You’ll love this jam because it captures the cozy, bright flavors of the holiday season — a mix of sweet strawberries and tart cranberries, touched with citrus and warm spices. It’s easy to make, uses seasonal (or frozen) fruit, and results in a vibrant, festive spread — perfect on toast, with bread, or as part of a holiday gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
300 g fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen)
300 g cooking apples (peeled, cored, thinly sliced) — optional for a milder fruit base
1 – 2 oranges: zest and juice (about 150 ml juice + zest from the peel)
600 g granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon mixed spice (or a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) — optional
A small pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Directions
Rinse the cranberries (and apples if using). Peel, core and thinly slice the apples; peel and zest the oranges, then juice them.
In a heavy pot, combine cranberries, apple slices (if using), orange juice and zest, and the mixed spice.
Cover and gently simmer on low heat until apples soften and cranberries burst (about 10 minutes).
Lower heat, add the sugar, and stir until completely dissolved — break up the apple slices gently with the back of a spoon.
Increase heat and bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Continue boiling, stirring often, until jam thickens (about 5 minutes).
To test for set-point: place a small spoon of jam on a cold plate; if it gels (wrinkles when you push it), it’s ready. Otherwise boil a little longer and test again.
Once set, remove from heat and carefully pour into clean, hot sterilized jars. Seal jars while hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 jars (≈ 220 ml each).
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Storage/Reheating
If jars are properly sealed (water bath or sterilized jars), store in a cool, dark cupboard — jam should keep up to 12 months.
After opening, keep in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.
To reheat for serving: warm gently in a small pan on low heat or microwave briefly; avoid prolonged heating so flavor remains fresh.
FAQs
What if I don’t have cooking apples — can I skip them?
Yes — the apples add a softer fruit base and extra natural pectin, but you can skip them and rely on cranberries (and citrus) alone. The jam will still set, especially if you boil it to the right consistency.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Yes. Cranberries and strawberries (if substituted) freeze well. Thaw or partially thaw them before using.
Do I need to add pectin?
Not necessarily. Cranberries (and apples) contain natural pectin, which helps the jam set — so you can make this jam without added pectin.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes — you can reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a tarter jam, but too little sugar may affect the set. Try reducing sugar by 10–15% and test the jam for setting.
Can I leave out the spices or orange?
Absolutely — the citrus and spices add festive flavor, but the jam will still work without them. It’ll be more of a basic berry jam, but still tasty.
How do I check when jam is done?
Use the “cold plate test”: spoon a bit of jam onto a chilled plate, let it cool for a minute — if the jam wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s set.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes — you can double ingredients. Just ensure you use a sufficiently large pot and be ready for longer boiling to reach the proper set.
Is this jam good as a gift?
Yes — it’s ideal for homemade gifts. Just fill jam into sterilized jars, seal properly, and decorate with a ribbon or label.
Can I use this jam as a condiment (not just spread)?
Yes — it works great as a spread, on cakes or pastries, or even as a topping for desserts or yogurt.
How long does it take to make from start to finish?
About 35–40 minutes total (prep + cooking).
Conclusion
This Christmas Jam is a simple yet festive preserve that brings together tart cranberries, bright citrus, and warm spice — a wonderful taste of the season. Whether spread on bread, used in desserts, or given as a homemade gift, it’s a cozy, delicious way to celebrate.
A festive, sweet-tart jam made with cranberries, citrus, and warming spices. This vibrant preserve captures the flavors of the holiday season and makes a perfect homemade gift or spread for toast, desserts, and more.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 jars (approx. 220 ml each)
Category:Condiment
Method:Boiling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
300 g fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
300 g cooking apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (optional)
Zest and juice of 1–2 oranges (approx. 150 ml juice)
600 g granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon mixed spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Rinse cranberries and apples (if using). Peel, core, and slice apples. Zest and juice the oranges.
In a large heavy pot, combine cranberries, apples, orange juice and zest, and spices.
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, until apples soften and cranberries burst.
Reduce heat, add sugar, and stir until completely dissolved. Gently mash apples with the back of a spoon.
Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Boil for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens.
Test for set using the cold plate method: place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s done.
Once set, remove from heat and pour into hot, sterilized jars. Seal immediately while hot.
Notes
Use cooking apples for a milder flavor and extra natural pectin, but they’re optional.
The jam sets without added pectin thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries and apples.
Use the cold plate test to check for proper set.
You can adjust spices or citrus to taste — or omit for a simpler fruit jam.
For gifting, decorate sealed jars with ribbon or labels after cooling.
