Crockpot Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Apple Jam Recipe

If you have been on the lookout for a festive, luscious spread to brighten your holiday mornings or to gift loved ones, the Crockpot Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Apple Jam Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant seasonal fruits and a warming blend of spices, this jam delivers a perfect balance of tart and sweet, enhanced with comforting cinnamon and a citrusy zing. Best of all, it’s effortlessly made in your crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together slowly, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. This jam is a true holiday treasure to savor and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, providing depth, texture, and vibrant color while keeping the process wonderfully straightforward. Fresh fruits bring juiciness and natural sweetness, spices offer warmth, and a touch of citrus brightens everything up beautifully.

• 2 cups fresh cranberries: Their natural tartness is the star that wakes up your taste buds and adds that signature Christmas red.
• 2 cups chopped strawberries: Adds sweetness and a lovely softness that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
• 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored): Brings body and a subtle sweetness that balances the texture of the jam.
• 1 cup sugar: The foundational sweetener that helps preserve the jam and enhances the natural fruit flavors.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds richness and a slight molasses note that deepens the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The quintessential holiday spice that spices up every bite with warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing and complexity alongside the cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Intensifies the festive aroma with its earthy, slightly sweet heat.
• 1/2 cup orange juice: Brings freshness and a citrus sparkle that lifts the overall flavor.
• Zest of 1 orange: Concentrated citrus oils that add bright, fragrant notes.
• 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: Essential for thickening the jam to the perfect consistency without extra effort.

How to Make Crockpot Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Apple Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit

Start by washing the cranberries thoroughly, making sure to pick out any stems or soft berries so your jam stays perfectly fresh. Chop the strawberries and apples into small, uniform pieces — trust me, this helps everything cook evenly and gives the jam a pleasing texture.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place your cranberries, chopped strawberries, and apples into the crockpot. Add both sugars, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, orange juice, and the fresh orange zest. Give it a good stir so the sugars and spices coat the fruit evenly — this forms the delicious foundation of your jam.

Step 3: Add Fruit Pectin

Sprinkle the fruit pectin packet over the top of the mixture without stirring yet. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes so the pectin can begin dissolving — this little pause is key for setting the jam just right.

Step 4: Stir to Combine

After the pectin has settled, gently stir the entire mixture until everything is well combined and the pectin is fully integrated with the fruit and sugars. Now your jam is ready to slow cook.

Step 5: Cook on Low

Cover your crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the jam cook for 6 to 8 hours, stirring roughly every hour. This long, slow cook lets the fruits break down beautifully and the flavors deepen into that magical holiday blend we all crave.

Step 6: Check Consistency and Blend if Desired

Once cooking time is up, take a look at your jam’s texture. If you prefer a smoother jam, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to gently break down any larger fruit chunks — whatever suits your taste!

Step 7: Cool Before Storing

Turn off the crockpot and allow the jam to cool for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the jam thicken just a touch more and cool to a safe handling temperature.

Step 8: Jar Your Jam

Pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace for expansion. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely at room temperature before moving to the fridge. This step ensures your jam stays fresh and ready when you want to enjoy it.

Step 9: Enjoy Your Homemade Jam

Your Crockpot Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Apple Jam Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed — spread it on toast, dollop on yogurt, or gift a jar to a friend for festive cheer!

How to Serve Crockpot Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Apple Jam Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or a light dusting of cinnamon can beautifully accentuate the natural flavors in this jam. Fresh orange zest on top also adds a bright, colorful touch when serving.

Side Dishes

This jam pairs wonderfully with warm biscuits, freshly baked scones, or even toasted baguette slices. It’s also incredible served alongside creamy cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a sweet-and-savory treat that’s perfect during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try swirling this cranberry-strawberry apple jam into plain yogurt for a quick breakfast boost, or use it as a festive glaze for roasted meats like ham or turkey. Another fun idea is to spoon it over vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an unexpected holiday dessert. The possibilities with the Crockpot Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Apple Jam Recipe are delightfully endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover jam in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Make sure the jars are clean and sealed tightly to prolong shelf life and preserve the beautiful holiday flavors.

Freezing

If you want to keep your jam even longer, it freezes beautifully. Just transfer the jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and label with the date. It can stay frozen for up to six months without losing any of its delicious taste or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen jam, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer it warm, gently heat the jam in a saucepan over low heat while stirring until it reaches your desired temperature — perfect for spooning over breakfast dishes or desserts.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries, strawberries, and apples work well here. Just add them directly to the crockpot without thawing; cooking times might be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the consistency.

Is this jam very sweet?

This jam achieves a beautiful balance of tart and sweet thanks to the cranberries and sugars. You can adjust the sugar amounts to suit your taste, though reducing too much might affect the jam’s texture and preservation.

Can I make this jam without a crockpot?

Yes, you can! Use a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove, cooking the mixture over low heat for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent burning until the jam thickens. Just keep an eye on it in place of the slow cooker’s set-it-and-forget-it magic.

What types of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they break down slowly and add natural sweetness and slight tartness. Avoid very soft apples as they can turn mushy too quickly.

How long does it take to thicken in the crockpot?

The jam typically takes between 6 to 8 hours on low in the crockpot to reach a perfect thickness, but stirring occasionally helps monitor progress and ensures even cooking.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comforting feeling of making your own jam slowly bubbling in a crockpot, filling your home with festive aromas. This Crockpot Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Apple Jam Recipe is a loving little gift you give yourself during the busy holiday season. It’s simple, rewarding, and utterly delicious — perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Give it a try and watch it become a treasured holiday tradition!

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