There’s something magical about the smell of simmering berries and spices filling your kitchen on a chilly December day. This Crockpot Christmas Jam is everything you love about the holidays — sweet, tart, and warmly spiced. It’s the easiest homemade jam you’ll ever make, and it pairs beautifully with toast, pastries, or even cheese and crackers. With just a handful of ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have jars of holiday flavor ready to share or gift!
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Prep the fruit and spices.
Rinse your cranberries and strawberries (if using fresh). If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them. Add them straight into the crockpot along with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir well to coat the fruit evenly.
2. Start slow cooking.
Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for about 4 hours, stirring once halfway through. As the fruit cooks, it will soften and release its juices, filling your kitchen with a cozy, festive aroma.
3. Blend to your desired texture.
When the fruit is tender and the sugars have melted into a syrupy mixture, blend it right in the crockpot using an immersion blender. For a chunky jam, pulse just a few times; for a smoother texture, blend longer. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender (be careful it’s hot!).
4. Add a citrusy touch.
For a bright, fresh finish, stir in the orange zest or a splash of lemon juice. This helps balance the sweetness and enhances the berry flavor.
5. Jar and cool.
Ladle the hot jam into clean jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims, lightly screw on the lids, and let the jars cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate overnight — this helps the jam set beautifully.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Your Christmas Jam is ready to spread! Enjoy it over toast, warm biscuits, pancakes, or as a festive topping for cheesecake or yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work perfectly and actually make this recipe even easier. No need to thaw, just toss them in the slow cooker as-is.
2. How long does homemade Christmas jam last?
When stored in airtight jars in the refrigerator, the jam will keep for up to 2 weeks. If you want to store it longer, follow standard canning procedures to make it shelf-stable.
3. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely. If you prefer a tarter jam, reduce the sugar slightly. For a sweeter jam, add an extra ¼ cup of brown sugar. Keep in mind that cranberries are naturally tart, so taste as you go once blended.
4. How can I make this more “Christmasy”?
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or a tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) after blending. It adds warmth and festive depth to the flavor.
5. What’s the best way to gift this jam?
Pour it into small glass jars, tie with a ribbon, and label it “Christmas Jam.” It makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that friends and family will love — especially when paired with fresh bread or a wedge of brie!
