Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Jam | Amazing Holiday Treat

Festive, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make this Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Jam blends cranberries, strawberries, and warm holiday spices for a homemade treat that truly tastes like Christmas in a jar. Perfect for gifting or spooning onto warm biscuits, it brings bright color and cozy sweetness to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Christmas Jam

This Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Jam captures the cozy joy of the holidays in the simplest way possible. You toss everything into the slow cooker, and it does the rest. The mix of cranberries and strawberries creates that perfect balance of sweet and tart, while cinnamon and allspice fill your kitchen with the scent of the season. It spreads beautifully on toast, swirls perfectly through yogurt, and even pairs with cheese boards. Plus, because it uses frozen fruit, you can make it anytime without worrying about fresh produce.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Jam

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Tart cranberries and sweet strawberries simmer together until thick and jewel-toned. The mix of light brown sugar and white sugar deepens the flavor while keeping it bright. Ground cinnamon, allspice, and ginger give it that unmistakable Christmas warmth. Frozen berries make it easy and affordable, but you can also use fresh ones for a brighter, chunkier texture.

Ingredient Breakdown

Cranberries: Bring a tangy, festive flavor and help the jam set naturally.
Strawberries: Add natural sweetness and smooth texture.
White sugar: Keeps the color vivid and enhances the fruit flavor.
Light brown sugar: Adds molasses notes for depth.
Allspice: Gives a round, holiday spice aroma.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and sweetness.
Ginger: Lifts everything with gentle heat and freshness.

Substitutions: Use maple syrup, coconut sugar, or erythritol for a lighter touch. Fresh ginger or a pinch of nutmeg and cloves can swap in for ground allspice.

How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Jam

Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients

Place frozen cranberries and strawberries into your slow cooker. Add both sugars, allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir until the fruit is coated evenly. Don’t add any water — the berries will release plenty of juice as they cook. This helps the jam thicken naturally without becoming runny.

Step 2 – Cook Slowly and Stir Occasionally

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to trap steam and flavor. The mixture will bubble and soften as the fruit breaks down and the sugars caramelize slightly.

Step 3 – Blend to Desired Texture

Once soft and fragrant, carefully transfer the hot mixture for your Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Jam to a blender. Pulse twice for a chunky, spreadable jam that looks as good as it tastes. Avoid pureeing completely — a little texture keeps it interesting. Always handle hot mixtures with care to avoid splatters.

Step 4 – Spoon Into Sterilized Jars

Using a ladle, spoon the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Leave a little headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean and secure the lids loosely. If you’re unsure how to sterilize jars, simply boil them for 10 minutes or run them through a dishwasher cycle with heat dry.

Step 5 – Cool and Store

Let the jars cool completely at room temperature before tightening the lids fully. Then refrigerate overnight. The jam will thicken further as it chills, developing that perfect spoonable consistency.

Tips for the Best Homemade Christmas Jam

For a thicker Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Jam, crack the lid slightly during the last hour of cooking. To test doneness, spoon a little onto a chilled plate if it holds its shape, it’s ready. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this releases heat and slows cooking. For a stronger spice flavor, increase the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg.

Substitutions and Flavor Variations

You can use fresh berries if you prefer a more vibrant fruit flavor. Swap maple syrup for some of the sugar for a deeper sweetness. Coconut sugar or dark brown sugar adds richness, while stevia or erythritol makes it lower in sugar. Replace allspice with equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a classic holiday blend. Try adding orange zest for a citrusy twist.

How to Serve Your Christmas Jam

This jam pairs beautifully with biscuits, scones, or toast, but you can also spread it over pancakes, waffles, or cheesecake. It’s amazing on cheese boards, especially with brie or sharp cheddar. For something creative, swirl it into yogurt or spoon over vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.

If you love this kind of holiday recipe, check out Spiced Peach Jam for festive spreads or Strawberry Rhubarb Jam for holiday breakfast tables.

Storage and Preservation Options

Keep your jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 6 months just leave space at the top for expansion. If you enjoy canning, you can safely store sealed jars for up to a year. Always check that lids are sealed properly before storing at room temperature.

Quick Recipe Summary

Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Total time: ~250 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Yields: 4 jars
Storage life: Up to 1 year (if canned)

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• Easy Peach Cobbler for a classic Christmas dessert
• Cherry Vanilla Jam as a fruity holiday alternative
• Mini Sweet Potato Pies for a warm Christmas dinner finish
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for easy holiday mains
• Peppermint Bark Brownies for festive sweet gifting

Conclusion

Making Tasty Slow Cooker Christmas Jam is pure kitchen joy. You simply combine everything, let it simmer, and end up with something that tastes like the holidays themselves. It’s an easy, thoughtful gift that spreads cheer from breakfast to dessert. Whether you’re hosting brunch or wrapping jars with ribbons, this jam captures the warmth and sweetness of the season perfectly. For more festive ideas, visit me on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook.

Print