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Best Christmas Jam Recipe | Holiday Canning for Beginners


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 10 half-pint jars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This homemade Christmas jam combines sweet strawberries and tart cranberries for a festive, flavorful spread that’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifting, and entertaining. Ready in just 35 minutes, this strawberry-cranberry jam captures the taste and color of Christmas in every jar.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2½ quarts fresh strawberries, hulled (or 40 oz frozen, thawed)
  • 1 lb fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
  • 5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin (3 oz each)
  • Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp orange zest, ¼ tsp ground cloves, ¼ tsp ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling for 10 minutes or running through a dishwasher on high heat. Rinse and prepare strawberries and cranberries.
  2. In a food processor, grind the fruit until finely chopped but not pureed—keep visible fruit pieces for a jam-like texture.
  3. Transfer fruit to a Dutch oven and stir in sugar (plus optional spices). Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for exactly 1 minute.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in both pouches of liquid pectin, and return to a full boil for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Let the jam rest for 5 minutes, then skim off foam. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids.
  6. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, then cool undisturbed for 12 hours. Check seals before storing.

Notes

Use firm, fresh fruit for best results. Maintain the exact boiling times for proper gelling. Optional spices like cinnamon or orange zest enhance festive flavor. Avoid overprocessing fruit to retain jam texture.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Canning
  • Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 84
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: christmas jam, strawberry cranberry jam, holiday preserves, homemade jam, festive spread, easy jam recipe