Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice blend seamlessly in this delightful Spiced Christmas Jam, making it the perfect edible gift or festive pantry staple. Made with strawberries and cranberries, this jam delivers a sweet-tart punch that’s elevated with cozy, warm spices. Whether you’re slathering it on toast or adding a spoonful to thumbprint cookies, this holiday preserve brings comfort and joy in every bite.
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A Homemade Holiday Jam Worth Making
This Spiced Christmas Jam isn’t just delicious — it’s a celebration of seasonal produce and flavors. It combines the bold tang of cranberries and the sweetness of strawberries with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a nostalgic, cozy spread. Not only is this recipe water-bath canner friendly, but it’s also a great choice for gifting during the holidays or preserving seasonal berries in a truly unique way.
Festive Ingredients for Spiced Perfection
• Cranberries: Bring a tart bite and beautiful ruby-red color.
• Strawberries: Balance the cranberries with natural sweetness and fruity body.
• Sugar: Essential for sweetness and proper gel formation; do not reduce.
• Liquid Fruit Pectin: Helps the jam set perfectly, especially needed due to the low pectin in strawberries.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm and woody, it’s the backbone of the spiced flavor.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a touch of zing and warmth.
• Ground Allspice: Lends a subtle peppery sweetness.
• Ground Cloves: Offers a bold, deep spice note reminiscent of mulled wine and Christmas baking.
Swap Suggestions for Customizing Your Jam
If you’re missing an ingredient or catering to specific preferences, consider these options:
• Mixed Berries Instead of Strawberries: Raspberries or blueberries can offer variety but will alter the color and tartness.
• Dried Cranberries: In a pinch, rehydrate them before use, though fresh or frozen is preferred.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: While not ideal for safe canning, these can be added post-cooking if refrigerating the jam.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A convenient all-in-one alternative for the spice blend, though adjust for taste.
How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Berries: Puree strawberries and cranberries in a food processor until smooth. Work in batches if needed.
- Cook the Jam Base: Transfer berry puree to a large saucepan. Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
- Boil to Activate Flavors: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a full boil that continues bubbling even while stirring. Boil for 1 full minute.
- Add the Pectin: Remove the pan from heat, stir in liquid pectin, then return to heat and boil for another full minute, stirring constantly.
- Skim the Foam: Once boiling ends, let the bubbling subside and skim off any foam for a clearer finish.
- Fill the Jars: Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Seal and Process: Add sterilized lids and bands. Process jars in boiling water for 10 minutes, ensuring they are submerged by at least 1–2 inches of water.
- Cool and Store: Transfer jars to a towel-lined surface. Let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Wipe and label before storing in a cool, dark place.
Expert Tips for Perfect Jam Every Time
• Use Fresh or Frozen Berries: Both work well, but frozen may need longer cooking due to higher moisture.
• Always Sterilize Jars: Even if boiling for over 10 minutes, pre-sterilizing adds safety.
• Don’t Skimp on Sugar: It’s crucial for safe preservation and proper setting.
• Boil Time Matters: Don’t cut short the full rolling boil—this ensures proper pectin activation.
• Foam Removal: Skim off foam for better texture and clarity.
• Cooling is Critical: Let jars sit undisturbed to ensure a firm seal and even set.
Pairings and Delicious Variations
This Spiced Christmas Jam shines in more than just the morning toast routine. Here are festive ways to enjoy it:
• Serve with Brie or Cream Cheese: On crackers or crostini for an easy holiday appetizer.
• Add to Thumbprint Cookies: Perfectly festive for cookie swaps.
• Stir into Yogurt: A sweet way to elevate breakfast or dessert.
• Use in Cakes or Fillings: Layer into sponge cakes or swirl into cheesecake batter.
• Sweet Grilled Cheese: Try with brie, thyme, and black pepper between slices of buttery bread.
Make-Ahead & Storage Notes
Properly canned and sealed, this jam will last up to 12 months in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2–3 weeks. Always check for signs of spoilage.
Why Spiced Christmas Jam Deserves a Spot in Your Pantry
Holiday season or not, this jam brings an irresistible blend of nostalgia and bold flavor. Its tartness and warming spices make it a standout from store-bought preserves, and the homemade touch makes it perfect for gifts. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and preserve, making it a great project for beginners and seasoned canners alike.
If you’re looking to capture the essence of Christmas in a jar, Spiced Christmas Jam is the ultimate festive preserve to brighten breakfasts, desserts, and holiday moments all year round.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about preserving the essence of the holidays in a jar, and Spiced Christmas Jam does exactly that. From the vibrant tartness of cranberries to the comforting sweetness of strawberries, all wrapped in a blanket of warm seasonal spices, this jam transforms everyday moments into festive celebrations. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or keeping a few jars for your holiday breakfast spread, this recipe brings homemade joy to the table.
With simple ingredients, beginner-friendly water bath canning, and versatile uses from toast to thumbprint cookies, Spiced Christmas Jam is a must-make this season. Make a batch, spread the love, and enjoy the holidays one spoonful at a time.
FAQ About Spiced Christmas Jam
Can I use frozen berries to make Spiced Christmas Jam?
Yes! Both frozen and fresh strawberries and cranberries work perfectly. Just remember that frozen berries contain more moisture, so you may need to simmer a little longer to achieve the right thickness.
How long does Spiced Christmas Jam last after canning?
When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, this jam can last up to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2 to 3 weeks for best flavor and safety.
Do I have to use liquid fruit pectin?
Yes, liquid pectin is essential in this recipe to ensure the jam sets properly, especially since strawberries are low in natural pectin. Powdered pectin isn’t a direct substitute unless adjusted for method and ratios.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintSpiced Christmas Jam
Spiced Christmas Jam is a festive homemade preserve made with strawberries, cranberries, and warming holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. This sweet and tart jam is perfect for spreading on toast, gifting during the holidays, or using in seasonal baking. It’s easy to make with basic canning techniques and delivers cozy, nostalgic flavors in every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 half-pint jars 1x
- Category: Preserves & Spreads
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: Holiday, American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen strawberries (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 pound fresh or frozen cranberries (about 2 cups)
- 2 1/2 pounds sugar (about 5 cups)
- 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin (170 mL each, Certo brand recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Puree strawberries and cranberries in a food processor until smooth. Work in batches if necessary.
- Transfer puree to a large saucepan and add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Stir to combine.
- Heat over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a full rolling boil that doesn’t stop when stirred. Boil for 1 full minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the liquid fruit pectin.
- Return the saucepan to heat and bring back to a full boil. Boil for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, let bubbling settle, and skim off any foam from the surface.
- Ladle hot jam into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Wipe jar rims clean, apply sterilized lids, and screw bands on until finger-tight.
- Place jars in a boiling water canner, ensuring water covers jars by at least 2 inches. Boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove jars and let cool undisturbed on a towel-lined surface for 12–24 hours.
- Check seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Frozen berries may require longer cooking time due to higher water content.
- Do not reduce sugar, as it is necessary for proper preservation and setting.
- Always sterilize jars and lids before filling to ensure safe canning.
- Store unopened jars in a pantry for up to 12 months; refrigerate after opening and use within 2–3 weeks.
- Great for toast, cookies, cakes, yogurt, or gift baskets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 59
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0.3mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.003g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.024g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
