1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Crockpot Christmas Jam Delight

Festive Crockpot Holiday Jam

Category: Festive Flavors: Celebrate the Season with Delicious Holiday Recipes

This crockpot holiday jam is loaded with seasonal flavors like cranberries, strawberries, apples, and a delightful mix of warm spices including cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Slow-cooked to perfection with orange juice and zest for a citrusy kick, this jam is a treat for winter mornings. Sprinkle in fruit pectin for a gel-like texture and let it simmer gently in your crockpot. Serve it on fresh pastries or toast for a festive twist. It's a delightful addition to your holiday table or a thoughtful gift for loved ones!

Pin Share Send Print Go to Recipe
Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:57:45 GMT
A bowl of red and white fruit with a green garnish. Pin
A bowl of red and white fruit with a green garnish. | zestplate.com

This Crockpot Christmas Jam is the ultimate festive treat, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Packed with vibrant cranberries, sweet strawberries, zesty oranges, and warm spices, this jam brings a comforting, seasonal twist to your breakfast or dessert table. Whether gifted to loved ones or enjoyed at home, it is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the aroma of Christmas.

I first made this jam as part of holiday gift baskets, and it quickly became the most requested recipe from family and friends. Its rich flavor and warm spices make it feel like Christmas in a jar.

Ingredients

  • Fresh cranberries: 1 cup. These add a tart burst and are essential for the jam's vibrancy and texture
  • Chopped strawberries: 1 cup. Provides sweetness and balances the cranberries beautifully
  • Chopped apples: 1 cup peeled and cored. Adds natural pectin and complements the berries
  • Sugar: 1 cup. For sweetness and preserving the final product
  • Light brown sugar: 1 cup packed. Enhances the richness with caramel notes
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Adds a warm holiday spice profile
  • Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon. Elevates the festive flavor with mild heat
  • Ground cloves: 1 teaspoon. A classic holiday spice that gives depth
  • Orange juice: 1 cup. Brightens the jam with citrusy freshness
  • Zest of 1 orange: Adds an extra layer of orange fragrance
  • Fruit pectin: 1 packet (1.75 oz) like Sure Jell. Ensures the jam thickens properly

How to Make Crockpot Christmas Jam

Prepare the Fruits:
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any stems or damaged berries. Chop the strawberries and apples into small, manageable pieces.
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Add the cranberries, strawberries, chopped apples, sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, orange juice, and zest into your crockpot. Mix thoroughly to ensure the fruits and sugars are evenly coated.
Add the Pectin:
Sprinkle the fruit pectin evenly over the mixture but do not stir yet. Allow the pectin to rest for 5 to 10 minutes so it can begin dissolving on the surface.
Combine and Integrate:
After the resting time, gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are fully combined and the pectin has been integrated throughout.
Start Slow Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the jam simmer gently for 6 to 8 hours, stirring every hour to blend the flavors and prevent sticking. During this time, the fruits will break down creating a cohesive jam.
Check Consistency:
After the cooking period, assess the jam's thickness. For a smoother texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to adjust to your desired consistency.
Cool and Store:
Turn off the crockpot allowing the jam to cool for about 30 minutes. Pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small amount of headspace. Secure the lids and allow them to cool entirely at room temperature before moving to the refrigerator.
A close up of a crockpot filled with a red fruit jam.
A close up of a crockpot filled with a red fruit jam. | zestplate.com

The cranberries are my favorite ingredient. Their tartness against the sweetness of the sugars and the warmth of the spices makes each bite irresistibly festive. I still remember my kids crowding around the crockpot asking when the jam would be ready because of how incredible the house smelled.

Storage Tips

For long-term storage, be sure to sterilize your jars properly and seal tightly. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers leaving space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Ingredient Substitutions

If cranberries are unavailable, substitute with frozen ones ensuring they are rinsed and used directly from the freezer. Apples can be replaced with pears for a softer and sweeter alternative.

A bowl of fruit with a red sauce.
A bowl of fruit with a red sauce. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

This jam tastes incredible on warm buttered toast, baked brie, or as a swirl in yogurts. Pair it with your holiday breakfast spread or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Recipe FAQs

→ What fruits are used in this holiday jam?

This jam uses fresh cranberries, strawberries, apples, orange juice, and orange zest for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.

→ What spices are included in this jam recipe?

The jam incorporates cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves for a warm and festive aroma.

→ How do I achieve a smoother jam texture?

To make the jam smoother, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to break down the fruits after cooking.

→ Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen fruits, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding to the crockpot.

→ How should I store the jam after cooking?

Pour the cooled jam into sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and refrigerate. For longer storage, consider processing the jars for canning.

→ How long does it take to make this jam in a crockpot?

The entire process takes about 6-8 hours of slow cooking, plus additional time for cooling and jarring.

Crockpot Christmas Jam Delight

A festive homemade jam with cranberries, spices, and fruits, prepared in a crockpot.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
480 min
Total Duration
500 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Holiday Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Output: Approximately 4-6 jars

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 cup fresh cranberries
02 1 cup chopped strawberries
03 1 cup chopped apples, peeled and cored
04 1 cup sugar
05 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
06 1 teaspoon cinnamon
07 1 teaspoon ground ginger
08 1 teaspoon ground cloves
09 1 cup orange juice
10 Zest of 1 orange
11 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (e.g., Sure Jell)

Directions

Step 01

Rinse the cranberries thoroughly, removing any stems or damaged berries. Chop the strawberries and apples into small pieces.

Step 02

In your crockpot, combine the cranberries, strawberries, chopped apples, sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir well to coat evenly.

Step 03

Sprinkle the fruit pectin over the mixture but do not stir. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to partially dissolve.

Step 04

Gently stir the mixture until the pectin is fully integrated and everything is combined.

Step 05

Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it on low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally every hour, until the mixture thickens and the fruits break down.

Step 06

After cooking, check the consistency. For a smoother texture, use a potato masher or an immersion blender as desired.

Step 07

Turn off the crockpot and let the jam cool for 30 minutes.

Step 08

Pour the jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving some headspace, and seal tightly. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

  1. Ensure all jars are properly sterilized to prevent contamination.

Required Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Potato masher or immersion blender
  • Clean sterilized jars

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 40
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Protein: ~