There’s nothing like the fragrant steam and tangy-sweet scent that fills my kitchen when I fire up this Christmas Jam Recipe in the slow cooker. I first tested it one frosty morning, and the gentle bubbling and glossy surface had me spooning warm preserves onto crusty bread before the timer even rang. Through three more trials, I fine-tuned my orange slices for a more pronounced citrus zing and learned that a quick mash gives the ideal balance of silky smooth spread and tender berry bits.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Jam Recipe
- Aromatic blend of cranberries and orange that evokes holiday nostalgia
- Hands-off slow cooker method—start it in the morning, revisit at dinner
- Versatile jam for toast, cheese boards, or spicing up cocktails
- Cranberries offer a burst of vitamin C plus vibrant color on festive tables
A Little Background
Last December, I brought jars of this jam to a friends’ cookie swap and watched jaws drop as they tasted the first spoonful—crackling cold air outside, warm jam inside. Its roots trace back to old-fashioned cranberry preserves, updated for busy cooks with the low-and-slow method.
Key Ingredients for Christmas Jam Recipe
- Fresh cranberries (3 lb bag): the tart base; frozen berries work too if thawed first
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): balances acidity; adjust up to 2½ cups for sweeter jam
- Orange (1, thinly sliced): adds zesty depth; seedless for smooth texture
- Orange juice (1 cup): liquid component; freshly squeezed yields brighter flavor
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): warm spice note; swap for a cinnamon stick if preferred
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon): optional twist; stir in at end for fruity complexity
How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe
- Combine 3 lb cranberries, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup orange juice, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Stir gently until sugar grains are mostly dissolved and berries glisten.
- Tuck thin orange slices atop the mixture without stirring; they’ll infuse over time.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours, stirring once around the 2-hour mark to prevent sticking.
- Remove orange slices; mash berries with a potato masher or pulse briefly with an immersion blender for a silky—but still textured—spread.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon almond extract, then ladle hot jam into clean, sterilized jars.
- Secure lids, let jars cool on the counter, then refrigerate.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- During testing, I found that slicing the orange paper-thin maximizes citrus aroma without bitter pith.
- If jam seems too runny after 4 hours, cook uncovered on High for another 30 minutes; it will thicken as it cools.
- For a ginger-spiced twist, stir in ¼ teaspoon ground ginger alongside the cinnamon.
- Halving the batch works in a 3-quart cooker; double only if your machine is at least 8 quarts.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
After my fourth trial, I learned that chilled jam’s flavor deepens even more after a day in the fridge. Keep jars sealed at room temperature only if you process them in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes; otherwise, store in the fridge for up to three weeks or freeze for up to six months. Reheat gently on the stovetop for spreading.
Serving Suggestions
Picture glossy red jam dolloped onto warm scones, swirled into Greek yogurt with granola, or spooned alongside aged cheddar on a festive board. It even makes a vibrant glaze for roasted pork or turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Christmas jam last? Unprocessed and refrigerated: up to three weeks. Frozen: six months. Processed: up to one year on the pantry shelf.
- Can I use frozen cranberries for this jam? Yes—thaw completely and drain excess liquid before adding to the cooker.
- Do I need to sterilize jars for slow cooker jam? Always clean jars in hot, soapy water; process in a boiling-water bath to safely store at room temperature.
- Can I make Christmas jam without almond extract? Absolutely—omit or swap with ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a different aroma.
- Why is my jam too runny? If the mixture doesn’t set after chilling, return to the cooker uncovered on High for 20–30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- What can I serve with Christmas jam? It’s fantastic on toast, stirred into oatmeal, paired with cheeses, or even as a cocktail mixer.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Jam Recipe remains one of my favorite holiday rituals: the rich buttery smell of simmering fruit, the vibrant holiday color, and the delight of sharing tiny jars with neighbors. Give it a try, then tag me in your spread photos—I can’t wait to see how you enjoy yours.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- 5-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe – a quick, tangy spread that pairs beautifully with homemade jam
- Christmas Appetizer Recipes – festive starters to serve alongside your seasonal preserves
- Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies – soft, buttery cookies ideal for a dab of fruity jam
Christmas Jam Recipe
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 3 pounds fresh cranberries thawed if frozen
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 medium orange thinly sliced
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Finishing Touches
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract optional
Instructions
Fruit Mixture
- Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon in a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Arrange the orange slices on top without stirring; cover and cook on Low for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
Finishing Touches
- Discard the orange slices and mash the berries to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the almond extract, then ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars and let cool for 30 minutes before sealing.