Jolly Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe for Homemade Holiday

As the holiday season wraps its festive charm around us, this spiced christmas jam recipe emerges as a delightful culinary treasure.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and cloves dance through the kitchen, promising a spread that captures winter’s cozy essence.

Berries burst with rich, deep flavors that blend seamlessly with subtle holiday spices.

Each spoonful tells a story of comfort and tradition.

Homemade jams carry a special magic that store-bought versions can never replicate.

The vibrant crimson color reflects the season’s spirit, making this jam a perfect gift or breakfast companion.

Spread the joy and savor every delectable moment of this festive creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Spiced Christmas Jam

• Cranberries: Tangy winter berries that provide a vibrant, festive tartness and beautiful deep red color.
• Strawberries: Sweet summer fruit adding natural sweetness and smooth texture to the jam.
• Raspberries: Alternate berry option bringing intense fruity flavor and delicate fragrance.
• Apple: Grated fruit helps thicken the jam and adds subtle natural sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Bright citrus liquid that enhances fruit flavors and adds complexity.

• Cinnamon: Aromatic spice bringing cozy warmth and traditional holiday spirit.
• Nutmeg: Delicate, slightly sweet spice that adds depth and complexity to the jam.
• Cloves: Intense, pungent spice delivering rich, warming undertones.

• Sugar: Essential sweetener that balances tartness and helps jam set.
• Vanilla Extract: Smooth, rich flavoring that softens and rounds out spice notes.

Basic Tools For Spiced Christmas Jam

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking and simmering the fruits and ingredients together.
• Potato Masher or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mashing and breaking down the fruits to create the right jam texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring sugar, spices, and liquid ingredients.
• Chilled Plate: Helps test the jam's consistency by seeing how it sets when cooled.
• Ladle: Useful for transferring hot jam into sterilized jars smoothly and safely.
• Sterilized Glass Jars with Lids: Necessary for storing and preserving the Christmas jam.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring the mixture and preventing sticking.

How To Prepare Spiced Christmas Jam

• Fruity Foundation

Gather a delightful mix of vibrant cranberries, sweet strawberries, and a zesty apple in a large saucepan. Pour in fresh orange juice to create a luscious base that will dance with flavor.

• Fruit Transformation

Gently simmer the fruity blend, coaxing the cranberries to burst and soften. Lovingly crush the mixture with a potato masher, creating a rustic texture that tells a story of homemade goodness.

• Spice Magic

Introduce a warm blend of sugar and aromatic spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – that will wrap your jam in a cozy holiday embrace. Let the mixture bubble gently, thickening into a rich, glossy treasure.

• Jam Perfection Test

Check the jam’s readiness with a classic kitchen trick. Drop a small amount on a chilled plate and watch how it sets. When it holds its shape with a gentle finger trail, you’ve crafted jam perfection.

• Final Flourish

Pull the pan from the heat and whisper in a splash of vanilla extract. Carefully transfer the warm, fragrant jam into sterilized jars, sealing in the holiday spirit.

• Preservation and Enjoyment

Let the jars cool naturally, then tuck them into the refrigerator. Your homemade jam will be a delicious companion for up to three weeks, ready to spread joy on morning toast or holiday gifts.

Tips For Perfecting Spiced Christmas Jam

• Festive Fruit Swap: Experiment with different berry combinations like blackberries or blueberries to create unique flavor profiles that still capture the holiday spirit. Each fruit brings its own magical twist to the classic Christmas jam.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Dial up or down the warm spices according to personal preference. Those who love intense holiday flavors can increase cinnamon and nutmeg, while more subtle palates might prefer a gentler spice blend.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace traditional sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a diabetic-friendly version. Use pectin specifically designed for low-sugar recipes to ensure proper jam consistency without compromising taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This jam can be prepared weeks in advance, making it perfect for holiday gifting. Store in decorative jars with festive ribbons for a homemade present that feels personal and thoughtful. Sealed properly, the jam becomes a delightful edible gift that spreads Christmas cheer.
• Dietary Adaptations: The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based. Consider using organic fruits and spices for a premium, health-conscious version that everyone can enjoy.

Creative Ways To Serve Spiced Christmas Jam

• Festive Breakfast Companion: Spread this spiced Christmas jam generously on warm, buttered toast or freshly baked scones for a delightful morning treat that captures holiday cheer.
• Holiday Cheese Pairing: Serve alongside a cheese board with aged cheddar, brie, or goat cheese for a sophisticated appetizer that balances sweet and savory flavors during festive gatherings.
• Dessert Swirl Magic: Fold into vanilla yogurt, layer between cake layers, or use as a topping for cheesecake to add a burst of Christmas-inspired fruity warmth and spice.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package in decorative jars with festive ribbons for a homemade holiday gift that shows personal care and culinary creativity to friends and family.

Store Spiced Christmas Jam The Smart Way

• Festive Jam Refrigeration: Seal cooled jars in airtight containers, keeping them chilled for maximum freshness up to 3 weeks.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Allow jam to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance taste and spreadability.
• Gift-Ready Packaging: Decorate sealed jars with festive ribbons, personalized labels, or holiday-themed fabric covers for charming homemade presents.
• Smart Serving Suggestions: Pair this spiced jam with warm toast, scones, holiday breads, or use as a glaze for roasted meats and desserts for versatile culinary enjoyment.

Festive Christmas Jam Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas jam blends sweet and spicy notes from traditional holiday ingredients. Warm cloves, cinnamon, and cranberries create a delightful spread you’ll cherish during seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) strawberries or raspberries, hulled
• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and grated
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather cranberries, strawberries, and apple. Select a large saucepan to accommodate the fruity mixture comfortably.
2. Initial Cooking: Grate apple and slice fruits. Pour orange juice into saucepan. Heat over medium flame, encouraging cranberries to burst and release their tart essence. Gently mash fruits using potato masher to create a rustic texture.
3. Seasoning and Sweetening: Introduce aromatic spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sprinkle sugar into the bubbling mixture, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even distribution. Elevate heat slightly, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle boil.
4. Consistency Check: Continue stirring, observing the jam’s transformation. Perform cold plate test by dropping a small amount onto a chilled surface. If the jam maintains its shape without spreading, it has reached the perfect setting point.
5. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and infuse with vanilla extract, stirring to incorporate warm, sweet flavor throughout the mixture. Carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving minimal space at the top.
6. Preservation: Secure jar lids tightly to create an airtight seal. Allow jars to cool naturally at room temperature. Transfer to refrigerator for short-term storage or process in boiling water bath for long-term preservation.

Notes

• Select Seasonal Fruits: Choose peak-ripeness cranberries and strawberries for maximum flavor intensity and natural pectin content, ensuring a more robust and vibrant jam.
• Control Sugar Levels: Adjust sugar gradually while tasting, preventing overwhelming sweetness and maintaining the natural tartness of the fruits, especially for those monitoring sugar intake.
• Master Consistency Technique: Watch jam’s thickness carefully during cooking, using cold plate test to achieve perfect gel-like texture without becoming too runny or overly solid.
• Preserve Safely: Follow strict sterilization protocols for jars and lids, preventing bacterial contamination and extending jam’s shelf life, with boiling water bath processing recommended for long-term storage.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg