Crockpot Christmas Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Christmas Jam is a festive blend of fresh cranberries, strawberries, and apples, simmered low and slow to create a rich, flavorful spread. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting, this jam brings warm spices and bright citrus notes together in one delightful jar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly, removing any stems or damaged berries. Chop the strawberries and apples into small pieces.
- Step 2: In the crockpot, combine the cranberries, strawberries, chopped apples, sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir well to coat all the fruit and sugar evenly.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the fruit pectin evenly over the top of the mixture without stirring. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the pectin to begin dissolving.
- Step 4: Gently stir the mixture to fully incorporate the pectin into the fruit and sugar blend.
- Step 5: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Stir occasionally, about every hour, until the fruit has broken down and the mixture has thickened.
- Step 6: Check the jam’s consistency. For a smoother texture, mash gently with a potato masher or blend briefly with an immersion blender.
- Step 7: Turn off the crockpot and let the jam cool for about 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Pour the jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little headspace. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Step 9: Your Crockpot Christmas Jam is ready to serve. Enjoy it on toast, biscuits, or as a festive topping!
Tips & Variations
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract before cooking.
- Use frozen fruit if fresh is not available; just shorten the cooking time slightly.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup total.
- To make the jam shelf-stable, consider processing the sealed jars in a hot water bath following safe canning guidelines.
Storage
Store the finished jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the jam in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to soften before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fruit pectin?
Yes, you can use other brands of fruit pectin, but be sure to follow the packet instructions as some pectins may require different amounts or preparation steps.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling apples is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling results in a smoother jam.
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Crockpot Christmas Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of jam 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Christmas Jam is a festive, homemade fruit preserve made with fresh cranberries, strawberries, and apples, infused with warm spices and zesty orange. Slow-cooked in a crockpot for 6-8 hours, it develops a rich, thickened texture perfect for spreading on toast or serving alongside holiday dishes.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
Sweeteners & Flavorings
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly, removing any stems or damaged berries. Chop the strawberries and peeled, cored apples into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Combine ingredients in crockpot: In the crockpot, mix cranberries, strawberries, chopped apples, sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, orange juice, and orange zest together. Stir to evenly coat the fruit with sugars and spices.
- Add fruit pectin: Sprinkle the fruit pectin evenly over the top of the mixture without stirring. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the pectin to dissolve slightly for better thickening.
- Stir to combine: Gently stir the mixture until the fruit pectin is fully incorporated and the ingredients are well combined.
- Slow cook the jam: Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally, about every hour, until the fruits have broken down and the jam thickens to your liking.
- Adjust texture: Check jam consistency and if you prefer a smoother texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend the jam to your desired smoothness.
- Cool the jam: Turn off the crockpot and let the jam cool inside for about 30 minutes to slightly set before handling.
- Jar the jam: Pour the jam into clean, sterilized jars leaving headspace, seal tightly, and allow to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Enjoy: Your Crockpot Christmas Jam is ready to be enjoyed on toast, with cheese, or as a festive addition to your holiday meals.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe fruits for natural sweetness and flavor.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to preserve jam longer.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste or substitute with a sugar alternative if desired.
- This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- Stir the jam periodically during cooking to prevent scorching on the sides of the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas jam, crockpot jam, slow cooker jam, cranberry jam, strawberry jam, holiday preserves, homemade jam
