Crockpot Christmas Jam – A Sweet & Spiced Holiday Spread

Crockpot Christmas Jam is a warm, festive preserve that captures the essence of the holiday season in every spoonful. Simmered low and slow in your slow cooker, this cozy jam brings together tart cranberries, juicy strawberries, seasonal spices, and just the right amount of sugar for a perfectly balanced, spreadable treat.

Its deep ruby-red color and fragrant aroma make it a seasonal favorite for gifting, brunch spreads, or slathering over toast on chilly December mornings. Unlike traditional stovetop jams, this version requires very little babysitting — your crockpot does all the work while your kitchen fills with the nostalgic scent of cinnamon and cloves.

Whether you’re canning for homemade gifts or stocking your own fridge with seasonal delights, Crockpot Christmas Jam is a recipe worth keeping on repeat every holiday season.

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this jam adds depth, flavor, and festive flair. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Cranberries (fresh or frozen): These provide tartness and a brilliant ruby hue. Cranberries are naturally high in pectin, which helps the jam thicken naturally without the need for commercial thickeners.

• Strawberries (fresh or frozen): Their sweetness balances the cranberries’ tang and gives the jam a smoother texture. You can use frozen strawberries when fresh ones are out of season — just thaw and drain excess liquid first.

• Sugar: Essential for both preservation and flavor, sugar also helps the jam set. Granulated white sugar is classic, but you can reduce the amount slightly for a less-sweet version.

• Cinnamon: A signature holiday spice that adds warmth and depth. Ground cinnamon blends evenly into the jam.

• Cloves: Just a pinch brings a cozy, old-fashioned holiday flavor. Too much can overpower, so use sparingly.

• Lemon Juice: Provides a bit of brightness and helps preserve the color and freshness. It also lowers the pH, which helps the jam gel.

• Liquid Fruit Pectin: Ensures a reliable set for your jam, especially important if you’re planning to can it for gifts. Be sure to use liquid pectin (like Certo) added at the end of cooking.

Optional Add-Ins:

• A splash of orange juice or zest for brightness

• A dash of nutmeg for added spice

• A few whole cranberries left intact for texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Christmas Jam is easy and rewarding — just let the slow cooker do its magic while you enjoy the festive scent.

1. Prep Your Fruit: If using fresh cranberries, rinse and drain them. For frozen fruit, allow to thaw and drain off any excess water. Hull and halve strawberries if fresh; no need to chop frozen ones.

2. Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Add cranberries, strawberries, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon juice to your slow cooker. Stir to combine everything well.

3. Slow Cook the Mixture: Set your crockpot on high and cook uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. As the fruit breaks down, it will become jammy and thick. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently mash the fruit during the last hour for a smoother texture.

4. Add Pectin: Once the fruit is fully broken down and the mixture is bubbling, stir in the liquid pectin. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The jam should thicken slightly.

5. Test for Thickness: Place a spoonful of jam on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed, it’s ready. If not, cook for another 10–15 minutes.

6. Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with sterilized lids.

7. Store or Can:

   • For immediate use, let jars cool and refrigerate.

   • For shelf-stable storage, process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude).

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Jam:

• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or hot spots.

• If your jam is too thin after adding pectin, let it cook a bit longer uncovered.

• Let jars cool at room temperature completely before refrigerating or labeling.

Flavor Variations:

• Orange Christmas Jam: Add ½ cup orange juice and 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrus twist.

• Apple Cranberry Jam: Swap half the strawberries for finely chopped apples.

• Gingerbread Spice: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper spice profile.

Substitutions:

• Use honey or maple syrup for part of the sugar (note: it may affect the set).

• Replace lemon juice with orange juice for a different acid source.

• Make it chunkier by only partially mashing the fruit.

Dietary Alternatives:

• For a lower-sugar version, use a low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar by half.

• Use certified vegan pectin for plant-based diets.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Crockpot Christmas Jam is endlessly versatile and elevates both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some festive ways to enjoy it:

• Breakfast Spread: Serve over toast, English muffins, or warm buttermilk biscuits.

• Holiday Cheeseboard: Spoon into a small dish and pair with brie, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese.

• Dessert Topping: Drizzle over cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or pound cake.

• Glaze for Meats: Use as a sweet glaze on pork tenderloin or roasted turkey breast.

It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift — pour into small mason jars, tie with ribbon, and add a handwritten label. Perfect for neighbors, coworkers, or teachers.

Nutritional & Health Notes

While Crockpot Christmas Jam is naturally sweet, it offers some nutritional perks:

• Cranberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C.

• Strawberries provide fiber and potassium.

• A little goes a long way — one tablespoon contains approximately 45–50 calories, making it easy to enjoy in moderation.

For a lighter version:

• Use less sugar and rely on fruit’s natural sweetness.

• Spread it over whole-grain bread or pair with high-protein Greek yogurt.

Homemade jam also means no preservatives or artificial flavors, so you know exactly what’s in your jar.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen fruit for Christmas jam?
Yes, frozen cranberries and strawberries work perfectly. Thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid that could thin the jam.

Q2: Do I need to use pectin?
Yes, especially if you want a thicker, more traditional jam consistency. Cranberries do have natural pectin, but the added fruit and sugar benefit from extra pectin to set properly.

Q3: How long does Crockpot Christmas Jam last?
In the fridge, it lasts 3–4 weeks. If canned properly, it can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but be sure your crockpot has enough capacity, and increase the cooking time slightly. Stir more frequently to prevent uneven cooking.

Q5: Can I make it without cloves?
Absolutely. You can skip the cloves or replace them with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a different spice profile.

Q6: Is this jam safe for water bath canning?
Yes. The acid from lemon juice and the sugar content make it safe for water bath canning, provided you follow proper sterilization and sealing steps.

Q7: What’s the best way to gift this jam?
Use small 4-oz mason jars with decorative lids, tie with twine or ribbon, and add a holiday tag. Include serving suggestions or recipe pairings for a personal touch.

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