There’s something magical about the holiday season — the twinkling lights, the cozy warmth, and the sweet scent of something delicious simmering on the stove. This Christmas Red Jam captures all of that festive spirit in a jar.
Made with fresh cranberries and strawberries, it’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a vibrant ruby-red color that looks just as beautiful as it tastes. Whether you spread it over warm toast, swirl it into yogurt, or gift it to loved ones, this jam is the ultimate way to bring a little joy to your holiday table.
Ingredients
5 cups fresh cranberries
4 cups strawberries, hulled
4 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
This simple combination creates a rich, fruity jam with the perfect balance between the tanginess of cranberries and the natural sweetness of strawberries. The lemon juice helps preserve the color and adds a light, citrusy brightness that enhances the flavor.
Preparing the Fruit
Start by rinsing both the cranberries and strawberries thoroughly under cool water. Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them into halves or quarters depending on their size.
Place all the fruit in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. The cranberries will pop as they cook, releasing their natural pectin, which helps the jam set beautifully. The strawberries add smoothness and depth, turning the mixture into a perfect festive blend.
Cooking the Jam
Add the sugar and lemon juice to the pot with the fruit. Stir to coat everything evenly, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps draw out some of the natural juices, which will give the jam a richer texture.
Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring often to prevent sticking. As the cranberries begin to burst, the mixture will thicken and turn into a glossy, deep red syrup. Reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking for about 25 to 30 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the jam coats the back of a spoon and doesn’t slide off too quickly. You can also test it by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate — if it sets slightly after a few seconds, it’s done.
Blending for Smoothness (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to gently blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. For a more rustic, chunky texture, leave the fruit pieces as they are — they’ll give the jam a beautiful homemade look and a burst of real fruit flavor in every bite.
Canning and Storing
While the jam is still hot, carefully ladle it into sterilized glass jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean and seal the jars tightly with lids.
If you plan to store the jam for several months, process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation. Let them cool completely before labeling and storing.
For immediate use, simply seal the jars and refrigerate once cooled. The jam will stay fresh for up to four weeks in the fridge or up to a year if properly canned.
Serving Ideas
Christmas Red Jam isn’t just a spread — it’s a festive delight that adds a burst of holiday flavor to almost anything.
• Spread it on toast, bagels, or warm croissants for a cheerful breakfast.
• Swirl it into oatmeal or Greek yogurt for a fruity twist.
• Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or linzer cookies.
• Serve it with cheese and crackers for a stunning appetizer.
• Brush it over roasted meats like ham or turkey as a glaze.
It’s also perfect for gifting — simply decorate the jars with a bit of ribbon or twine, add a handwritten label, and you have a thoughtful homemade present that’s sure to bring smiles.
Tips for the Perfect Jam
• Use fresh fruit whenever possible — it gives the jam a bright, lively flavor.
• Stir frequently while cooking to prevent burning at the bottom.
• If your jam seems too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water and stir well.
• If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar toward the end of cooking.
• For an extra festive touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Christmas Red Jam so special is its simplicity and versatility. It brings together two fruits that perfectly balance each other — cranberries for tartness and strawberries for sweetness. The result is a jam that’s rich in color, bursting with flavor, and festive in every way.
The natural pectin from the cranberries helps the jam thicken without any need for artificial additives, giving it a homemade texture that feels real and comforting. The lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also preserves that stunning, jewel-like red color that’s perfect for Christmas.
Every spoonful feels like a taste of the holidays — bright, cheerful, and made with love.
Home-Cook Review
“I made this jam for Christmas last year, and it was a huge hit! The color is stunning, and the flavor is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. I gave jars to my family and neighbors as gifts, and everyone loved it. It’s now a holiday tradition — I make a big batch every December!”
Storage and Shelf Life
When stored properly in sterilized, sealed jars, this jam can last up to one year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within four weeks for the best flavor and freshness.
For longer storage, you can freeze it in airtight containers — just make sure to leave some space at the top, as jam expands slightly when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Final Touch
Christmas Red Jam is more than just a recipe — it’s a jar full of holiday joy. From its beautiful color to its fruity aroma, every element captures the warmth and cheer of Christmas time.
It’s easy to make, full of natural ingredients, and absolutely delicious. Whether you serve it at breakfast, give it as a gift, or enjoy it with your favorite holiday desserts, this jam will always bring a little extra sparkle to your season.
So gather your cranberries and strawberries, let the sweet scent fill your kitchen, and make this festive jam part of your family’s Christmas tradition.