As I stirred the bubbling contents of my crockpot, the enticing aroma of cranberries and strawberries filled my kitchen, whisking me away to holiday memories. If you’re looking for an effortless way to capture the spirit of the season, this Easy Crockpot Christmas Jam is just what you need! With its sweet-tart flavor and festive spices, this jam brings a touch of homemade warmth to any holiday table. Not only is it simple to whip up, but it’s also a fantastic crowd-pleaser that makes for a thoughtful gift or a delightful addition to your breakfast spread. Imagine waking up to a jar of ruby-red goodness, ready to spread on warm toast or drizzled over pancakes. Curious about how this delicious creation comes together? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is this Christmas Jam so special?

Simplicity and Ease: This Easy Crockpot Christmas Jam requires minimal effort—just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker work its magic!

Sweet-Tart Flavor: The perfect balance of cranberries and strawberries creates a delightful harmony that can brighten up any holiday dish.

Versatile Uses: Enjoy this jam on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts. It’s an ideal companion for your festive feasts or breakfast treats.

Thoughtful Gifts: Jarring this seasonal jam makes for a personal touch—handmade gifts are always cherished during the holidays.

Make Ahead: Prep this jam in advance, store it in the fridge, and you’ll have an easy go-to for last-minute gatherings or brunches. For more delicious gifting ideas, check out our Crockpot Thai Coconut or Christmas Kitchen Sink recipes!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Ingredients

• Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive jam!

For the Fruit

Cranberries – Provide the essential tartness and natural pectin; both fresh and frozen options work perfectly.
Strawberries – Add a sweet flavor to balance the tart cranberries; you can substitute with raspberries for a more tangy kick.

For the Sweeteners

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the jam while helping it set properly.
Light Brown Sugar – Introduces a deeper flavor profile with a hint of caramel notes.

For the Spices

Ground Allspice – Brings warmth and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the fruit beautifully.
Cinnamon – Adds a cozy holiday aroma that evokes festive cheer.
Ginger – Offers a zesty touch that brightens the overall taste.

For the Citrus

Optional Orange Zest or Lemon Juice – This will brighten up the flavor of your Christmas jam; feel free to omit for a more straightforward berry blend.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to craft your delightful Christmas Jam Crockpot masterpiece, filling your home with wonderful holiday aromas!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing and preparing your fruits. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of cranberries (fresh or frozen) and 4 cups of hulled strawberries, chopped into quarters. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground allspice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of ginger. Stir well until the fruits are evenly coated in the sugars and spices.

Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot
Transfer the fruit mixture into your crockpot, spreading it out evenly. Set your crockpot to the high setting and cover it with the lid. Allow the Christmas Jam Crockpot to cook for about 4 hours, stirring the mixture halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent it from sticking to the sides.

Step 3: Blend the Mixture
After 4 hours, the mixture should be bubbling and thickening. Carefully remove the lid, and using an immersion blender, blend the hot mixture directly in the crockpot until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend for just a few pulses, ensuring some fruit pieces remain intact.

Step 4: Jar the Jam
Once blended, it’s time to jar your Christmas jam. Using a ladle, spoon the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue before placing the lids on gently—don’t tighten them fully just yet.

Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate
Allow the filled jars to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. Once they are cool, transfer the jars to the refrigerator. Let the jam chill overnight; it will thicken further as it cools, developing that perfect sweet-tart flavor that will enhance your holiday gatherings.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Jam Crockpot

Fridge: Store your Christmas Jam Crockpot in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks in airtight jars. This keeps it fresh and ready for your festive meals.

Freezer: To freeze, leave about half an inch of space at the top of the jar for expansion. Your jam can last in the freezer for up to 6 months, preserving its delightful flavor.

Reheating: When ready to use frozen jam, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then stir before serving. It will retain its sweet-tart magic!

Christmas Jam Crockpot Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this jam to suit your taste preferences!

Berry Mix: Blend in some blueberries or blackberries for a lovely mixed berry flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of fruit in one jar!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of red pepper flakes for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. This twist will wow your guests at holiday gatherings.
Dried Fruits: Toss in some chopped dried apricots or figs for added texture and sweetness. These fruits will infuse your jam with delightful chewy bites!
Herbal Note: Stir in some fresh mint or rosemary after blending for a refreshing herbal twist. This brightens the classic flavor with a unique touch that feels festive and fun.
Honey Sweetener: Swap granulated sugar with honey or agave syrup for a healthier alternative. This will add a lovely floral note that balances the tartness beautifully.
Nutmeg Infusion: Introduce a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg for a warm, seasonal spice note. It will evoke beautiful holiday scents and flavors that make every bite feel special.
Citrus Twist: Elevate the brightness by adding a splash of orange juice or lemon juice, giving your jam a zesty spark. This refreshing twist might just become your favorite version!

Feel inspired? With these variations, your Christmas Jam Crockpot experience can be uniquely yours all season long! For more festive ideas, check out our Crockpot Thai Coconut for a savory treat or bake up some Christmas Kitchen Sink cookies to complement your jam!

Expert Tips for Christmas Jam Crockpot

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries for the best flavor. They’re essential for your Christmas Jam Crockpot.
Proper Mixing: Ensure all ingredients are well combined before cooking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and prevents sticking.
Monitor Cooking: Keep an eye on the crockpot; the jam should bubble but not overflow. Cooking it too long can lead to a very thick jam, so stir halfway!
Blend Wisely: If you prefer texture, pulse the mixture lightly with your immersion blender. You’ll enjoy delightful fruit chunks in your Christmas jam!
Cooling Time: Allow the jam to cool in the jars for at least 2 hours before refrigerating. This helps it set properly for a luscious spreadable consistency.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Jam Crockpot delights are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the fruit mixture (4 cups each of cranberries and strawberries, along with the sugars and spices) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine everything in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to make the jam, transfer the mixture to the crockpot and follow the cooking instructions as usual. To maintain the quality, ensure the mixture is stored airtight to prevent any moisture loss. Once the jam has cooled and thickened in the fridge overnight, simply jar it, and savor the delightful flavors that will undoubtedly make your festive gatherings even brighter!

What to Serve with Easy Crockpot Christmas Jam?

Indulge in the spirit of the season by pairing this delightful jam with other festive treats that enhance its sweet-tart flavor.

Warm Toast: Freshly toasted bread acts as the perfect canvas to showcase the rich flavors of the jam; every bite ignites warmth and nostalgia.
Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of tangy yogurt topped with a generous spoonful of jam creates a delightful contrast, making for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Buttermilk Pancakes: Serve this jam drizzled over fluffy pancakes for a sweet holiday twist. The warm pancakes will absorb the luscious flavors beautifully.
Cheese Platter: Combine with a selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sophisticated charcuterie board that balances sweetness and creaminess.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with the jam creates an unforgettable dessert that sings of the season, adding a festive touch to any meal.
Savory Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits slathered with this jam deliver a delightful sweet-savory experience, making them a perfect companion for brunch gatherings.
Sparkling Wine: A glass of crisp sparkling wine elevates your tasting experience, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for holiday celebrations.
Braised Meats: Use this jam as a glaze for roasted or braised meats like duck or pork, adding a unique layer of flavor that guests will rave about.

Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe FAQs

What kind of cranberries should I use?
You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for your Christmas Jam Crockpot. Fresh cranberries should be firm and vibrant in color, while frozen cranberries should be free of ice crystals and stored in a sealed package. Both varieties will provide the perfect tartness essential for this jam.

How long can I store the jam in the fridge?
Store your Christmas Jam Crockpot in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Always check for any off-odors or mold before use. The jam will continue to thicken and develop its flavors over time, making it even more delightful!

Can I freeze this jam?
Absolutely! To freeze, fill your jars but leave about half an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Your jam can last in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, stir well, and enjoy its sweet-tart goodness!

What should I do if my jam turns out too thick?
If your jam is thicker than desired, you can loosen it up by stirring in a little bit of warm water or fruit juice. Heat it gently in a saucepan until it reaches your preferred texture. If you notice it bubbling and solidifying too much in the crockpot, simply stir it more often during cooking!

Is this jam pet-friendly?
While the ingredients in this Christmas Jam Crockpot are safe for humans, the high sugar content isn’t ideal for pets. The cranberries and strawberries are safe in small amounts but avoid giving jam to your pets due to potential ingredients such as sugar and spice allergies. Always consult your veterinarian if unsure!

What alternatives can I use for the spices?
You can mix and match the spices according to your taste. If you don’t have allspice, consider using nutmeg or cloves for a unique twist. Alternatively, you can keep it simpler by omitting the spices entirely and letting the natural flavors of the fruits shine through!