Homemade Christmas Jam Recipe: Cranberry, Strawberry & Orange

Table of Contents

Introduction

Embrace the festive spirit this holiday season with a delightful homemade Christmas jam recipe. This sweet, tart, and beautifully spiced jam captures all the wonderful flavors of Christmas in a jar. It is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners, making it a perfect project to share the joy. Whether you are creating thoughtful gifts or simply want to brighten your family’s breakfast table, this recipe is a holiday must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam

Bursting with Holiday Flavor: This Christmas jam recipe combines the classic tastes of cranberry, strawberry, and orange with warm, inviting spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this jam in advance, as its delicious flavors only deepen and meld beautifully over time.
Shelf-Stable: When properly canned, your homemade jam becomes shelf-stable, ready to enjoy or gift for months.
Simple and Forgiving: No advanced canning skills are necessary! This recipe is straightforward, designed for successful results every time.
Perfect for Gifting: A jar of this vibrant, homemade jam makes a heartfelt and incredibly tasty homemade gift for friends, neighbors, and family during the holidays.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive Christmas jam recipe:

12 ounces Cranberries (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
1 Orange, peeled and sectioned
2 teaspoons Orange Zest, from the peel
16 ounces Strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
¼ teaspoon Allspice
4 Cups pure cane sugar (or 3 cups honey: see notes)
1 – 1.75 ounce Package Powder Fruit Pectin
½ Cup Water
½ teaspoon butter (optional, helps reduce foaming)

Notes & Substitutions

Fruit: Feel free to use either fresh or thoroughly thawed frozen fruits for this Christmas jam recipe.
Sweetener: You can substitute honey for the pure cane sugar for a richer flavor and a slightly softer jam set.
Pectin: If you prefer less sugar, use a low-sugar fruit pectin and follow its specific instructions for reduced sugar content.
Spices: Enhance the aromatic profile by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice blend.
Fruit Swaps: Get creative by swapping some or all of the strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even cherries.

Equipment

You will need a few essential items for making and preserving your festive jam.

Water-bath canner (or a very large, deep pot with a rack)
Large, heavy-bottomed pot
Blender or food processor
Canning tools (jar lifter, funnel, ladle)
Half-pint (8-ounce) canning jars with new lids and bands

Instructions

This step-by-step guide makes creating your delicious Christmas jam recipe a breeze. Remember to work efficiently once the cooking process begins.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare Jars and Canner: Wash all jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well. Keep your jars hot (around 180°F) in your canner filled with simmering water until you are ready to fill them. Set the new lids and bands aside on a clean towel.
Chop Fruit: Add the cranberries and peeled orange sections to your blender or food processor. Pulse the fruit a few times until it is coarsely chopped, but not puréed.
Add Strawberries and Spices: Now, add the strawberries, orange zest, ground cloves, cinnamon, and allspice to the fruit mixture in the processor. Pulse again until the fruit is finely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the entire fruit mixture into your large, heavy-bottomed pot. Stir in the ½ cup of water, the full package of powder fruit pectin, and the optional ½ teaspoon of butter.
Boil the Mixture: Bring the fruit mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat. Stir constantly to prevent scorching and ensure the pectin fully dissolves.
Add Sugar and Boil: Stir in all 4 cups of pure cane sugar (or 3 cups of honey). Once the sugar is dissolved, return the mixture to a hard boil. Boil it for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously. This ensures proper gelling.
Fill Jars: Carefully remove the pot from the heat. If needed, skim off any foam from the surface of the jam. Using a canning funnel and ladle, fill the hot jam into your prepared hot jars, leaving precisely ¼-inch headspace at the top of each jar.
Seal Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth to remove any sticky residue. Center a clean lid onto each jar, then screw the bands on fingertip-tight.
Process in Water Bath: Gently lower the filled jars into your boiling water-bath canner. Ensure the jars are covered by at least 2 inches of water. Bring the water back to a full rolling boil and process the jars for 10 minutes (adjust this time if you are at a high altitude).
Cool Jars: Turn off the heat, carefully remove the canner lid, and let the jars rest in the hot water for 5 minutes. Then, using a jar lifter, transfer the jars to a towel-lined counter. Let them cool undisturbed for a full 24 hours.
Store Jam: After 24 hours, test the lids for a proper seal (the center should be indented and not flex). Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year or longer. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and enjoy them within 3-4 weeks.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Prevent Cracks: Always keep your canning jars hot until they are ready to be filled with hot jam. This thermal consistency prevents the glass from cracking.
Texture Control: Be mindful not to over-blend the fruit. A slightly coarser chop provides a wonderful, satisfying texture in your finished jam.
Gel Test: For an extra check on consistency, spoon a small amount of hot jam onto a cold plate and refrigerate for a few minutes. It should wrinkle when pushed with a spoon.

For those interested in understanding the science behind safe canning, the USDA provides comprehensive guidelines for home food preservation.

Altitude Adjustment: If you live above 1,000 feet, increase your processing time in the water bath. Add 1 minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
Unsealed Jars: If a jar does not seal after cooling, simply refrigerate it immediately. Consume this jam promptly, within 3-4 weeks.
Reduce Foam: Adding a small pat of butter to the fruit mixture helps to significantly reduce foam during the cooking process.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This festive Christmas jam recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a holiday favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy it spread generously on warm toast, fluffy biscuits, or homemade scones for breakfast.
Pair it beautifully with various cheeses on a festive charcuterie board during holiday gatherings.
Use this flavorful jam as a sweet and tangy glaze for roasted ham or turkey.
Fill the centers of classic thumbprint cookies for a delightful holiday treat.
Stir a spoonful into your morning yogurt or a bowl of creamy oatmeal for a burst of seasonal flavor.

Storage Instructions

Sealed Jars: Properly sealed jars of this Christmas jam will last for 1 year or even longer when stored in a cool, dark, and dry pantry.
Opened Jars: Once you open a jar, store it in the refrigerator. Consume the jam within 3-4 weeks for the best quality and freshness.
Freezer Option: For an alternative to canning, store the jam in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Creative Variations

Fruit Blends: Experiment with other holiday-friendly berries. Try adding tart cherries, sweet raspberries, or a mix of blueberries for unique flavor profiles.
Spice It Up: Beyond the core spices, consider adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, a dash of ground ginger, or even a star anise while cooking for more depth.
Citrus Twist: Instead of a regular orange, use mandarin oranges for a sweeter, less acidic citrus note. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.

Nutrition

The nutritional information provided for this Christmas jam recipe is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

Nutrient	Per 1 Tbsp Serving (Approximate)
Calories	55 kcal
Carbohydrates	14 g
Sugars	13 g

Disclaimer: This information is approximate and for guidance only. Individual results may vary.

FAQ

Can I use frozen fruit for this Christmas jam recipe? Yes, absolutely! Just make sure your frozen cranberries and strawberries are fully thawed before you begin.
Can I skip the pectin? You can, but you will need to cook the jam much longer, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired set consistency. This can take quite a bit of time.
How long does Christmas Jam last? When properly sealed through water-bath canning, your jam can last up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3-4 weeks.
Can I double the batch? For optimal gelling and a proper set, it is generally best to make two separate, smaller batches rather than one large double batch.
Can I make it without a canner? Yes! If you prefer not to can, simply store the finished jam in clean jars in the refrigerator for immediate consumption or freeze it in freezer-safe containers.
What do “t” and “c” mean in the recipe? In most recipes, “t” is an abbreviation for teaspoon, and “c” stands for cup.
Can I use pint jars? It is recommended to stick to half-pint (8-ounce) jars for jam. Pint jars are generally too large for safe water-bath processing times for jam.
Can it be made with less sugar? Yes, you can use a low-sugar fruit pectin designed for reduced-sugar recipes. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on that pectin package.
What if I added sugar before pectin? Adding sugar before the pectin has dissolved properly can interfere with the pectin’s ability to set. The jam may not set correctly and might end up more like a syrup.

Conclusion

This homemade Christmas jam recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday traditions. With its vibrant colors, sweet-tart flavors, and comforting spices, it is truly a taste of the season. Whether you are whipping up a batch for thoughtful homemade gifts or simply to enjoy with your family, this versatile jam is a winner. Embrace the simplicity and joy of creating something truly special and delicious this festive season.