The Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe is a delightful celebration of holiday flavors, blending tart cranberries and sweet strawberries with warm spices and bright citrus accents. This jam captures the spirit of the season in every spoonful, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly winter morning. Whether spread on toast, dolloped on biscuits, or gifted in charming jars, this vibrant, festive jam is sure to become a treasured part of your Christmas tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in building flavor, texture, and color. Fresh or frozen berries bring natural sweetness and tartness, the citrus adds brightness, warming spices deepen the aroma, and the sugar combined with pectin ensures that luscious jam texture we all love.
- 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries: hulled and chopped to provide natural sweetness and a beautiful red base.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: add a gorgeous color and tart punch essential for balance.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: brings bright citrus notes that lift the jam’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: intensifies the orange flavor with aromatic oils.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: infuses the jam with classic warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: adds a deep, slightly sweet spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: contributes a subtle nutty flavor that rounds out the spice profile.
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: essential for helping the jam set perfectly.
- 5 cups granulated sugar: balances the tart fruits and ensures a nice gel texture.
How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Fruit
Start by combining the hulled strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest in a large pot over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. This will allow the cranberries to soften and begin bursting, releasing their tart juices and softening the fruit, which takes about 10 minutes. This step develops the foundational fruity flavor and begins thickening the jam naturally.
Step 2: Break Down the Fruit
Once your fruit mixture is soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to crush the berries to your preferred consistency—some like a chunkier jam, others smoother. This process helps release more pectin from the fruit, which will gel better once combined with the store-bought pectin.
Step 3: Add Spices and Pectin
Sprinkle in the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, stirring well to distribute the warm, festive spices throughout the fruit mixture. Next, add the fruit pectin and bring everything to a rolling boil. This step activates the pectin’s power, crucial for that perfect jam set.
Step 4: Incorporate Sugar and Boil
Pour in all 5 cups of granulated sugar at once, stirring constantly until the mixture returns to a full rolling boil. Maintain this boil for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure proper thickening. Stirring constantly prevents the jam from sticking or burning, a key tip for a flawless batch.
Step 5: Remove Foam and Jar the Jam
Remove your pot from the heat and skim any foam off the surface for a clearer, more beautiful jam. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace to allow for expansion. Wipe the rims clean and seal tightly with lids. If you want to preserve your jam for longer periods, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, otherwise allow them to cool and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
How to Serve Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest or a small pinch of cinnamon on top of a serving can enhance the aroma and presentation, making the jam feel extra special. A dollop of whipped cream or a sliver of fresh rosemary can also complement the holiday spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This spiced holiday jam pairs wonderfully with buttery biscuits, warm toast, or creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. It also makes an incredible glaze for roasted meats like ham or turkey, adding a festive touch to your Christmas dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift your Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe in small, charming jars tied with red and green ribbons or rustic twine for beautiful homemade presents. You can also serve it alongside a cheese board or include it in holiday brunch setups as a flavorful spread that doubles as a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your jam refrigerated after opening or if you choose not to can it. Properly stored, it will maintain its fresh, vibrant flavors for up to three weeks, making it easy to enjoy long after you’ve made it.
Freezing
If you want to save your Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe for even longer, freezing is a great option. Use airtight containers or freezer-safe jars, leaving some headspace as jam expands when frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir before serving to restore its lovely texture.
Reheating
To bring refrigerated or thawed jam back to a spreadable consistency, warm it gently on the stove over low heat while stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling it again to preserve the fresh fruit flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh for the Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen fruit works perfectly and is often picked at peak ripeness, making your jam just as delicious. If using frozen, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to accommodate the extra moisture.
Do I have to use all the sugar listed in the recipe?
The sugar helps the jam set and balances the tartness of the cranberries. Reducing sugar can affect the texture and shelf life, so it’s best to follow the recipe for optimal results.
Can I omit the pectin from the recipe?
Pectin is important for getting that classic jam consistency. Without it, the jam may be looser and more like a fruit spread. For traditional jam texture, including pectin is recommended.
How long does homemade Spiced Christmas Jam last?
If canned properly, unopened jars can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store in the fridge and consume within three weeks for the best taste and quality.
Is this jam gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! All ingredients in the Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a wonderful treat for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe that combines tradition, flavor, and homemade love in every jar. It’s a recipe that invites joy into your kitchen and warmth into your heart. I encourage you to make this festive jam yourself—it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season, share with loved ones, and create lasting holiday memories.
Print
Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
Spiced Christmas Jam is a delightful blend of fresh strawberries and cranberries infused with warm holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Perfect as a festive spread for toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for roasted meats, this jam captures the essence of the holiday season in every jar. Made with natural fruit pectin and orange zest, it can be easily canned for long-term storage or enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Spices and Pectin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin
Sweetener
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Fruits and Simmer: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften, approximately 10 minutes.
- Break Down Fruit: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the fruit to your desired consistency, ensuring a smooth or slightly chunky texture based on preference.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg evenly into the fruit mixture to infuse warm holiday flavors.
- Incorporate Pectin and Boil: Sprinkle the fruit pectin over the mixture and bring it to a rolling boil. This step helps the jam set effectively.
- Add Sugar and Boil Again: Stir in all the sugar at once and return the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Boil for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly to dissolve sugar and activate pectin.
- Remove Foam: Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface to ensure a clear, smooth jam.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids tightly.
- Optional Canning: For longer shelf life, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: If not canning, let the jars cool. Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- This spiced jam makes an excellent holiday gift, adding a festive touch to any breakfast table.
- It’s versatile and can be used on toast, biscuits, or as a glaze for roasted meats, enhancing savory dishes.
- You may use frozen fruit directly without thawing, but increase cooking time slightly to achieve the desired fruit softness.
