Every year, as soon as the first frost hits the windows, I feel the urge to make a batch of slow cooker christmas jam. There is something incredibly grounding about the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest filling the house while the weather turns cold outside.
For me, this recipe isn’t just about preserving fruit; it is about capturing the essence of the holidays in a jar. I remember helping my mother stir bubbling pots of fruit on the stove for hours, hoping not to scorch the bottom. This modern method takes all that stress away, allowing the slow cooker to do the heavy lifting while we focus on other traditions.
It has become a ritual to start a batch of this jam early in the morning on a snowy Saturday. While the fruit breaks down into a ruby-red spread, I often spend the time baking other treats, like cherry coconut magic bars, to build a truly festive dessert platter. The combination of sweet strawberries and tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
By the time the jam is ladled into jars, the kitchen smells like a holiday candle come to life. Whether I am spreading it on warm toast or wrapping a ribbon around a jar for a neighbor, this recipe brings me pure joy. It is a simple, heartfelt way to share the warmth of the season with the people I love.
Why you’ll love this slow cooker christmas jam
- It requires minimal hands-on time compared to traditional stovetop jams, letting you relax while it cooks.
- The combination of strawberries and cranberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that appeals to everyone.
- This slow cooker christmas jam makes for a stunning, budget-friendly edible gift that looks beautiful in mason jars.
- Your house will smell absolutely incredible as the warm spices and citrus zest simmer away all afternoon.
- It is incredibly versatile, working just as well on savory cheese boards as it does on your morning biscuits.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1 box (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
Directions
Step 1
Slow cooker christmas jam makes every moment feel velvety. Prepare your fruit by washing and hulling the strawberries, then dicing them into small, uniform pieces. Add these diced strawberries along with the fresh or frozen cranberries into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the granulated sugar, ensuring it covers the fruit evenly.
Step 2
Add the aromatic elements to the fruit mixture to build the flavor profile. Sprinkle in the orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground allspice. Use a large wooden spoon or spatula to stir everything well, ensuring the fruits are coated in the sugar and spices.
Step 3
Set your slow cooker to the High heat setting. It is crucial to leave the slow cooker uncovered during the cooking process. Cooking without the lid allows the excess moisture from the frozen berries and strawberries to evaporate, which is essential for the jam to thicken properly.
Step 4
Let the mixture cook for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the sugars from sticking to the sides. You will know it is ready for the next step when the cranberries have burst and the strawberries are very soft. The mixture should look dark, glossy, and significantly reduced.
Step 5
Once the fruit has broken down, decide on your preferred texture. Use a potato masher right in the pot for a rustic, chunky consistency that shows off bits of fruit. If you prefer a smoother spread, you can carefully use an immersion blender, but be gentle to avoid splattering hot liquid.
Step 6
Whisk in the powdered fruit pectin, stirring vigorously to ensure there are no clumps and it is fully dissolved into the hot fruit mixture. Continue cooking on High for another 30 minutes. This final burst of heat helps the pectin activate and sets the jam to your desired thickness.
Step 7
Turn off the slow cooker and remove the crock from the heating element if possible. Ladle the hot jam carefully into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little bit of space at the top. Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before securing the lids and placing them in the refrigerator.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
If you enjoy a bit of heat with your sweet, try adding a diced jalapeño pepper during the cooking process. The spicy kick pairs wonderfully with the tart cranberries and makes the jam an excellent glaze for roasted meats. Just be sure to remove the seeds if you want a milder heat.
You can also experiment with different spice blends to customize the holiday flavor. Replacing the allspice with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or cardamom adds a sophisticated floral note. A splash of vanilla extract added at the very end of cooking can also round out the tartness.
For a mixed berry version, swap half of the strawberries for raspberries or blackberries. This adds depth to the color and creates a more complex berry flavor. The cooking time remains the same, but the result feels entirely new.
Pairings
This jam is the ultimate companion for a holiday charcuterie board. It pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese. The acidity of the cranberries cuts through the richness of the dairy perfectly.
For a savory dinner option, use this spread as a condiment for roasted turkey or chicken. It serves as a fantastic, elevated alternative to traditional canned cranberry sauce. It also works well swirled into oatmeal or yogurt for a festive breakfast.
On the sweeter side, try sandwiching this jam between two shortbread cookies. The buttery crunch of the cookie contrasts nicely with the soft, sticky fruit. It also makes a great filling for thumbprint cookies or a topping for cheesecake.
Serving ideas
Presentation is everything when serving this ruby-red spread. Spoon it into a small crystal bowl with a gold spoon for an elegant touch at Christmas brunch. Garnish the bowl with a fresh sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick to hint at the flavors inside.
If you are hosting a holiday party, create a “make your own toast” bar. Set out different breads like sourdough, brioche, and rye, along with salted butter and this jam. It is an interactive way for guests to enjoy the food and creates a cozy atmosphere.
For a rustic look, serve the jam directly from the mason jar, tied with red and white baker’s twine. Place it on a wooden cutting board alongside a block of sharp cheddar and some artisan crackers. This simple setup invites guests to dig in and help themselves.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Since this is a refrigerator jam and not water-bath canned, it must be kept cold. Store the sealed jars in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon when serving to prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life.
If you want to keep the jam for longer, the freezer is your best friend. Leave about half an inch of headspace in the jar to allow for expansion as it freezes. The jam can be frozen for up to 6 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
While you can use glass jars for freezing, plastic freezer-safe containers are also a great option to avoid breakage. Label each container with the date so you know exactly when to use it by. This ensures you can enjoy a taste of Christmas even in July.
Make-ahead
This recipe is perfect for getting ahead of the holiday rush. You can make a large batch in early December and have gifts ready for the entire month. The flavors actually meld and deepen after sitting for a day or two in the fridge.
If you are prepping for a specific event, you can measure out all your spices and sugar the night before. Keep the fruit in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to dump everything into the slow cooker. This makes your morning prep take less than five minutes.
You can also freeze the raw fruit mixture with the sugar and zest in a freezer bag. When you are ready to cook, simply dump the frozen block into the slow cooker. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the initial cooking time to account for the frozen ingredients.
Common mistakes when making Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
- Leaving the lid on the slow cooker prevents evaporation, resulting in a runny sauce rather than a thick jam.
- Adding the pectin too early can cause it to break down effectively, so always add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Not chopping the strawberries small enough can lead to uneven cooking, leaving you with large chunks that haven’t fully softened.
- forgetting to stir occasionally can cause the high sugar content to caramelize and burn on the edges of the crock.
- Using old spices that have lost their potency will result in a bland jam, so check your expiration dates before starting.
Final notes
Making this slow cooker christmas jam is one of the most rewarding low-effort recipes you can try this winter. It transforms humble ingredients into something luxurious and special with barely any work on your part. The result is a versatile spread that captures the magic of the season in every bite.
Don’t be afraid to double the recipe if you have a large slow cooker, as these jars tend to disappear quickly. Whether you keep it all for yourself or share it with friends, the ruby color and warm spice flavor are sure to impress. It is a small homemade touch that makes the holidays feel just a little bit warmer.
I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions, just as it has for me. There is truly nothing like the satisfaction of popping open a jar of homemade jam on a cold morning. Enjoy the process, savor the smells, and happy cooking!
Loved this Slow Cooker Christmas Jam? Try these next
- Cherry coconut magic bars
- Cook Reel
- Homemade candied pecans
- Corn black bean guacamole
- Easy chocolate cake
Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
This festive blend of sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and warm holiday spices creates a ruby-red spread perfect for gifting or Christmas morning toast.
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings (makes 4 half-pint jars) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1 box (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
Instructions
- Add the diced strawberries, cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir well to combine the fruits with the sugar and spices.
- Set the slow cooker to High. Cook, uncovered, for about 3 hours. Leaving the lid off allows excess moisture to evaporate so the jam can thicken properly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the fruit has broken down and is soft, use a potato masher for a chunky consistency or an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Whisk in the powdered fruit pectin until fully dissolved. Continue cooking on High for another 30 minutes, or until the jam has thickened to your liking.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Let them cool completely at room temperature before securing the lids and refrigerating.
Notes
This jam makes an excellent edible gift. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. For a smoother jam, strain half the mixture to remove cranberry skins before adding the pectin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg