This Spiced Christmas Jam is a festive, cozy, and wonderfully aromatic holiday preserve that tastes like Christmas in a jar. Made with bright cranberries, sweet strawberries, warming cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of citrus, every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spiced flavor. It spreads beautifully over biscuits, toast, pancakes, and scones, but it’s also stunning as a glaze for ham, a topping for cheesecake, or a swirl in yogurt. With its jewel-red color and nostalgic holiday aroma, this jam makes an unforgettable homemade gift and transforms even the simplest breakfast into a warm seasonal treat. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the most magical Christmas scent — fruity, spicy, and perfectly cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Christmas Jam
You’ll love this recipe because it’s festive, flavorful, and unbelievably versatile. The combination of strawberries and cranberries gives it a perfect sweet-tart balance, while the warm spices turn it into a truly holiday-worthy preserve. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to gift to friends and family. Additionally, it stores beautifully, tastes better as it sits, and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you spread it, swirl it, spoon it, or gift it, this jam brings the magic of the holidays to every bite.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you want a holiday recipe that’s comforting, homemade, and guaranteed to impress, this jam delivers. It’s far more flavorful than store-bought spreads, and you can customize the spice level to your taste. The process is simple — simmer, blend, and jar — yet the result tastes like something from a gourmet market. It’s a wonderful way to use seasonal cranberries, and it elevates baked goods, breakfast items, and desserts with vibrant flavor and holiday warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 orange (zested and juiced), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 4 cups granulated sugar, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin. Optional add-ins: a splash of vanilla, a cinnamon stick while boiling, or a pinch of allspice for deeper warmth.
How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1 – Prepare the Fruit: Rinse strawberries and cranberries. Stem the strawberries and cut large ones in half. Place all fruit in a large heavy pot.
- Step 2 – Add Citrus and Spices: Stir in orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Step 3 – Heat and Add Pectin: Turn heat to medium-high. Add the powdered pectin and stir constantly. Bring the fruit mixture to a full rolling boil.
- Step 4 – Add Sugar: Pour in the sugar all at once and stir continuously. When the mixture returns to a hard boil, cook for 1 full minute without stirring.
- Step 5 – Blend Slightly (Optional): For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Leave some texture if you prefer chunkier jam.
- Step 6 – Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims, secure lids, and seal tightly.
- Step 7 – Process or Cool: For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. For immediate use, let the jars cool completely before refrigerating.
Tips for the Best Spiced Christmas Jam
Use fresh cranberries for the brightest color. Don’t reduce the sugar or the jam may not set. Add spices gradually and adjust to taste. Blend gently to keep texture. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching. Stir constantly after adding sugar. Heat thoroughly to activate the pectin. Sterilize jars to extend shelf life. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place. Use within 1 year for best flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cran-Apple Christmas Jam: Replace half the strawberries with diced apples.
- Vanilla Spice: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla after removing from heat.
- Cinnamon Stick Version: Simmer with a whole cinnamon stick for deeper spice.
- Orange Cranberry Jam: Add extra orange zest for brighter citrus notes.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar by half.
- Ginger Twist: Add ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
- Berry Blend: Replace strawberries with raspberries or cherries.
- Boozy Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons spiced rum after cooking.
- Nutmeg-Forward: Increase nutmeg and add allspice for warmth.
- Smooth Jam: Blend fully for a silky, spreadable result.
What to Serve With Spiced Christmas Jam
Spread on biscuits, toast, scones, pancakes, waffles, bagels, or English muffins. Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal. Use as a cheesecake topping or cake filling. Add to charcuterie boards with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. Glaze ham, turkey, or pork tenderloin. Mix into holiday cocktails or mocktails.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- To Store: Sealed jars last up to 1 year in a cool pantry. Opened jars keep 3–4 weeks in the fridge.
- To Freeze: Freeze jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- To Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or a small saucepan if you prefer a pourable consistency.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make this without pectin? Yes, but it will require longer simmering.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Absolutely — no need to thaw.
- Is it very spicy? No, the spice is warm and subtle. Adjust to taste.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Only with low-sugar pectin.
- Can I can this jam? Yes, water-bath canning works perfectly.
- Can I make a smooth jam? Blend until fully smooth.
- Can I use raspberry instead of strawberry? Yes, it’s delicious.
- Does it taste like cranberry sauce? It’s sweeter, spiced, and more jam-like.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, use a very large pot.
- How long does it last? 1 year sealed, 3–4 weeks opened.