If you’re searching for a cozy, festive treat to brighten your holiday mornings or add a burst of flavor to your seasonal gatherings, you absolutely have to try the Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe. This sweet-tart jam combines the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh cranberries and strawberries with the warm embrace of classic holiday spices, all slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot. It’s effortlessly simple yet irresistibly delicious, making it a must-have for charcuterie boards, gift baskets, or just a spoonful on your morning toast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven white bowls and dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, with a red cloth on the left side. The top right bowl is filled with shiny, red fresh cranberries. Below it, a smaller white bowl holds a smaller amount of shiny cranberries. To the left of that, a medium white bowl is full of frosted cranberries covered in white sugar. Above it, another bowl contains plain white granulated sugar. Below the frosted cranberries is a bowl of light brown sugar with a smooth surface. To the left of that, a small bowl holds several cinnamon sticks vertically stacked. At the bottom right corner, a white dish with two compartments contains white granulated sugar in one and a few loose cranberries next to it. Three wooden spoons rest on the right side of the setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients list is straightforward but powerful. Each component plays a vital role: cranberries deliver that delightful tartness, strawberries add sweetness and depth, sugars balance the flavors and help thicken the jam, and the spices bring holiday warmth and complexity to every bite.

1 1/2 pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen: The star tart fruit that provides a bright, tangy foundation perfect for balancing sweetness.
1 1/2 pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen: Richly sweet to complement the cranberries and give the jam a luscious texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering, allowing the berry flavors to shine.
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar: Brings a mild molasses richness that deepens the jam’s flavor and adds moisture.
2 teaspoons ground allspice: A warm, aromatic spice that invokes festive holiday notes.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic spice that enhances warmth and pairs beautifully with fruits.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick for extra dimension.
Optional: zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the jam with citrusy freshness and balances sweetness.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by placing the cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and all your spices into the crockpot. Gently stir everything together until well combined. This helps distribute those cozy holiday flavors evenly throughout the fruit before cooking.

Step 2: Slow Cook on High

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for four hours. Be sure to stir once halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure the fruit breaks down evenly. The slow cooking lets the cranberries burst and meld beautifully with the strawberries and spices, naturally thickening the mixture.

Step 3: Blend to Desired Texture

Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot or carefully transfer the hot mixture to a countertop blender in batches. Pulse just two to three times so you retain a jam-like, slightly chunky texture—smooth enough to spread but still full of delightful bits of fruit.

Step 4: Jar the Jam

Ladle the hot jam into clean jars, making sure to wipe the rims so they seal properly. Secure the lids loosely as the jam cools to allow steam to escape. Let it cool completely at room temperature before placing jars in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight

For the best flavor and consistency, refrigerate your Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to marry and the jam to set perfectly.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe

The image shows six glass jars filled with bright red jam that has small seeds evenly spread inside. Each jar has a shiny silver lid tightly on top. The jars are placed close together on a white marbled surface, with the front jar in clear focus and the other five jars softly blurred in the background. The jam looks thick and vibrant with a smooth, shiny texture inside the clear glass jars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few fresh cranberries or a small sprig of rosemary on top when serving to add a festive touch that’s both beautiful and aromatic. A light dusting of cinnamon or a twist of orange zest also makes your presentation pop with holiday cheer.

Side Dishes

This jam is incredibly versatile. Pair it with warm buttery biscuits for a comforting breakfast or alongside sharp cheeses on a holiday charcuterie board for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It also makes a delightful topping for yogurt or oatmeal, adding a punch of seasonal flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Serve the Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe tucked into little ramekins with a spreader, or package it in pretty glass jars tied with twine and a festive tag for heartfelt gifts. You can even swirl some into cream cheese for a holiday dip that will wow everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover jam in the refrigerator tightly sealed to maintain freshness. It will stay deliciously good for up to two weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it beyond the holidays.

Freezing

If you want to save your jam for longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers leaving some headspace for expansion. When you thaw it, the texture remains luscious, perfect for your next festive occasion or a quick spread on toast.

Reheating

To bring your jam back to its fresh-from-the-crockpot warmth, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps revive the soft, spreadable texture without cooking away the vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh for this jam?

Absolutely! Whether fresh or frozen, both work wonderfully in the Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe. Just keep in mind that frozen berries may release more liquid, but the slow cooking will still yield a beautiful jam.

Is this jam shelf-stable or does it need to be refrigerated?

This is a refrigerator jam, meaning it is not shelf-stable. It must be kept in the refrigerator once cooled to stay safe and fresh. Always include this note if gifting.

Can I adjust the spice levels in this recipe?

Definitely! The spice combination enhances the warm holiday flavor, but feel free to tweak the amounts of cinnamon, allspice, and ginger based on your taste preferences. Start small and add more if you want it spicier.

How long will the jam keep in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, your Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe will stay fresh for around two weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I use this jam for baking?

Yes! This jam is fantastic as a filling in thumbprint cookies or swirled into cakes and muffins. Its balance of tart and sweet with warm spices adds a lovely holiday twist to baked treats.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm holiday hug. Its simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and rich seasonal flavors make it a joyful addition to your kitchen this season. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with your loved ones — it’s truly the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with a spoonful of sweetness and spice.

Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Spice Crockpot Jam Recipe

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4.1 from 44 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 cups of jam

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and flavorful Christmas Jam made with fresh cranberries, strawberries, and warm holiday spices like allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. This sweet-tart jam is slow-cooked in a crockpot for a perfect spread on holiday breakfasts, charcuterie boards, or for gift-giving during the season.

Ingredients

Fruit

1 1/2 pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 1/2 pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen

Sugars

1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar

Spices & Flavorings

2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Optional: zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Add the cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and all the spices into the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook Mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
Blend Jam: Once cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot or transfer the hot mixture in batches to a countertop blender. Pulse just 2 to 3 times to achieve a jam-like texture while keeping some fruit chunks.
Jar Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Wipe the rims to remove any residue and secure lids lightly but not tightly to allow some air circulation as it cools.
Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jars cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the jam overnight to set fully before serving or gifting.

Notes

This jam is refrigerator-only and not shelf-stable; it must be kept refrigerated or frozen.
For gifting, always include a note informing recipients to store the jam in the refrigerator or freezer.
Optional citrus additions such as orange zest or lemon juice can enhance the brightness and flavor complexity of the jam.
Use fresh or frozen berries depending on availability; frozen works well without compromising flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Condiment
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American