Christmas Jam Canning Recipe

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing more heartwarming than the aroma of sweet, spiced jam simmering on the stove. This Christmas Jam Canning Recipe is a delightful fusion of strawberries, cranberries, and holiday spices that captures the very essence of Christmas in a jar. With its vibrant ruby-red color, tangy-sweet flavor, and festive aroma, it’s the perfect homemade gift or addition to your breakfast table during the holiday season.

Christmas jam combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of cranberries, balanced beautifully by a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether spread on toast, spooned over pancakes, or given as a thoughtful homemade gift, this jam adds cheer and warmth to any occasion. Let’s explore how to make this cozy, spiced jam at home and preserve the magic of Christmas in every spoonful.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Christmas Jam Canning Recipe, and here are just a few of them:

1. Festive Flavor Explosion: A perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and aromatic spices that tastes like Christmas morning.
2. Gift-Worthy Creation: Fill beautiful jars, tie with ribbon, and gift to loved ones — a homemade touch that everyone appreciates.
3. Beginner-Friendly Canning: This recipe uses simple canning techniques, ideal for both beginners and seasoned preservers.
4. Long Shelf Life: Properly canned, this jam can last up to a year — meaning you can enjoy Christmas flavor anytime!
5. Versatile Use: Spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, layer on desserts, or pair with cheeses and meats for a festive twist.
6. Naturally Beautiful Color: The vibrant red hue looks stunning in glass jars and makes for an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.

🍓 Ingredients

🍯 How to Make Easy Christmas Jam Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Rinse your strawberries and cranberries thoroughly under cool water. Hull the strawberries and cut them into halves or quarters depending on size. If using frozen fruit, allow them to thaw slightly. Combine both fruits in a large saucepan or heavy-bottomed pot.

Step 2: Mash and Simmer

Using a potato masher, gently crush the fruits until they release their juices. Add orange juice, lemon juice, and orange zest to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the fruits to soften for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add Pectin and Spices

Sprinkle in the fruit pectin while stirring continuously. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to infuse that cozy holiday aroma. If you notice foam forming on the surface, stir in the optional butter to minimize it.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Boil

Gradually add the sugar while stirring constantly to dissolve it completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil — one that cannot be stirred down — and boil for exactly 1 minute while stirring continuously. This step activates the pectin and ensures the jam sets properly.

Step 5: Test the Set

To check if your jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then push it gently with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly, it’s ready. If not, boil for another 30 seconds and test again.

Step 6: Jar the Jam

Ladle the hot jam carefully into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal. Place the lids and rings securely but not too tight.

Step 7: Process the Jars

Place the filled jars into a boiling water canner, ensuring they are fully submerged with at least 1 inch of water above them. Process for 10 minutes (adjust time if at higher altitude).

Step 8: Cool and Store

Remove the jars carefully and let them cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid — it should not pop up. Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed jars can last up to 12 months.

🎁 Variations

This Christmas Jam Canning Recipe is endlessly customizable. Try these festive variations for fun twists:

• Apple Cinnamon Christmas Jam: Add 1 cup finely chopped apples and increase cinnamon for a cozy, apple-pie-like taste.
• Cranberry Orange Jam: Skip the strawberries and double the cranberries with orange zest for a citrus-forward version.
• Berry Medley Jam: Mix in raspberries or blueberries for extra fruity depth.
• Spiced Wine Jam: Replace half the orange juice with red wine for a luxurious, grown-up flavor.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a low-sugar pectin and replace sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for canning.

🍽️ Cooking Note

• Always sterilize jars and lids before filling to prevent spoilage.
• Ensure your canning pot has enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
• If foam forms during cooking, skim it off gently before jarring for a clearer finish.
• Use a non-reactive pot (like stainless steel) to prevent the fruit’s acidity from reacting with the metal.

🥞 Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Jam is not just for toast! Try it in:

• Swirled into Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast.
• As a filling for thumbprint cookies or linzer cookies.
• Spread between cake layers or on top of cheesecake.
• Served alongside brie cheese or charcuterie boards.
• As a glaze for roasted meats like ham or turkey.

Each serving delivers that perfect holiday sweetness with a touch of tartness that complements both sweet and savory dishes.

💡 Helpful Tips

• Always test the jam for set before canning to avoid runny results.
• Avoid reducing sugar unless you’re using low-sugar pectin, as sugar helps the jam gel.
• Label jars with decorative tags for easy gifting.
• Store opened jars in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 weeks.
• For smoother jam, blend the cooked fruit mixture lightly before adding pectin.

🕒 Timing Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

🧾 Nutritional Information (per tablespoon)

Calories: 45
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 1mg

🍇 Tips for the Best Christmas Jam

1. Use fresh, ripe fruit: The better your fruit, the more vibrant your jam will taste.
2. Maintain boiling consistency: Don’t under-boil — a full rolling boil is key for the jam to set.
3. Use accurate measurements: Too much or too little sugar or pectin can alter texture.
4. Cool properly: Let jars cool slowly to maintain seals and prevent cracks.
5. Test seals: If a jar doesn’t seal properly, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen strawberries and cranberries work beautifully. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Q2: Do I need a canning pot?
While a canner is best, you can use a large stockpot with a rack at the bottom to keep jars elevated.

Q3: How long will the jam last?
Properly sealed jars last up to 12 months in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3–4 weeks.

Q4: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, if using low-sugar pectin. Otherwise, reducing sugar may result in softer jam that doesn’t set as firmly.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
It’s best to make jam in small batches. Larger quantities can affect gelling and consistency.

🎅 Conclusion

This Christmas Jam Canning Recipe perfectly captures the warmth and spirit of the holidays in every spoonful. With its delightful mix of strawberries, cranberries, citrus, and spice, it’s a festive treat you’ll want to make year after year. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, gifting it to friends, or adding it to your holiday breakfast table, this jam brings comfort, color, and cheer to every bite.

Make this holiday season truly memorable by preserving the taste of Christmas in your own kitchen. One batch of this jam, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again!