“Can you smell that?” I overheard my neighbor exclaim as she stepped into my kitchen, her eyes lighting up at the aroma wafting through the air. The rich blend of warm spices and fruits was the perfect prelude to holiday celebrations, and today I’m excited to share my Christmas Jam Crockpot recipe with you. This delightful homemade jam marries tart cranberries with sweet strawberries, transforming your kitchen into a festive haven. One of the best things about this easy crockpot recipe is its effortless preparation; just a few ingredients come together for a stunning centerpiece that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also makes for thoughtful gifts! So grab your crockpot and let’s dive into a jam that embodies the spirit of the season. Are you ready to spread some holiday cheer?

Why is this jam a holiday must-try?

Simplicity at Its Best: With minimal preparation, this easy crockpot recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying the festivities.

Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The tartness of cranberries meets the sweetness of strawberries, enhanced by warm holiday spices—a truly delightful combination!

Perfect for Gifting: Spread joy with homemade gifts; this Christmas jam makes a thoughtful present that friends and family will cherish!

Versatile Uses: Whether slathered on toast or served on a charcuterie board, the possibilities are endless for this mouthwatering spread.

Time-Saving Delight: Cook it on high for just four hours while you prepare your holiday plans, freeing you up for more joyous moments.

By the way, if you’re intrigued by other festive flavors, don’t miss my traditional homemade jam recipes to inspire your holiday spread!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Ingredients

• Get ready to create magic in your kitchen!

For the Fruit Mix

Cranberries – Provides tartness and natural pectin for thickening; fresh or frozen both work wonders.
Strawberries – Adds fruity sweetness to balance the cranberries; try using raspberries for a tarter twist.

For the Sweeteners

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the jam effectively and helps achieve the right consistency.
Light Brown Sugar – Introduces a touch of caramel notes and deepens flavor complexity.

For the Spices

Holiday Spices – A blend of ground allspice, cinnamon, and ginger infuses your jam with warmth and festive aroma.

For the Zing

Optional Citrus – Orange zest or lemon juice brings brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the jam.

Now you’re all set to whip up your delightful Christmas Jam Crockpot creation!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and drying 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries and 2 cups of strawberries. If using strawberries, hull and slice them into quarters for even cooking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, strawberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and your choice of 1-2 teaspoons of warm holiday spices like cinnamon and ginger. Stir thoroughly to ensure the fruit is well coated and set aside.

Step 2: Load the Crockpot
Transfer the coated fruit mixture into your crockpot, spreading it out evenly. Cover the crockpot with its lid, ensuring it fits snugly to trap in moisture. Set your crockpot to the high setting and prepare for the magic to unfold! This will allow the jam to cook for approximately 4 hours, filling your kitchen with wonderful aromas as it bubbles away.

Step 3: Stir Occasionally
After about 2 hours of cooking, carefully open the lid and give the jam a gentle stir. This helps prevent any fruit from sticking to the sides while ensuring even cooking. Feel free to admire the rich, ruby-red color forming as the fruit softens and releases its juices. Once stirred, cover and let it continue cooking for the remaining 2 hours.

Step 4: Blend for Consistency
Once the 4-hour cooking time is up, the cranberries and strawberries should be beautifully softened and mixed into a jam-like consistency. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture directly in the crockpot for a thick, spreadable texture. If you prefer a chunkier jam, pulse it just a few times. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a countertop blender and blend it in batches.

Step 5: Jar the Jam
Prepare clean, sterilized jars for your Christmas Jam Crockpot creation. With a ladle, fill each jar with the warm, blended jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue, then secure the lids lightly on top. This allows for expansion as the jam cools without creating a vacuum seal.

Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the jars of Christmas jam cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Afterward, transfer them to the refrigerator, allowing the jam to chill overnight so it can thicken properly. The next day, you’ll have beautifully thick jam ready for your toast, pastries, or as a sweet gift to share with loved ones!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Christmas jam with these fun and flavorful twists!

Berry Blast: Mix in blueberries or blackberries for a colorful and tangy combination that brings a new dimension to your jam.
Spice It Up: Adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the holiday essence even further, creating a cozy aromatic experience.
Citrus Zing: Add a splash of fresh orange or lemon juice while cooking to brighten the flavors and add that refreshing zing.
Sugar Swaps: Substitute half the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness that brings a unique flavor profile.
Tropical Twist: Incorporate small chunks of pineapple or mango to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise in the midst of winter.
Granola Delight: For a more textured jam, add chia seeds before cooking. They will thicken the jam while adding a nutritious boost!
Hot & Spicy: For a warm kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to bring an unexpected heat to your sweet creation.
Gifting Idea: Jar the jam with a personalized label, suggesting delightful serving ideas like pairing it with cream cheese on a charcuterie board or on pancakes.

Embrace these variations and discover new favorites! For more fun twists on traditional flavors, check out my collection of seasonal jam recipes that will inspire your creativity!

What to Serve with Holiday Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot

The perfect accompaniment can elevate your Christmas jam into a memorable meal experience!

Warm Croissants: Flaky and buttery, croissants are a beautiful canvas for your holiday jam’s sweet-tart essence. They add a delicate texture that perfectly complements the spread.
Creamy Goat Cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese balances the sweetness of the jam, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that excites the palate. Serve on crackers for a refined appetizer.
Pancakes with Maple Syrup: Fluffy pancakes topped with a generous dollop of your jam and a drizzle of maple syrup create a cozy weekend breakfast to remember. Let the flavors meld for a scrumptious bite!
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooey, melty cheese paired with the jam’s fruitiness adds a surprising twist to this classic comfort meal, turning it into something serene and special.
Plain Greek Yogurt: A creamy bowl of Greek yogurt topped with your festive jam and a sprinkle of granola makes for a refreshing breakfast or snack option. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness!
Charcuterie Board: Create a holiday charcuterie board that showcases your Christmas jam alongside cured meats, cheeses, and fruits for a stunning centerpiece that dazzles your guests and encourages mingling.
Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly complements the sweetness of the jam, making it an ideal drink choice to toast holiday gatherings. The fizz enhances the fruity vibes of your festive creation.
Shortbread Cookies: Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are perfect for spooning on that luscious jam for an indulgent treat during holiday festivities. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures!
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream drizzled with your jam provides a refreshing twist, creating a beautiful dessert that’s festive and satisfying after a hearty meal.
Spiced Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of spiced tea or coffee pairs excellently with the sweetness of the jam, enhancing the overall experience and inviting you to savor every moment.

Expert Tips for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Use Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones work wonderfully without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Avoid Overfilling: Be sure to fill your crockpot no more than two-thirds full. This prevents overflow and ensures an even cook for your Christmas jam.
Blend with Care: For a smoother texture, blend until mostly smooth, but leave some chunks for a delightful fruit feel.
Mind the Sterilization: Always sterilize your jars prior to filling them with jam to keep everything fresh and safe.
Gifting Reminder: When giving this jam as a gift, include a note for recipients to refrigerate it, as this Christmas jam crockpot creation is not shelf-stable.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Jam Crockpot

Fridge: Store your jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Make sure the lids are secured lightly to allow any expansion as it cools.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze your Christmas jam crockpot creation in jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. It can last for up to 6 months.

Reheating: To enjoy the jam after freezing, defrost in the fridge overnight and then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring until warm.

Gift Tip: When gifting your jam, include a friendly note reminding recipients to keep it refrigerated after opening!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Jam Crockpot delights are perfect for those who want to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the fruit mixture (cranberries and strawberries, along with the sugars and spices) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine everything in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This not only enhances the flavors but makes cooking day a breeze! When you’re ready to make your jam, just transfer the mixture to the crockpot and cook as directed. To maintain the jam’s quality, be sure to use sterilized jars and refrigerate it immediately after cooling. You’ll have a delectable, handmade Christmas jam ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe FAQs

What type of cranberries should I use?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. Fresh cranberries tend to have a more vibrant flavor, but frozen cranberries are just as delicious and are often easier to find out of season, making them a perfect choice for your Christmas jam crockpot creation.

How long can I store the Christmas jam in the refrigerator?
Your jam will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. I recommend storing it in airtight jars to maintain its freshness and flavor. Just ensure that the lids are secured lightly to accommodate any natural expansion.

Can I freeze the Christmas jam?
Very! Freezing your jam is a fantastic way to extend its shelf life. Pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

What should I do if my jam isn’t thickening?
If you find your jam is not thickening to your liking, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you’ve used the correct amount of sugar, as it plays a key role in achieving the right consistency. If it’s still too runny, return it to the crockpot and cook it on high for an additional 30 minutes without the lid to let some of the moisture evaporate. You can also blend it less next time for a chunkier texture if you want more fruit pieces.

Is this recipe safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
When preparing your Christmas jam crockpot creation, it’s important to remember that it contains sugar and spices that may not be suitable for pets like dogs and cats. If you’re gifting the jam, be sure to check with recipients about their dietary restrictions, as this recipe is vegan-friendly and made without common allergens. However, it does contain fruit, which some individuals may want to avoid due to allergies, so be sure to communicate ingredients clearly.

What if I want to make this jam less sweet?
If you’d like to dial down the sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar to ¾ cup instead of a full cup. This will still allow for a delicious jam with the right balance of tartness and sweetness, particularly if you’re using very ripe strawberries for added natural sugar. You may also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey for a different flavor profile!