Christmas Red Jam

A Festive, Jewel-Toned Spread That Brings Holiday Magic to Every Bite

There’s something truly enchanting about the flavors of Christmas — the bright reds, the cozy spices, and the sweet, fragrant warmth that fills the kitchen as the season begins. Christmas Red Jam captures all of those feelings in a single spoonful. It’s vibrant, rich, aromatic, and effortlessly festive.

Whether you’re spreading it on warm toast, swirling it into yogurt, glazing a holiday cake, or tucking jars into gift baskets, this ruby-red jam delivers pure holiday joy. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition — one you’ll want to make year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam

Gorgeous Holiday Color: That deep red hue makes every table look festive.
Rich, Seasonal Flavor: Cranberries, strawberries, currants, and warming spices create a beautifully balanced jam.
Perfect for Gifting: Homemade, cozy, and stunning in a jar.
Versatile: Delicious on baked goods, breakfast items, desserts, and charcuterie boards.
Easy to Make: No pectin required — just simmer, stir, and enjoy.

Ingredients

(For about 3–4 small jars)

Fruit Base

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped
1 cup red currants (optional, for extra tang)

Sweetener & Spices

1½ cups granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon grated nutmeg

Finishing Touch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Sharp knife & cutting board
Sterilized glass jars with lids
Funnel (optional but helpful)
Chilled plate for testing jam consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Fruit

Rinse all berries well. Hull and chop the strawberries. Remove stems from currants if using. Drain fresh cranberries if rinsed.

2. Cook the Fruit

Add all fruit to a large saucepan along with the orange juice.
Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.

3. Add Sugar & Spices

Stir in sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.

4. Check the Jam Set

Place a spoonful on a chilled plate.
If it wrinkles when pressed, the jam is ready.
If not, continue cooking for a few minutes.

5. Add Vanilla & Cool

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Let cool slightly before transferring to jars.

6. Fill & Store

Ladle warm jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks, or gift immediately.

Pro Tips

Taste as you go: Adjust sugar to balance tart berries.
Add more spice: A pinch of cardamom or ginger creates a deeper holiday flavor.
Go smooth: Use an immersion blender for a silky jam texture.
Gift-ready: Add ribbon and a handwritten tag for a beautiful homemade present.
Want longer shelf life? Process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Variations & Substitutions

No currants? Add extra strawberries or raspberries.
More citrus: Add orange zest for added brightness.
Try different spices: Allspice or star anise brings a warm twist.
Less sugar: Reduce to 1 cup for a tarter jam.

Serving, Pairing & Storage

Delicious Ways to Enjoy

Spread on toast, biscuits, or scones
Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
Serve with cheese boards
Use as a filling for cakes, cookies, or pastries
Glaze holiday meats or roasted veggies

Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks
Freezer: Up to 6 months in freezer-safe jars
Pantry: If properly canned, up to 1 year

FAQ

Can I make this with frozen fruit?
Absolutely — frozen berries work perfectly.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but the jam will be thicker and more tart. Adjust to taste.

Do I need pectin?
No — cranberries naturally contain enough pectin to set the jam.

Can I water-bath can this?
Yes. Process sealed jars in boiling water for 10 minutes.