensuring you leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the frozen jam in the fridge overnight or microwave it gently in short bursts. Stir before serving to reintegrate any separated components.

Labeling: Always label your jars with the date you made the Christmas jam, ensuring you use them within their optimal timeframe.

Christmas Jam Crockpot Variations

Feel free to make this festive jam your own by experimenting with these delightful twists!

Berry Blend: Substitute strawberries for a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a different fruity flavor profile. The medley of berries brings a nice depth while keeping the essence of the holidays alive.
Sugar Swap: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that it may alter the setting slightly, but the flavor will be beautifully rich.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat that complements the sweetness. This twist is sure to surprise your taste buds and delight adventurous eaters.
Citrus Burst: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the mix to brighten up the flavors further. A splash of fresh citrus can elevate the jam, making it even more refreshing and vibrant.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, once the jam is done cooking. This adds a wonderful crunch and contrast to the smooth spread, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits like peaches or pears to create a unique jam blend. Combining cranberries with other fruits makes it possible to explore various tastes while keeping it festive.
Holiday Infusion: Infuse the jam with flavors like vanilla beans or star anise during cooking. Just remove the whole spices afterward for a sophisticated touch that adds another layer of warmth.
Mixing Textures: Play with the texture by stirring in some whole berries after blending for delightful bursts of flavor in every spoonful. It makes the jam feel a bit heartier and more rustic, truly reminiscent of homemade goodness.

With these variations, your Christmas Jam Crockpot will become a holiday staple, offering something new and exciting every time!

Expert Tips for Christmas Jam Crockpot

• Texture Tips: Maintain some chunkiness by blending only partially, giving your Christmas Jam Crockpot a delightful homemade feel.

• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality berries for the best flavor. Frozen works, but ensure they are completely thawed beforehand.

• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the holiday spices to your taste; a pinch of nutmeg or cloves can add unique notes to your jam.

• Watch the Sugar: Adjust sugar levels based on your sweetness preference, but remember too little will affect setting; aim for the recommended amounts.

• Storage Reminder: This is a refrigerator jam designed for short-term enjoyment, so label jars clearly to ensure they’re kept chilled.

• Gift Presentation: Consider adding decorative jars or labels when gifting to make your homemade Christmas Jam Crockpot extra special!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe cranberries and strawberries?
Absolutely! When selecting cranberries, look for firm, plump berries that are bright red with no blemishes. If you notice any dark spots or shriveling, they’re past their prime. For strawberries, choose ones that are bright red, fragrant, and free of mushy spots. The berries should feel firm to the touch—this ensures they’ll add sweetness and flavor to your jam!

How should I store my Christmas Jam?
Very! Store your Christmas Jam Crockpot in airtight jars in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks. Be sure to keep the jam in the coldest part of the fridge, not in the door, to maintain a consistent temperature and slow down spoilage.

Can I freeze Christmas Jam for later use?
Absolutely! If you’d like to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the jam in airtight containers. Just leave about an inch of space at the top for expansion. It can last up to 6 months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the jar to the fridge overnight to thaw. If you need it faster, microwave it gently in short bursts, stirring in between—easy!

What if my jam is too runny?
No worries! If you find your jam is too runny after blending, you can return it to the crockpot and cook it on high for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. This will help to thicken it up as it cooks down further. Just keep an eye on the consistency, and you’ll be spreading that delectable jam in no time!

Can I make this jam without added sugars?
Very! While sugar helps the jam set and adds sweetness, you can use alternatives like honey or maple syrup. If using honey, keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly. Start with half the amount and taste as you go; you can always add a bit more for the sweetness you desire! Just remember that reducing sugar too much can affect the jam’s texture.

Is this jam safe for my pets?
Definitely! While the ingredients in your Christmas Jam Crockpot are safe for human consumption, it’s best to avoid giving it to pets, especially because of the sugar content. In moderate amounts, the fruits themselves (like cranberries and strawberries) could be fine for them, but always check with your vet before introducing new foods to their diet.