There’s something magical about December mornings when the house smells like cinnamon and simmering fruit. This Slow Cooker Christmas Jam recipe fills the kitchen with warmth and holiday cheer while you barely lift a spoon. The slow cooker does the work, and you get a ruby-red jam perfect for toast, gifts, or spoonfuls straight from the jar.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
This Slow Cooker Christmas Jam recipe brings all the cozy flavors of the holidays into one easy jar. The slow cooker keeps things simple while cranberries and strawberries melt into a sweet-tart blend with cinnamon and cloves. It’s hands-off, deeply flavorful, and made with just a few ingredients.
You can spread it on biscuits, glaze ham, or pack it into pretty jars for homemade gifts. It’s festive, flexible, and absolutely foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (12 oz.) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 (16 oz.) container frozen strawberries in sugar (partially thawed)
- 4 cups white sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 2 (3 oz.) pouches liquid fruit pectin (such as Certo)
You can also use fresh strawberries instead of frozen by adding a little extra sugar. For a citrus note, toss in some orange zest.
Ingredient Notes
Cranberries add that beautiful tart base and ruby color. Use fresh ones if possible since they burst perfectly while cooking. The frozen strawberries in sugar create natural sweetness and balance. Pectin helps the jam set, giving it that classic spreadable texture.
Cinnamon and cloves bring warmth and depth. You can also stir in orange zest for a bright, fragrant twist.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
- Add cranberries, frozen strawberries (and their syrup), sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Stir gently until everything looks coated in sugar.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring every hour.
- Blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the liquid pectin until well combined.
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of space at the top.
- Wipe the rims clean, add lids, and tighten bands.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Always stir every hour so the jam doesn’t stick. An immersion blender gives a silky finish, though you can leave it chunky if you prefer texture. For a seedless version, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
How to Store and Preserve
Once cooled, keep your Slow Cooker Christmas Jam in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for 6 months. Remember, this is a freezer jam, so it’s not shelf-stable unless properly canned using the water bath method.
Sterilize jars before filling to keep everything safe and fresh. If gifting, tie a little ribbon around the jar once it’s cooled — it makes a sweet holiday gesture.
Serving Ideas
Spread this jam over buttered toast or warm biscuits. It’s also wonderful spooned over cream cheese with crackers for a quick appetizer. You can even brush it over ham or chicken as a glaze for a festive dinner.
Try pairing it with brie or cheddar on a charcuterie board. It adds color, sparkle, and that unmistakable holiday flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, just add ¼ cup extra sugar to balance the sweetness.
What can I use if I don’t have pectin?
Simmer the jam a little longer until it thickens naturally. The texture will be softer but still delicious.
Can this jam be canned for shelf storage?
Only if properly processed using the water bath method. Otherwise, keep it refrigerated or frozen.
Slow Cooker Christmas Jam Recipe Card
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Slow Cooker Christmas Jam | Easy & Festive Homemade Gift
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: about 5 half-pint jars 1x
Description
Sweet-tart Christmas jam with cranberries, sugared strawberries, cinnamon, and cloves. The slow cooker makes it easy. Perfect for toast, gifts, and holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients
1 (12 oz.) bag fresh cranberries
1 (16 oz.) container frozen strawberries in sugar (partially thawed)
4 cups white sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 (3 oz.) pouches liquid fruit pectin (such as Certo)
Instructions
1. Add cranberries, frozen strawberries (including the juice), sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Stir until combined.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring every hour.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the jam mixture until smooth.
5. Add the liquid pectin and stir well to incorporate.
6. Ladle the jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
7. Wipe rims, add lids, and screw on bands.
8. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze.
Notes
For a smoother jam, push through a fine mesh strainer after blending.
Great as a holiday gift.
You can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen and add 1/4 cup extra sugar.
Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
Sterilize jars before use for safety and freshness.
This is a freezer jam and not shelf-stable unless properly canned.
Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Christmas Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love this Slow Cooker Christmas Jam, you might also enjoy my Spiced Peach Jam Recipe for summer flavor or this Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe that’s sweet and tangy.
For something berry-rich, try the Cherry Vanilla Jam Recipe, or use this jam alongside The Best Cherry Pie Recipe. You might even serve it after enjoying Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Christmas Jam recipe makes the holidays taste like home. It’s simple, cozy, and bursting with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make — and how happy it makes everyone who tastes it.
Whip up a batch, share a few jars, and let the season shine in every sweet spoonful. Tag me on Pinterest or join our festive chats on Facebook. I’d love to see your creations.