Old-Fashioned Christmas Jam

Nora stopped by a few days before our neighborhood’s tree lighting, carrying a bundle of fresh cranberries and asking if we could turn them into “something magical.” Her son was planning a winter charity brunch, and she was hoping for a homemade touch that captured the warmth of the season. We flipped through a stack of cookbooks before uncovering her grandmother’s old note tucked in a weathered envelope a simple recipe for spiced jam with strawberries and holiday spices.

The slow cooker barely had time to heat before the house began to smell like cinnamon, cloves, and early December mornings. Max, my neighbor who usually steers clear of sweets, drifted in from across the yard and ended up topping brie with spoonfuls of warm Christmas Jam. Ellie, visiting from Chicago, asked for a jar to take home with her. Even before the jars cooled, it was already finding its way into people’s plans and plates.

Christmas Jam didn’t stay on our shelves for long. It showed up tucked into care packages, wrapped in kitchen twine, and stacked beside the peppermint bark. There was something special about how it brought people together sweet enough for breakfast, cozy enough to pair with cheese, and just nostalgic enough to taste like the season itself.

Short Description

Christmas Jam is a sweet, spiced fruit preserve made from cranberries and strawberries, gently cooked with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Key Ingredients

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

Tools Needed

• Slow cooker
• Wooden spoon
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Mason jars with lids
• Measuring spoons and cups

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to your slow cooker. Stir gently until the fruit is fully coated with the spices and sugar.

Step 2: Cook the Jam
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Do not lift the lid—let the fruit break down and release its juices naturally. The mixture should look soft and juicy once it’s done.

Step 3: Blend to Desired Texture
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to carefully puree the mixture into a jam-like texture. If using a standard blender, let the mixture cool slightly first and blend in small batches. Avoid over-blending it should be spreadable, not smooth like cranberry butter.

Step 4: Cool and Jar
Let the jam cool completely at room temperature. As it rests, the natural pectin from the cranberries will help it thicken. Spoon into clean, airtight jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or use as festive gifts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally thickened with cranberries—no added pectin needed

Makes a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift

Sweet-tart balance perfect for both sweet and savory pairings

Minimal prep with the convenience of a slow cooker

Packed with cozy holiday spice and real fruit

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Over-blending the jam
It can turn your mixture into a sauce instead of a spreadable jam.
Solution: Blend just enough to break down the large fruit pieces. A few chunks give it texture and body.

Opening the lid too early
This releases heat and disrupts the fruit’s natural breakdown.
Solution: Trust the slow cooker. Keep the lid sealed during the full cooking time.

Using frozen fruit without adjusting moisture
Frozen berries release more liquid, thinning the jam.
Solution: If using frozen fruit, reduce sugar slightly or cook for 30 minutes longer uncovered at the end.

Skipping the cooling stage
Warm jam can seem runny before it has a chance to set.
Solution: Let the jam cool fully before deciding on thickness—it thickens naturally.

Storing in improperly sealed jars
Can lead to quicker spoilage or contamination.
Solution: Always use sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids for freshness and safety.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Spread over toasted sourdough or English muffins

Serve as a topping for cheesecake or pancakes

Pair with brie or goat cheese on crostini

Use as a filling in thumbprint cookies or holiday tartlets

Stir into oatmeal or swirl through plain yogurt

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store cooled jam in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks

For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe jars for up to 3 months

Do not reheat jam directly it’s best served at room temperature or gently warmed over a water bath

Always use clean utensils to scoop to prevent contamination

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, but let them thaw and drain slightly before cooking to avoid excess liquid.

2. How can I tell if the jam is thick enough?
It should coat the back of a spoon. It will also thicken further as it cools.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Only if your slow cooker is large enough. Don’t overfill—it needs room to simmer.

4. Is this jam safe for canning?
This recipe is not tested for shelf-stable canning. It’s best for refrigeration or freezer storage.

5. How sweet is this compared to store-bought jam?
It’s gently sweet with a tangy finish—less sugary than most store-bought options, thanks to the cranberries.

Tips & Tricks

Use ripe strawberries for maximum natural sweetness

A splash of orange zest can brighten the jam’s flavor

For a thicker texture, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes

Label jars with twine and tags for beautiful homemade gifts

If using a blender, allow the jam to cool slightly first to avoid steam buildup

Recipe Variations

Citrus Twist Christmas Jam
Add 1 tbsp orange zest and substitute ½ cup of brown sugar with orange juice. Follow the same cooking steps. The jam will have a brighter, citrusy note.

Berry-Mix Holiday Jam
Replace strawberries with a blend of raspberries and blueberries. Keep the spice levels the same for a more complex berry flavor.

Apple-Cranberry Jam
Swap strawberries for peeled, chopped apples. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness. Cook as instructed, blending only partially for a chunky texture.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Jam turned into something far more delightful than I anticipated. The slow cooker did the heavy lifting, but the heart of the recipe came alive as the jam simmered into deep crimson hues. It’s these moments the hum of quiet prep, friends passing through the kitchen, the surprise of finding joy in a simple jar—that stick with you long after the dishes are done.

The jam’s gentle spice and tangy sweetness made it feel like a little celebration on every spoon. Nora brought the last jar to the community brunch, tucked in a basket beside cinnamon rolls and cocoa. I heard it vanished before the first carols even started. That’s the magic of sharing sometimes all it takes is a bit of fruit and a quiet afternoon to bring warmth into the world.