Homemade Christmas Jam – Easy Canning Recipe With Fruit And Spice

For me, this recipe brings back memories of bustling kitchens and the hum of family catching up over holiday meals. I remember my grandmother simmering big pots of preserves on the stove while the rest of us decorated cookies or wrapped presents.

The smells sweet, spicy, and fruity would fill every corner of the house, mingling with the scent of pine from the Christmas tree and wood from the fireplace. This Spiced Christmas Jam holds that nostalgia in every jar. It’s a modern view on the preserves I grew up with, yet it tastes like it’s been part of family holidays forever.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Spiced Christmas Jam

This jam brings together classic holiday flavors with simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Cranberries and Raspberries: Fresh cranberries give a tart, rich base to the jam, while raspberries add a sweet, mellow balance that makes this jam truly unique.
• Sugar: To balance the tartness of the berries, we add granulated sugar. It also helps in the setting process, giving the jam its satisfying texture.
• Orange Zest and Juice: The orange adds brightness, enhancing the festive profile of the jam with a hint of citrus.
• Apple and Raisins: The apple gives extra body to the jam, while raisins add natural sweetness and a bit of chewiness.
• Spices—Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Allspice: These classic winter spices add depth, warmth, and that unmistakable holiday aroma. Together, they give this jam its “spiced” signature.

Crafting the Perfect Spiced Christmas Jam: An Overview

Making this jam at home is a straightforward process that involves simmering the ingredients to coax out their flavors and achieve a beautifully thick texture. Here’s how it all comes together:

Preparing the Berries

Start with fresh cranberries and raspberries, which you’ll simmer with water until the berries begin to burst and soften. This initial cooking breaks down the fruits and forms the foundation of your jam.

Adding the Sweetness and Citrus

Once your berries are tender, you’ll add sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir these in until the sugar dissolves completely—this is when the magic really starts! The aroma of citrus mingling with the fruits creates a deliciously festive scent.

Spicing Things Up

With the fruit mixture simmering away, it’s time to sprinkle in the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a dash of allspice. Stir them in thoroughly so they’re well distributed throughout the jam. At this stage, the jam will start to look and smell like Christmas in a pot.

Perfecting the Texture

Continue simmering the mixture for about 20-25 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir it occasionally to prevent any sticking. To test the consistency, place a spoonful on a cold plate. If it holds a gelled shape, your jam is ready. If not, let it cook a little longer, checking periodically.

Preserving Your Jam

Once your jam reaches the perfect consistency, ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, secure the lids, and process the jars in a boiling water bath to ensure they’re properly sealed. Let them cool fully before storing.

For another unique jam that brings a sweet and savory twist to your pantry, try our Balsamic Strawberry Jam Recipe.

Serving Information

• Yield: 2 jars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: 70 per tablespoon

Tips for Making the Best Spiced Christmas Jam

Making jam can be a bit of an art, and here are some tips to help you perfect it:

• Choose Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and raspberries will give the best flavor. Frozen berries can work in a pinch, but they may release more liquid and require longer cooking.
• Adjust the Spices: Feel free to increase or decrease the spices based on your preference. If you love cinnamon, a bit more can make the jam even cozier.
• Sterilize Your Jars Properly: Sterilizing your jars is essential for safe canning. Run them through the dishwasher or boil them in water before use, and always handle them with clean utensils.
• Use a Cold Plate Test: The cold plate test is a simple way to check the jam’s consistency. Keep a plate in the freezer, then place a bit of the jam on it. If it gels, it’s ready; if not, simmer it a bit longer.

If you’re a fan of mixed berry flavors, don’t miss our delightful Berry Medley Jam Recipe for even more fruity inspiration.

Festive Serving Suggestions

Spiced Christmas Jam can be enjoyed in so many ways, from simple to sophisticated. Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Toast or Scones: Slather it on warm toast or freshly baked scones for a quick taste of Christmas in every bite.
• Cheese Pairing: Serve it with a cheese board—its sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with creamy brie, tangy blue cheese, or sharp cheddar.
• Dessert Topping: Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream or stir it into Greek yogurt for a festive treat.
• Glaze for Holiday Meats: Use it as a glaze for roasted meats like ham or turkey. It adds a wonderful, slightly tangy sweetness to savory dishes.
• Homemade Gift: Jar up your Spiced Christmas Jam with a pretty ribbon and a label—it’s the perfect holiday gift that friends and family will adore.

Now Over to You

There’s nothing like homemade jam to add a bit of warmth and personal touch to the holiday season. I hope this Spiced Christmas Jam recipe becomes one of your seasonal traditions, just as it has in my own home. Enjoy it with loved ones, share it with friends, or savor it as a quiet treat just for you. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience—leave a comment below, or tag us on social media if you try it out!