Christmas Jam is a delightful and festive spread that brings the flavors of the holiday season right to your breakfast table. This jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries and the warmth of spices, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It makes for an excellent gift or a scrumptious addition to your holiday meals. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick stovetop method, you can enjoy homemade Christmas jam in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam

There are countless reasons to love this Christmas Jam. Firstly, it’s a homemade Christmas jam recipe that uses fresh ingredients, ensuring you know exactly what’s in it. Secondly, this jam makes a perfect holiday preserve to give as gifts. It’s also an excellent festive fruit spread for your holiday breakfast. The versatility of this jam means it can be used in various recipes, from topping pancakes to adding flavor to desserts. Additionally, it’s a seasonal jam that captures the essence of winter with its warm spices. Plus, it’s vegetarian, making it suitable for many diets!

Delicious Christmas Jam Recipe for the Holidays - Christmas Jam - main visual representation

Ingredients for Christmas Jam

Gather these items:

2 cups cranberries (fresh)
2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups sugar
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.125 tsp ground cloves
0.5 cup water

How to Make Christmas Jam Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine cranberries, strawberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
Step 2: Heat until sugar dissolves and berries soften.
Step 3: Add cinnamon and cloves; stir well.
Step 4: Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Mash lightly for a smoother texture.
Step 6: Cool for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to jars.
Step 7: Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Jam

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your fruit is fresh for the best flavor.
Use a thick-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste.
For a chunkier texture, mash the fruit less.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Jam

This jam can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Spread it on warm toast for a delightful breakfast or use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It also works wonderfully as a filling for holiday pastries or desserts. Try mixing it into yogurt for a festive snack, or pair it with cheese for an elegant appetizer. For a unique twist, consider using it in savory dishes to add a hint of sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Jam

To store your homemade Christmas Jam, keep it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This jam is perfect for meal prep, as you can make a big batch and enjoy it all season long!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Jam

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Jam?

The secret to perfect Christmas Jam lies in using quality, fresh ingredients and balancing the sweetness and tartness perfectly. The combination of cranberries and strawberries gives it a unique flavor that captures the essence of the season.

Can I make Christmas Jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! Christmas Jam is great for making ahead of time. You can prepare it weeks in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavor whenever you want.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Jam?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, and don’t rush the boiling and simmering process. Allow the jam to thicken properly for the best texture and flavor.

Variations of Christmas Jam You Can Try

There are several delicious variations of Christmas Jam you can experiment with. Consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. You can also include other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a mixed berry jam. For a twist, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor. If you want to create a spiced berry jam, add more cinnamon and cloves to your recipe. These variations can make your holiday season even more special!

For more festive recipes, check out our Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Muffins or Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies. If you’re looking for a delicious dessert, try our Molten Lava Chocolate Cake Recipe or Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies. For a savory option, consider our Loaded Chicken Nachos Feast.

For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, you can visit Healthline.