Easy Homemade Christmas Jam Recipe 🎄✨ | Festive & Delicious!

Table of Contents: Christmas Jam

Christmas Jam

There’s something magical about opening a jar of Homemade Christmas Jam on a snowy December morning—spreading its ruby-red glow over warm scones, stirring it into hot oatmeal, or gifting it to neighbors who will never forget your thoughtfulness. For readers aged 40–65+, this recipe brings back the warmth of tradition with a modern twist: simple, nostalgic, and bursting with seasonal flavor.

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Introduction: Homemade Christmas Jam

There’s no holiday treat quite like Homemade Christmas Jam—a vibrant, spiced preserve that captures the essence of the season in every spoonful. This festive fruit jam blends tart cranberries with sweet strawberries, accented by the cozy warmth of cinnamon and cloves, finished with a touch of orange zest for brightness. It’s more than just a spread; it’s a celebration in a jar, perfect for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, or sharing across the dinner table.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas cookie exchange, packing a care package, or simply savoring a quiet winter breakfast, this holiday preserve delivers joy with every bite. Made with real fruit, just a few spices, and a splash of citrus, it’s a natural alternative to store-bought jams packed with additives. Best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make with fresh or frozen berries, so you can create it any time the holiday spirit strikes—no specialty ingredients required.

From gift-giving to Sunday pancakes, this festive fruit jam is a multitasking marvel. Use it on toast, fold it into yogurt, layer it into cakes, or serve it alongside cheeses at a cocktail party. It’s a recipe that bridges generations, making it ideal for teaching younger family members or reliving Grandma’s kitchen memories. And since it keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer, you can prep it in advance and enjoy the seasonal flavors all the way to winter’s end.

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Alternate Names & Variations

You might know this festive favorite by different names, including Holiday Berry Preserves, Cranberry Strawberry Spiced Jam, or Yuletide Fruit Preserve. It’s also commonly searched as Christmas Cranberry Jam with Cinnamon, reflecting its signature warmth and color. If you’re looking for a similar twist, some fans enjoy a Festive Fruit Jam with added cherries or a red wine version for depth. For a lower-sugar option, try a no-sugar pectin adaption—perfect for health-conscious bakers. This holiday preserve is endlessly customizable, yet always radiates that unmistakable Christmastime charm.

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Ingredients: Holiday Preserves

• – 4 cups (≈500g) fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed
• – 4 cups (≈600g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped
• – 4 cups (≈800g) granulated white sugar, for sweetness and preservation
• – 1/3 cup (80mL) liquid fruit pectin, for perfect gelling
• – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for signature holiday warmth
• – 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, just enough to add depth
• – 1/4 cup (60mL) fresh orange juice (optional), plus 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional), for brightness

All ingredients are kitchen staples, making this Homemade Christmas Jam accessible and dependable—every batch will turn out rich, radiant, and reliably thick.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace: Wash 4–6 half-pint (8-oz) glass jars and lids. Heat them in simmering water for 10 minutes to sterilize (keep warm until use). Line a baking sheet with paper towels to catch drips.

2. Combine fruits and sugar: In a large, non-reactive stockpot (at least 6-quart), add the fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped strawberries, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 20 minutes so the sugar draws out the fruit’s juices. Chef tip: Using frozen fruit? No need to thaw—it breaks down quickly once heated.

3. Begin cooking over medium-high heat: Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Bring to a full, rolling boil (this is key—don’t rush it). Boil hard for 1 full minute, stirring constantly. Skim off any foam for smoother texture.

4. Add pectin and spices: Carefully pour in the liquid fruit pectin and stir vigorously for 1 minute. Add ground cinnamon, cloves, and optional orange juice and zest. Return to a rolling boil and boil hard for another minute.

5. Check for setting: Remove from heat. Perform a gel test: Drop a small spoonful onto a cold plate. Let it sit for 30 seconds. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s set. If not, boil 1 more minute and retest.

6. Fill jars and seal: Remove jars from hot water one at a time. Use a ladle and funnel to fill, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean, place lids on, and screw bands to fingertip-tight. Return to simmering water bath for 10 minutes for a canning seal.

7. Cool and store: Remove jars, let cool 24 hours. Check lids—they should not pop when pressed. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark cabinet for up to 1 year. Unsealed or opened jam keeps in the fridge for 1 month.

Substitution tip: For a no-canning option, skip the water bath. Cool and store in the fridge—ideal for a quick batch of festive fruit jam to enjoy within weeks.

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Homemade Christmas Jam yields approximately 4 half-pint jars (8 cups total). Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 25 minutes, bringing total time to about 40 minutes (plus 24 hours cooling for canning). Each 2-tablespoon serving contains roughly 90 calories, with 23g carbohydrates, including 22g sugar. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be adapted for lower sugar with specialty pectins. Serve it cold or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or adding gourmet flair to desserts.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes this Homemade Christmas Jam truly special is its balance of bold and bright. The cranberries deliver a tangy punch that cuts through the sugar, while the strawberries add a lush sweetness—creating a profile that’s neither too sour nor too cloying. The cinnamon-clove duo offers that classic holiday preserve aroma, evoking gingerbread and warm cider, without overwhelming the fruit. The orange zest and juice are secret weapons, adding aromatic lift that keeps the jam from feeling heavy—a key trait in easy comfort food for family dinners and festive holiday gifting.

Using liquid fruit pectin removes guesswork, ensuring a foolproof, spreadable consistency every time. It’s ideal for first-time canners, yet satisfying for pros. Since fresh or frozen fruit works equally well, you’re not limited by season—make this Christmas jam in summer with frozen berries or right before December with peak-harvest cranberries. The recipe also scales beautifully: double it for holiday markets or keep a single batch for personal use. It’s truly easy comfort food for family dinners, a recipe that feels indulgent but requires no special skills—just patience and love.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Once canned and sealed properly, your Homemade Christmas Jam will last up to 1 year in a cool, dark pantry—ideal for gifting or saving for January pancakes. Opened jars should be refrigerated and used within 1 month for best texture and flavor. For long-term storage beyond a year, freezing is an excellent option. Transfer cooled jam to airtight, freezer-safe containers (leave 1/2 inch headspace), label with date, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge—no reheating required. The consistency remains smooth and spreadable. If you notice slight separation, simply stir it back in. This method is perfect for making a large batch of festive fruit jam in fall and enjoying holiday preserves all winter long.

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People Also Ask: Homemade Christmas Jam

How do you make Christmas jam?

Making Christmas jam is simple and rewarding. Start by combining fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries with sugar and letting it macerate. Boil the mixture hard for 1 minute, then add liquid fruit pectin, cinnamon, cloves, and optional orange juice and zest. Boil again for 1 minute, check for set, and fill sterilized jars. For long-term storage, process in a water bath for 10 minutes. This Homemade Christmas Jam comes together in under an hour and delivers festive flavor every time. It’s a go-to for beginner and experienced canners alike.

What fruits are in Christmas jam?

The core fruits in Christmas jam are cranberries and strawberries—a dynamic duo that blends tart and sweet perfectly. Cranberries add bright acidity and vibrant color, while strawberries soften the edge with lush berry sweetness. Some variations include cherries or red currants, but the cranberry-strawberry combo remains the gold standard for festive fruit jam. The addition of optional orange zest and juice enhances citrusy brightness, rounding out the fruit profile. Together, they create a balanced, bold holiday preserve that’s ideal for spreading, gifting, or using in baked goods.

Can you use fresh or frozen fruit for jam?

Absolutely! Both fresh or frozen fruit work wonderfully in Homemade Christmas Jam. Frozen cranberries and strawberries are often picked at peak ripeness, so they can be even more flavorful than out-of-season fresh berries. The best part? No thawing needed—simply toss frozen fruit into the pot with sugar and let the heat break it down. Fresh berries add a slightly lighter texture, but both yield a delicious, consistent result. This flexibility means you can make your holiday preserves anytime—even when berries aren’t in season—ensuring a merry jam every month of the year.

Is Christmas jam a good gift?

Without a doubt, Christmas jam makes an exceptional gift. A mason jar filled with ruby-red Homemade Christmas Jam, tied with twine and a handwritten tag, feels personal, heartfelt, and practical. Friends and family can enjoy it on toast, in oatmeal, or paired with cheese at holiday parties. It’s budget-friendly, shelf-stable, and perfect for coworkers, teachers, or neighbors. Since it’s made with love and seasonal ingredients, it stands out from generic store-bought versions. Whether part of a holiday gift basket or given alone, this festive fruit jam spreads joy long after the holidays end.

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Conclusion: Homemade Christmas Jam

Now that you’ve learned how to craft this radiant Homemade Christmas Jam, we hope you’ll roll up your sleeves and stir up a batch—or two. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making, a way to preserve not just fruit, but memories. Whether you’re gifting it with pride, using it to elevate a holiday breakfast, or simply savoring a spoonful with afternoon tea, this festive fruit jam brings warmth and flavor to every moment.

We’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add orange? Swap in cherries? Share photos, tips, or stories in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag us when you gift a jar—your kindness will shine as bright as the jam.

Happy preserving, and may your kitchen always be merry and bright!

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