If you’re craving a festive and warming treat this holiday season, the Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the bright tartness of cranberries and sweet juiciness of strawberries, this jam is beautifully spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to create a perfect balance of cozy flavors. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or gift it in charming jars, this jam captures the very essence of Christmas in every spoonful. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component is chosen to add natural sweetness, tartness, or that signature holiday spice that lingers long after the first taste. From fresh or frozen fruits to a blend of warming spices, every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect color, texture, and flavor.
- 1.5 pounds unsweetened strawberries (Frozen): Using frozen strawberries ensures consistent sweetness and perfect jam texture, and they’re ready to go all year round.
- ½ pound fresh or frozen cranberries: These bring the signature tart bite that balances the sweetness beautifully and adds vibrant color.
- 5 cups white granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and proper jam set, it also preserves the jam for longer shelf life.
- 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin: Pectin creates that ideal thick and spreadable consistency—don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic Christmas spice that adds warmth and depth to the jam’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: This subtle heat gives the jam a lively kick without overpowering the fruit.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Nutmeg rounds out the spices with its earthy, sweet aroma that enhances the festive feel.
- ¼ teaspoon cloves: Just a pinch adds a hint of exotic pungency, perfect for holiday jams.
How to Make Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Start by thawing the frozen strawberries if you’re not using fresh cranberries. Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or bruised. Chop the strawberries into smaller pieces to help them soften quickly during cooking. This prep step sets the stage for an even, delicious jam.
Step 2: Combine Fruit and Sugar
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, mix the chopped strawberries and cranberries with the white granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps draw out the fruit juices, which boosts the natural flavor and creates the perfect base for your jam.
Step 3: Cook With Spices and Pectin
Turn your heat to medium and bring the fruit-sugar mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the liquid fruit pectin along with the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir vigorously and keep the mixture boiling for about one minute. This activation of pectin combined with the spices creates the jam’s signature texture and warming taste.
Step 4: Jar and Cool
Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Seal the jars immediately to lock in freshness. Let them cool completely at room temperature before storing. Your Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe is now ready to share or savor yourself!
How to Serve Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way when it comes to garnishing your jam. Sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary or thyme on top for an herbaceous twist that complements the spices. A tiny zest of orange peel can add a delightful pop of citrus aroma that brightens the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs beautifully with warm buttermilk biscuits, crusty bread, or even pancakes for a festive breakfast. Serve alongside creamy mascarpone or a mild goat cheese to balance the tartness with indulgent creaminess. It’s also an excellent companion to roasted turkey or ham sandwiches at holiday dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the jar? Try spooning the jam over vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a quick seasonal dessert. Or layer it into parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a bright and crunchy snack. Gift it in small mason jars tied with festive ribbons for a homemade present that warms the heart.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them refrigerated in a sealed jar. The jam will stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 4 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and preserve that lovely flavor.
Freezing
This Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Transfer the jam to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. When frozen properly, it keeps well for up to 3 months, ready for those spontaneous holiday cravings.
Reheating
Gently reheat frozen or refrigerated jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches spreading consistency. Avoid high heat as it may alter the fresh flavor and texture. Warmed jam is perfect for drizzling or as a cozy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work wonderfully, especially when they are ripe and juicy. Just remember to wash and hull them before chopping to get the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have liquid fruit pectin?
While you can try powdered pectin as an alternative, it’s best to follow the package instructions for quantity and usage since it differs from liquid pectin. Liquid pectin provides a smooth, consistent set ideal for this recipe.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this jam?
You could reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it plays a key role in both sweetness and preservation. Lower sugar may affect the jam’s texture and shelf life. For a less sweet version, consider experimenting with recipes specifically designed for reduced sugar.
How long does this jam keep at room temperature?
If jars are properly sealed and sterilized, unopened jam can last several months in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigeration is necessary to maintain quality and safety.
Can I make this jam without the spices?
Yes, but the spices are what make this jam uniquely festive and delicious. Leaving them out will create a more traditional strawberry cranberry jam that’s still tasty but missing that wonderful holiday warmth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making your own spreads during the holidays, and this Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe is a shining star for good reason. It’s easy to make, packed with seasonal flavors, and versatile enough to elevate any brunch or gift-giving moment. I can’t wait for you to try it and add this cozy classic to your festive traditions!
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Christmas Strawberry Cranberry Spice Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.5 pint jars
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries and warm holiday spices, creating a perfect seasonal spread for toast, pastries, or gifts. Using a quick cooking method with fruit pectin, it’s a simple recipe that yields multiple pint jars of delicious homemade jam bursting with rich flavors of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1.5 pounds unsweetened strawberries (frozen)
- ½ pound fresh or frozen cranberries
Sweetener and Pectin
- 5 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
Instructions
- Prepare Fruit: Begin by thawing the frozen strawberries if using frozen, and rinse fresh cranberries. Combine the strawberries and cranberries in a large heavy-bottomed pot suitable for jam making.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Pour in the 5 cups of white granulated sugar along with the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the sugar and spices with the fruit mixture.
- Cook the Jam: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, continue to cook for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens.
- Add Liquid Fruit Pectin: Stir in the two pouches of liquid fruit pectin. Bring the jam back to a full rolling boil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. Remove from heat and skim off any foam that appears on the surface before ladling into sterilized jars for canning and storage.
Notes
- Use sterilized jars and lids to preserve the jam safely for long-term storage.
- The combination of thawed frozen and fresh fruit works well to maintain texture and flavor.
- Adjust spices slightly based on your taste preferences for warmth and intensity.
- Allow the jam to cool before sealing jars to prevent spoilage.
- Jam consistency can vary based on the ripeness and amount of natural pectin in the fruit; cooking times may need slight adjustment.
