Classic Amish Christmas Jam

On a cold December morning in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I was invited into the Miller family’s farmhouse kitchen just as their holiday jam tradition was underway. It was a swirl of cinnamon, cloves, and laughter, with little Micah helping his grandmother stir a slow-cooked pot of cranberries while Emma tied ribbons around jars for the church fundraiser. Their annual jam-making day felt less like a task and more like a celebration quiet, meaningful, and full of purpose.

Back home, we had cousins flying in from Oregon for the week, and suddenly the idea of making Amish Christmas Jam didn’t feel like a solo project. My brother, who rarely steps near a stove, volunteered to stir while my daughter lined up the empty jars like snowmen waiting for their scarves. Each person claimed a small role, and together we filled the kitchen with chatter, spice, and warm fruit bubbling on the stove.

That batch was gone in days spooned over toast, tucked into gift baskets, and served alongside cheese boards late at night. Amish Christmas Jam didn’t just taste festive it turned into something we did together. And now, I make sure it shows up every December, not just for the flavor, but for the moments it gathers.

Short Description

Amish Christmas Jam blends cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices into a festive, tangy-sweet preserve. Ideal for gifting, spreading on toast, or spooning over cheesecake.

Key Ingredients

• 6 cups (24 oz) whole cranberries
• 16 oz fresh strawberries
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground ginger

Tools Needed

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
• Wooden spoon
• Blender or immersion blender
• Sterilized glass jars or airtight containers

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Place cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger into the slow cooker. Stir well to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Jam
Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam helps break down the berries and meld the spices.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
After cooking, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the jam to your desired consistency. If using a standard blender, let the mixture cool slightly before blending in batches.

Step 4: Cool and Store
Let the jam cool to room temperature; it will thicken naturally as it cools. Once set, transfer to sterilized jars or airtight containers and refrigerate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with seasonal flavor

Slow-cooker convenience

Naturally thickened with fruit

Perfect for gifting

No pectin or preservatives needed

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using frozen fruit without thawing
Frozen cranberries or strawberries work, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid, or your jam may turn runny.

Over-blending the mixture
If you blend too much, it can become overly thin. Pulse just until smooth and still slightly textured.

Lifting the lid while cooking
Doing so releases heat and moisture, slowing the process. Trust the slow cooker and wait the full 4 hours.

Not letting it cool before storing
Hot jam sealed immediately in jars may cause excess moisture buildup. Let it reach room temperature before sealing.

Skipping proper jar prep
If gifting, always sterilize your jars to avoid spoilage. A 10-minute boil in water works well.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Spread on toasted sourdough or buttermilk biscuits

Swirl into Greek yogurt or oatmeal

Serve with cheese platters (goat cheese or brie)

Glaze over roast pork or chicken

Spoon over ice cream or cheesecake

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks

For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers up to 6 months

Do not microwave to reheat warm gently on the stovetop if needed

Stir before serving, especially after chilling

FAQs

1. Can I use less sugar?
Yes, reduce to 1½ cups for a tarter jam. Taste after cooking and adjust as needed.

2. Do I need to use fresh berries?
Fresh is best for texture and color, but you can use frozen—just thaw and drain first.

3. How do I know the jam is done?
The fruit should be very soft and the mixture bubbling gently after 4 hours.

4. Can I water-bath can this recipe?
This recipe is lower in sugar and doesn’t include added acid, so it’s best kept refrigerated unless modified for safe canning.

5. Is this safe for kids?
Absolutely. There’s no alcohol or unusual spices just fruity holiday goodness.

Tips & Tricks

Add 1 tbsp orange zest for a citrus twist

Taste before blending to adjust sugar or spices

Use a potato masher for chunkier texture

Make small batches to test flavor combinations

Label jars with festive tags if gifting

Recipe Variations

Spiced Orange Christmas Jam
Swap ½ of the cranberries with orange segments and add 1 tbsp orange zest. This version leans more citrusy and bright, perfect for scones.

Berry Blend Holiday Jam
Replace strawberries with equal parts raspberries and blueberries. It adds deeper color and a mix of tart-sweet flavors.

Low-Sugar Version
Use 1 cup brown sugar and a few chopped Medjool dates for natural sweetness. Cook the same way and blend until smooth.

Chili Cranberry Jam
Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper and ½ tsp smoked paprika to the original recipe for a sweet-heat combo great with charcuterie.

Final Thoughts

There’s a unique kind of joy in sharing something handmade during the holidays, and Amish Christmas Jam carries that feeling in every spoonful. It doesn’t take much just fruit, spice, and time but it fills your kitchen with warmth and your fridge with possibilities. Whether it’s for your own table or wrapped in twine for a neighbor, this jam feels like part of something much older, passed down through generations in quiet, meaningful ways.

What stands out most for me is how such a simple recipe turns into something layered and lasting when made slowly and shared generously. That’s the kind of holiday tradition I want to keep: not the flashy, but the flavorful the kind that brings people together over toast, tea, or just a good chat.