Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries and warm spices, making it the perfect festive treat. It’s ideal for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or giving as a homemade holiday gift.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (approximately 1/2 pound)
• 5 cups sugar (around 2 1/2 pounds)
• 2 sachets liquid fruit pectin (2 pouches of Certo brand, 170ml each)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Puree the strawberries and cranberries in batches using a food processor until smooth. Transfer the puree to a large saucepan.
2. Step 2: Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves to the saucepan. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil where bubbles continuously form even while stirring. Boil for one full minute.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Return to heat, bring back to a full boil, and boil for another full minute while stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Let the bubbling settle, then skim off any foam with a spoon. Ladle the hot jam into prepared sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal jars with lids and finger-tighten bands.
6. Step 6: Process jars in a boiling water bath, ensuring water covers jars by two inches. Boil for 10 minutes, then remove jars and place on a heat-proof surface. Let the jam cool and set undisturbed for 12 hours.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother texture, strain the jam through a fine mesh sieve after boiling if preferred.
• Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus twist.
• Use homemade or store-bought liquid pectin according to package instructions for the best set.
• Adjust spices to taste; more cinnamon or ginger will add warmth, while cloves and allspice offer subtle depth.

Storage

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark cabinet for up to one year. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 2 to 3 weeks. Reheat gently if desired before serving to soften the jam.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all fresh berries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh berries work just as well as frozen. Just make sure they are clean and hulled before pureeing.

What if I don’t have liquid pectin?

You can use powdered pectin as a substitute, but follow the package directions carefully as the amount and timing for adding may differ.

Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 half-pint jars 1x

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Description

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is a festive blend of fresh strawberries and tart cranberries, enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a gift, this homemade jam is cooked on the stovetop and preserved through traditional canning methods to ensure rich flavor and long-lasting freshness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (approximately 1/2 pound)

Sweeteners and Additives

• 5 cups sugar (around 2 1/2 pounds)
• 2 sachets liquid fruit pectin (2 pouches of Certo brand, 170 ml each)

Spices

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

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Instructions

1. Puree the Berries: Begin by pureeing the strawberries and cranberries in your food processor. Whether the berries are fresh or frozen, the process remains the same. You may need to do this in batches depending on your food processor’s size. Once pureed, transfer the mixture to a large saucepan.
2. Add Sugar and Spices: Measure and add the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves into the saucepan with the pureed berries. Stir well to combine thoroughly.
3. Boil the Jam: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil, meaning continuous bubbling even when stirring. Boil at this stage for one full minute.
4. Add Pectin and Boil Again: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin evenly. Return the pan to heat, bring the mixture back to a full boil, and continue boiling for another full minute while stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
5. Skim Foam and Fill Jars: Allow the bubbling to settle, then skim off any foam with a spoon or ladle. Ladle the hot jam into prepared, hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal with clean, warm sterilized lids and screw on bands finger-tight without pressing.
6. Process and Store the Jam: Place the filled jars in a canning pot filled with water covering the jars by two inches. Bring the water to a boil, cover the pot, and boil for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and place on a heat-proof surface to cool undisturbed for 12 hours. Wipe jars clean, label, and store in a cool, dark cabinet.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen berries according to what’s available; frozen berries might release more liquid but work well.
• Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
• Boiling time after adding pectin is crucial to achieve proper jam set.
• Adjust sugar quantity slightly if you prefer a less sweet jam, but this may affect preservation.
• Store in a cool, dark place to maintain the jam’s quality.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Jam
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry jam, strawberry cranberry jam, Christmas jam, holiday preserves, stovetop jam, homemade jam