The moment that first whiff of spiced cranberries and strawberries fills the air, you know the holidays have officially arrived. This Christmas Jam Crockpot recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a luscious, ruby-red delight, perfect for spreading joy on toast or brightening up a charcuterie board. Even better, it’s an incredibly simple and low-stress way to whip up your holiday preserves. As you let the flavors mingle and develop in your crockpot, your kitchen will transform into a cozy haven of festive aroma, making it easy to forget fast food entirely. Plus, this delicious jam is lower in sugar than store-bought versions, making it a healthier treat for your loved ones. Are you ready to fill your jars with the spirit of the season?

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam?

Simplicity at Its Finest: Just set it and forget it while the crockpot does all the work, giving you more time to enjoy the holidays.

Festive Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries and tart cranberries makes each bite like a burst of holiday joy.

Perfect for Gifting: Fill pretty jars with this delightful jam and share the love; it’s the perfect homemade gift for friends and family.

Versatile Uses: From toast to cheese platters, this jam enhances any dish, making it an essential addition to your holiday spread.

Healthier Alternative: With lower sugar than commercial jams, you can indulge guilt-free or even pair with cheese on a charcuterie board.

Make Ahead Convenience: This refrigerator jam can be made in advance, fitting perfectly into your busy holiday schedule!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Ingredients

For the Jam Base

• Cranberries – Provide the essential tartness and natural pectin that helps the jam set; fresh or frozen both work beautifully.
• Strawberries – Add a delightful fruity sweetness, balancing the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar – Crucial for sweetness and setting your Christmas jam crockpot creation.
• Light Brown Sugar – Infuses the jam with warm caramel notes, deepening the overall flavor profile.

For the Holiday Spices

• Allspice – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that embodies the essence of holiday baking.
• Cinnamon – Offers warmth and sweetness, complementing both the cranberries and strawberries.
• Ginger – Provides a zesty kick that brightens the festive flavor mix.

Optional Citrus Twist

• Orange Zest – Brightens and elevates the jam’s flavor profile, leaving a refreshing finish.
• Lemon Juice – Introduces a zesty contrast, enhancing the overall balance of sweetness and tartness in the jam.

This Christmas jam crockpot recipe not only transforms simple ingredients into something special but also fills your kitchen with the most delightful festive aromas. Enjoy!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In your crockpot, combine 4 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries and 2 cups of hulled strawberries, adding 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of light brown sugar. Sprinkle in your holiday spices—1 teaspoon each of allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir thoroughly until all the fruits are well coated and the sugar is evenly distributed, creating a vibrant mixture that will blossom as it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the Jam
Cover your crockpot and set it to high heat for 4 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the cranberries to burst and release their juices, transforming your mixture into a glossy, ruby-red preserve. Be sure to stir the contents halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution, where you’ll notice it starting to thicken.

Step 3: Blend the Mixture
After 4 hours, it’s time to blend your jam mixture. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency while still retaining some delightful texture. If you prefer, you can transfer the mixture to a countertop blender. This step will help create the ideal Christmas Jam Crockpot spread for your toast and charcuterie delights.

Step 4: Jar the Jam
Ladle the thickened jam into freshly cleaned jars, filling them but leaving a little space at the top. Wipe any residue off the rims of the jars before placing the lids on loosely. This ensures a clean seal as the jam cools, making it easy to store. A burst of fruity scent should fill the air as you package your delicious creation.

Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate
Let your jars sit at room temperature until they cool completely, allowing those lovely flavors to meld even further. Once cooled, tighten the lids and refrigerate your Christmas jam for at least overnight. This resting period is key, as it helps the jam achieve the perfect thick texture that will enhance its spreadability on your holiday treats.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Festive Creation
Now that your Christmas Jam Crockpot is ready, it can be enjoyed on toast, pastries, or used in a festive cheese platter. This jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or for longer preservation, consider freezing it. Share the joy of your homemade preserves with friends and family, knowing you’ve created something truly special for the holidays!

What to Serve with Christmas Jam Crockpot?

Elevate your holiday gatherings by pairing this delightful preserve with complementary dishes that bring out its sweet-tart charm.

Creamy Goat Cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully, enhancing the jam’s fruity profile and adding a delightful creaminess to each bite.
Warm Scones: Freshly baked scones provide a buttery, flaky base that perfectly complements the jam’s vibrant flavors. Serve them warm for an irresistible treat.
Charcuterie Board: Create a festive spread with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and olives. The sweetness of the jam beautifully contrasts savory elements.
Savory Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits offer a lovely texture that balances the smoothness of the jam, making each bite feel indulgent.
Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of bubbly complements the festive nature of the jam and adds a celebratory touch to your holiday meal.
Holiday Breakfast: Spread the jam on French toast or pancakes for a festive breakfast that brightens the holiday morning table.
Spiced Nut Mix: A crunchy, spiced nut mix offers savory notes and a satisfying crunch that pairs nicely with the smoothness of the jam.
Chocolate Shortbread Cookies: The rich, buttery flavor of these cookies contrasts with the fruity jam, creating a delightful, indulgent dessert pairing.

Storage Tips for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Fridge: Store your Christmas jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to use airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the jam in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion when freezing.

Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer your frozen jam to the fridge to thaw overnight, or place it in a warm water bath for a quick defrost.

Gifting Note: This jam is not shelf-stable and should be labeled to remind recipients that it must be refrigerated or frozen after gifting.

Expert Tips for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Fruit Freshness: Use fresh cranberries and ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen cranberries work too, but avoid overripe or mushy fruit.
Sugar Balance: Adjust granulated and brown sugar amounts based on your sweetness preference. Too little sugar can affect the jam’s setting texture.
Stir Often: Don’t forget to stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This is key for achieving that perfect Christmas Jam Crockpot consistency.
Blend for Texture: Blend thoroughly but leave some texture for a rustic feel. It should not be completely smooth; a few bits of fruit enhance the experience.
Cooling Time: Let jars cool completely before sealing tight. This helps prevent condensation, which can dilute flavors and alter the jam’s texture.
Gifting Tips: When giving as gifts, clearly label the jars, reminding recipients to refrigerate or freeze the jam for optimal freshness.

Make Ahead Options

This Christmas Jam Crockpot recipe is perfect for busy holiday schedules, allowing you to prep in advance for all your festive gatherings! You can combine the cranberries, strawberries, and sugars up to 24 hours ahead of time, storing the mixture in your crockpot for easy access. Simply refrigerate the fruit mix overnight to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you’re ready to enjoy your jam, just pour it into your crockpot, add the spices, and set it to cook. You can also jar the finished jam and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for longer preservation. This way, your homemade Christmas Jam Crockpot will be just as delightful when served, making your holiday entertaining a breeze!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Variations

Feel free to elevate your jam game with these delightful twists that will accentuate your holiday spread!

Berry Swap: Substitute strawberries with raspberries for a tart, intense flavor that brightens your jam. The vibrant red hue remains festive and delicious!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an unexpected warmth that complements the holiday spirit. These spices evoke memories of cozy fireside evenings.
Citrus Breeze: Incorporate lemon zest for a fresh, zesty kick. This brightens the overall flavor and offers a citrusy brightness perfect for those winter mornings.
Syrup Sweet: Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness. This swap adds a luxurious touch to each jar.
Flavor Fusion: Mix in an eighth of a cup of dried cherries or cranberries to increase texture and depth. The chewy bits add a delightful contrast to the soft jam.
Fiery Finish: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat that dances on your palate. The sweet-spicy combination will leave your guests intrigued, especially on a cheese platter.
Herbal Infusion: Include fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking for a unique herbal note that evokes the aroma of holiday dishes. These herbs can elevate your jam to a gourmet level.
Tropical Touch: Swap a portion of strawberries for crushed pineapple for a tropical flair. This twist brings a sweet, juicy brightness to your holiday delights!

Remember, with each sip of sweetness, you’re not just making jam; you’re creating memories. A beautifully crafted Christmas jam pairs perfectly with your holiday treats, whether you’re enjoying it on toast or featuring it on a magnificent cheese board. For more delightful ideas, consider trying out my Jamaican Curry Chicken for your holiday gatherings!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe FAQs

What type of cranberries should I use?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries are ideal for this Christmas Jam Crockpot recipe, but frozen ones work beautifully as well. Just ensure they’re whole and not mushy, as overripe fruit can affect the jam’s texture and taste.

How should I store my Christmas jam?
For optimal freshness, store your Christmas jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in airtight containers. If you’d like to keep it longer, it’s best to freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months. Make sure to leave space at the top for expansion when freezing!

Can I freeze Christmas jam?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Christmas jam, ladle it into airtight containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Close the containers tightly and label them with the date. For thawing, place your frozen jam in the fridge overnight or put it in a warm water bath for a quicker defrost. This way, you can enjoy your festive spread even after the holidays!

What if my jam isn’t thickening properly?
Very often, this happens when the sugar balance is off or if there’s too much liquid from the fruit. If your jam isn’t thickening in the crockpot, try cooking it uncovered for an additional hour, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can also blend it thoroughly and return it to the pot to cook a bit longer.

Is this jam safe for pets?
Great question! This Christmas jam is not suitable for pets due to the high sugar content and potential ingredients like citrus, which can be harmful to dogs. Always keep pet safety in mind and let them enjoy their treats meant for them!

Can I adjust the sugar levels in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the granulated and brown sugar amounts based on your sweetness preference. However, be mindful that reducing the sugar too much could affect the jam’s ability to set, as sugar is essential for the gelling process, especially in a crockpot. For an alternative, consider using a fruit spread sweetener designed for jams to keep that sweet flavor without adding too much sugar.