Cozy Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe to Sweeten Your Holidays

Winter’s magic shimmers through this delightful spiced Christmas jam that captures seasonal warmth in every vibrant spoonful.

Fragrant cinnamon and clove dance alongside sweet berries, creating a festive preserve bursting with holiday spirit.

Small batches brew slowly, releasing rich aromas that fill kitchen spaces with nostalgic memories.

Homemade gifts never looked more delectable than this crimson-hued spread perfect for morning toast or elegant cheese platters.

Fresh ingredients transform simple fruits into a celebration of winter’s most cherished flavors.

Surprising loved ones with jars of this charming, spice-infused treasure that tells stories of comfort and joy.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of crafting this memorable jam.

Questions People Ask About Spiced Christmas Jam

• What makes this Christmas jam special?

This jam is a festive blend of cranberries, strawberries, and apple, infused with warm holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The combination creates a unique, rich flavor that captures the essence of Christmas in every spoonful.

• Can I use different fruits in this recipe?

While the recipe works best with cranberries and strawberries, you can experiment with raspberries or other seasonal berries. Just keep the total fruit quantity consistent to maintain the jam’s texture and set.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this jam?

You’ll need a large saucepan, potato masher, sterilized jars, and a chilled plate for testing doneness. A kitchen thermometer can be helpful but isn’t absolutely necessary for this recipe.

• Is this jam suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! This spiced Christmas jam makes a wonderful homemade gift. The festive flavors and beautiful color make it perfect for holiday gift-giving, and it looks lovely when placed in decorative jars with ribbons.

Why Spiced Christmas Jam Smells Like The Holidays

• Festive Flavor Explosion: Bursting with holiday cheer, this jam combines the tartness of cranberries, sweetness of strawberries, and warming spices that dance on your taste buds like a Christmas carol.
• Quick and Effortless Creation: Whip up this delightful spread in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for last-minute holiday gifts or spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, pair with cheese, or use as a glaze for meats – this jam transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary holiday treats that spark joy and conversation.
• Homemade Holiday Tradition: Capture the essence of Christmas in a jar, creating a personal touch that connects family and friends through the magic of homemade preserves and shared culinary moments.

What Goes Into Spiced Christmas Jam

• Cranberries: Tart berries that provide the jam's vibrant color and sharp flavor.
• Strawberries, Raspberries: Sweet berries that balance the cranberries' tartness, choose ripe and fresh for best results.
• Orange: Fresh juice adds brightness and helps blend fruit flavors, use freshly squeezed if possible.
• Apple: Provides natural pectin for thickening, grate a firm and crisp variety.

• Sugar: Essential for sweetness and preserving the jam, white granulated works best.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds classic holiday flavor, use ground cinnamon.
• Nutmeg: Adds depth and warmth to the jam's flavor profile, freshly grated is most aromatic.
• Cloves: Intense spice that contributes to the Christmas flavor, use ground cloves sparingly.

• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds subtle depth, use pure vanilla extract for best taste.

Easy Steps For Spiced Christmas Jam

Step 1: Kickstart the Fruit Fusion

• Fresh cranberries
• Juicy strawberries
• Grated crisp apple

Pour orange juice and let the mixture dance over medium heat, gently simmering and releasing their magical aromas.

Step 2: Transform the Fruit Symphony

Lovingly stir the bubbling mixture for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst open. Crush the fruits using a potato masher, creating a rustic texture that tells a delicious story.

Step 3: Sprinkle Festive Warmth

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Clove powder

Bring the concoction to a gentle boil, stirring frequently as the mixture transforms into a rich, glossy treasure.

Step 4: Test the Jam’s Perfection

Drop a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. Let it rest for a moment. Swipe your finger through – if the jam holds its shape without running, you’ve crafted jam magic.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touch

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, infusing a final layer of warmth. Carefully transfer the steaming jam into clean glass jars, leaving a tiny breathing space at the top.

Step 6: Preserve Your Culinary Creation

Allow jars to cool naturally. Refrigerate for short-term enjoyment or process in a boiling water bath for long-lasting preservation. Your spiced Christmas jam is ready to spread joy!

Pro Tips For Getting Spiced Christmas Jam Right

• Customize Fruit Variations: Swap raspberries with blueberries or use a mixed berry blend for a unique twist on this festive jam.
• Master Consistency Control: Gently mash fruits to achieve your preferred texture, from chunky to smooth, ensuring a personalized spread.
• Spice Intensity Adjustment: Reduce or increase spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to match your flavor preferences without overwhelming the natural fruit taste.
• Preserve Like a Pro: Use proper sterilization techniques for jars to extend shelf life and maintain the jam's vibrant flavor and safety.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Experiment with reduced sugar or natural sweeteners like honey for a healthier version of this Christmas jam.

Storing And Using Up Spiced Christmas Jam

• Refrigerate: Store the Christmas jam in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat Gently: Warm small portions in the microwave using short 10-15 second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
• Check Quality: Always inspect stored jam for any signs of mold, off-odors, or unusual color changes before consuming, discarding immediately if any spoilage is detected.

What Goes Well With Spiced Christmas Jam

• Spread Creamy Comfort: Pair this spiced Christmas jam with warm, freshly baked buttermilk biscuits or soft cream cheese on crusty sourdough toast for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Elevate Cheese Platters: Complement sharp aged cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese with this vibrant jam, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors for holiday entertaining.
• Cocktail Companion Splash: Mix a tablespoon of the jam into sparkling prosecco or create a festive mulled wine cocktail, adding depth and a burst of holiday spice to your drink.
• Dessert Decadence Drizzle: Swirl the jam over vanilla bean ice cream, fold into cheesecake batter, or use as a glaze for holiday ham to transform simple desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Try A New Twist On Spiced Christmas Jam

• Berry Blast Fusion: Swap strawberries with mixed berries like blueberries and blackberries for a complex, deeper flavor profile that adds vibrant color and extra antioxidant punch.
• Tropical Warmth Remix: Replace orange juice with pineapple juice and add a touch of ginger for a sunny, exotic spin that brings bright, zingy notes to the traditional Christmas jam.
• Spiced Apple Celebration: Increase apple quantity and incorporate dried apple chunks for an intensified apple essence, complementing the existing warm holiday spices with richer fruit undertones.
• Citrus Holiday Burst: Incorporate lemon zest and a splash of Grand Marnier liqueur to elevate the jam's brightness, creating a more sophisticated and complex flavor experience that tingles the palate.

Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive holiday spirits shine through this classic Spiced Christmas Jam, blending traditional warmth with seasonal cheer. Homemade preserves deliver rich flavors you’ll cherish during winter gatherings and delightful morning breakfasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 cups (250 grams / 8.8 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 cups (250 grams / 8.8 ounces) strawberries or raspberries, hulled
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and grated

Sweetener and Liquid:

• 2 cups (400 grams / 14.1 ounces) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Gather fresh, vibrant cranberries, ripe strawberries, and a crisp apple. Select a large, sturdy saucepan that will accommodate the fruity mixture comfortably.
2. Grate the apple and slice the fruits into manageable pieces. Pour orange juice into the saucepan, creating a fragrant liquid base.
3. Heat the mixture over medium flame, encouraging the cranberries to burst and release their rich, tart essence. Gently mash the fruits using a potato masher, creating a rustic texture that will define the jam’s character.
4. Introduce aromatic spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sprinkle sugar into the bubbling concoction, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even distribution.
5. Elevate the heat slightly, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle boil. Continue stirring, watching the consistency transform as the jam thickens and develops a glossy sheen.
6. Perform the cold plate test by dropping a small amount of jam onto a chilled surface. If the jam maintains its shape and doesn’t immediately spread, it has reached the perfect setting point.
7. Remove from heat and infuse with a splash of pure vanilla extract, stirring to incorporate the warm, sweet flavor throughout the mixture.
8. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Secure the lids tightly, creating an airtight seal.
9. Allow the jars to cool naturally at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator for short-term storage or process in a boiling water bath for long-term preservation.

Notes

• Select ripe, fresh fruits for the most vibrant and intense flavor profile in your Christmas jam.
• Adjust sugar levels based on the natural sweetness of your chosen berries to control overall jam sweetness.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise jam consistency if you’re uncertain about the traditional plate test method.
• Consider swapping white sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a more natural, deeper flavor variation that works well for health-conscious individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg