The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Breakfast » Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
by Sarah Olson on | Updated 21 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect homemade jam filled with tasty holiday spices, then this Slow Cooker Christmas Jam is a must-try. Skip the powdered pectin and the need to bring things to a full rolling boil and go for this dump-and-go fresh fruit recipe.
Other fruit recipes we love are Slow Cooker Banana Jam, and Blueberry Butter!
What is Christmas jam?
Also known as Amish Christmas jam, this sweet treat is typically made with fresh fruit, strawberries, cranberries, brown sugar, and spices. If you live near an Amish community, then you can grab a few jars from one of their shops. If not, you can try making this homemade jam, especially with this easy recipe.
You can make Christmas jam and pass some out in decorated half pint jars as Christmas gifts, but don’t forget to keep some for yourself!
Recipe Ingredients
- Cranberries: You can find fresh cranberries at your local grocery store during the late fall and early winter season.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries help mellow out some of the sweet tart flavor from the cranberries.
- Spices: Ground ginger, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg are classic wintertime seasonings that make this spiced Christmas jam irresistible.
- Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to this strawberry cranberry jam.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Add strawberries, cranberries, and all other ingredients into the crock pot.
Step Two – Stir everything together until the fresh fruit is well coated with the brown sugar and spices.
Step Three – Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Be sure to keep the lid on during the entire cooking process.
Step Four – When the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender (or blender or food processor) and pulse the fruit mixture until a jam forms.
How to serve Christmas Jam
- Christmas jam always tastes amazing served on toast, biscuits, or any bread of your choice.
- A dollop can also be put onto Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or served in the middle of a charcuterie board.
- Serving a bit on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream also sounds delicious. Add a touch of fresh orange zest for even more holiday flavor.
- Pour the Christmas jam over a brick of cream cheese and serve with crackers at your holiday party.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen fruit?
Yes, especially as cranberries and strawberries phase out of season. You may only be able to find frozen strawberries and frozen cranberries in your local grocery store.
Is this recipe okay for canning?
No. Canning recipes typically call for a few extra ingredients (lemon juice) and steps (hot jars); however, you can store the jam in mason jars for a couple of weeks in the fridge or freezer. This is what is referred to as freezer jam.
How do I store this Christmas jam?
As mentioned above, it can be stored in mason jars or in an airtight plastic container. Make sure it has cooled down and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze. If freezing, be sure to leave an inch of room at the top of the jars for the jam will expand as it freezes.
Why doesn’t this recipe call for powder or liquid pectin like other homemade jam recipes?
Cranberries naturally have pectin in them which is what causes the jam to thicken up while it cools.
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?
Yes. If you do not have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
Can I use a food processor with this jam recipe?
Yes. This Christmas jam recipe is simple and doesn’t call for much more than your slow cooker and a blender, food processor, or immersion blender.
Is it okay to use less sugar?
A lower sugar jam may result in it being a bit more tart, but if that’s what you like, go for it!
How do I prepare the jars for gift giving?
Decorate your prepared jars with festive ribbon and jam sticker if you can. Perfect gift idea for the holiday season. Be sure to tell your recipient that the jam needs to be refrigerated or frozen.
Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to mynewsletterand follow along onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, Tik Tok,andYouTube.
Slow Cooker Christmas Jam Recipe
4.78 from 18 votes
Make a festive cranberry/strawberry jam for the holidays! Great for serving for Christmas breakfasts or brunches or gift giving.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours
Total Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 20
Calories: 108kcal
Author: Sarah Olson
Equipment Needed:
Blender or immersion blender
Ingredients:
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 cups brown sugar
US Customary – Metric
Instructions:
Add everything to the slow cooker and stir.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
When the cooking time is up, add the contents from the slow cooker into a blender. Pulse until a jam forms. DO NOT OVER BLEND OR YOU WILL MAKE CRANBERRY BUTTER. You can use an immersion blender if you choose.
The jam will thicken a lot while it cools, don't fret. Cranberries have pectin in them.
Add the hot jam to jars or plastic freezer containers. Serve within 2 weeks or freeze. This is not a canning recipe.
Sarah’s Notes:
- This is not a canning recipe; this is a freezer jam (or fridge jam).
- If you do not have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
- Frozen cranberries and frozen strawberries can be used if you can’t find fresh.
- The Christmas jam can be stored in mason jars or in an airtight plastic container. Make sure it has cooled down and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze. If freezing, be sure to leave an inch of room at the top of the jars for the jam will expand as it freezes.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker
More Slow Cooker Jams and Sauces
- Slow Cooker Banana Jam
- Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Slow Cooker Warm Berry Compote
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
