Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, cozy spread that screams holiday spirit, this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe is absolutely the one to make. I love how simple it is to toss everything into the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a warm, fragrant batch of jam that’s packed with festive flavors. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand all season long—whether it’s for gifting, breakfast, or sneaking a spoonful when no one’s looking!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this jam is in its simple, wholesome ingredients that layer together to create a beautifully balanced flavor. Plus, most items are easy to find during the holiday season. Pro tip: choosing ripe but firm strawberries makes a big difference in the texture.

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, cranberries add that signature tartness that brightens up the jam.
• Strawberries: Fresh or frozen, strawberries bring natural sweetness and body to the mix.
• Granulated sugar: Balances tartness with sweetness and helps thicken the jam.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor and complements the spices beautifully.
• Ground allspice: This warm, aromatic spice gives the jam a cozy Christmas vibe.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic holiday spice that pairs wonderfully with berries.
• Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that lifts the overall flavor.
• Optional orange zest or lemon juice: These add a fresh citrusy note that brightens and balances the sweetness.

Variations

I love playing with this basic Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or for different gift ideas. Feel free to tweak the spices or sweeteners until it feels just right for you.

• Using Honey Instead of Sugar: I once swapped out the sugars for honey to give the jam a floral sweetness that was lovely but a bit less firm—great if you want a softer spread.
• Adding Orange Zest: Adding zest of one orange really lifts the whole jam and gives it a fresh twist that everyone noticed when I gifted jars last Christmas.
• Spicy Kick: For some heat, try mixing in a pinch of cayenne or black pepper—I was skeptical at first but it adds an unexpected warmth that’s perfect with toast.
• Low-Sugar Version: Just reduce the sugar amounts if you’re aiming for less sweetness—you’ll find it still jams up nicely thanks to the natural pectin in berries.

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients in the Crockpot

Start by dumping your cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and spices right into the crockpot. I usually give everything a good stir to make sure those sugars and spices are evenly mixed because this helps with even cooking. If you love a little citrus pop, toss in the orange zest or lemon juice here.

Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and set it to high for about four hours. This is one of my favorite things about the Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe—while it cooks, you can get holiday shopping done, wrap presents, or just relax with a cup of tea. Don’t forget to stir once around the halfway mark to help everything cook evenly and prevent sticking on the edges.

Step 3: Blend it to the Perfect Jam Texture

Once your fruit has softened and the mixture has thickened up nicely, it’s time to blend. I like using my immersion blender directly in the crockpot to puree the jam just two or three times—this keeps it chunky and jammy, not too smooth like jelly. If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend in small batches in a regular blender, but be careful—it’ll be hot! Let it cool a few minutes before blending to avoid splashes.

Step 4: Jar It Up and Chill

Spoon the hot jam into clean jars or containers, wiping the rims with a damp cloth before sealing. I found using slightly warmed jars helps prevent cracking from the hot jam. Let the jars cool at room temperature before popping them in the fridge overnight—they’ll thicken up beautifully by morning.

How to Serve Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of orange zest on top of a dollop of this jam when serving—it adds a pretty, festive touch that smells just as good as it tastes. Plus, it impresses guests without any extra work.

Side Dishes

This jam pairs darlingly with warm buttered toast, cinnamon swirl bread, or even on a cheese board alongside brie and crackers—my family goes crazy for it with cream cheese on bagels too. It’s that versatile!

Creative Ways to Present

Last year, I gifted this jam in small mason jars tied with twine and a cinnamon stick, along with a handwritten label. For a party, I like serving it in little ramekins with fresh berries on top and alongside gingerbread or shortbread cookies for dipping. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover jam in the fridge tightly sealed and usually enjoy it within 2-3 weeks. The flavors keep developing, and it stays fresh and spreadable—a perfect breakfast companion throughout the holidays.

Freezing

For longer storage, I portion the jam into freezer-safe containers and freeze it. It thaws beautifully in the fridge overnight without losing texture or flavor—great for making batches ahead to gift or use later.

Reheating

If your jam ever gets a bit chilled and thick in the fridge, warming it gently in a saucepan or microwave for a few seconds helps loosen it up without compromising the flavor or consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe has become a must-make in my holiday routine, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same once you try it. It’s so satisfying to serve homemade jam that’s brimming with real fruit and warming spices. Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or sharing it as a heartfelt gift, this jam brings a bit of kitchen magic and festive cheer to any table. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!

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