I remember the slow cooker bubbling on the counter the night I declared we would have a fancier holiday breakfast than usual. The house smelled like cinnamon and bright cranberries while I chased socks, refereed a sibling spat, and tried not to set a timer for “forever.” That little pot saved my sanity, and by morning the kitchen felt like a tiny miracle. That morning’s Christmas Jam tasted like a warm apology, like the day itself had been stitched together with sugar and laughter. Meanwhile, the kids declared it the best thing since sliced bread, and I learned that an easy crock pot recipe can feel like love on a spoon.

Why Make This Christmas Jam

This jam is pure comfort and convenience with a side of farmhouse charm. You can drop fruit, sugar, and spice into a slow cooker, walk away, get real life done, and come back to a homemade jar of joy. It deserves a spot on your weeknight menu because it makes ordinary mornings feel special, and it stretches a simple jar into gifts, toast toppers, and hoarded refrigerator smiles.

This recipe grew from small family chaos. My aunt would bring a simmering pot over to our farmhouse kitchen, and the whole family would hover, pretending not to be impatient. It became a tradition when I realized that holiday food doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead, it should be forgiving, warm, and a little loud. After that realization, I started using the slow cooker more, because it fits into real life: errands, farm chores, school drop-offs, and the occasional dog hair incident.

If you like the cozy idea of a jam that smells like the season and acts like an easy hostess trick, you will like how this fits into your days. It plays well with other homemade things too, like a fresh loaf of bread or a tray of cookies. You can even pair it with a tangy cheese board and call it fancy. For more ideas that play nicely with jam in a holiday spread, check out this recipe for Christmas bread, which makes a lovely base for warm spreads.

How to Make Christmas Jam

“When the slow cooker’s humming and the kids are (mostly) quiet, you know it’s going to be a good dinner.”

Start with a simple picture in your head: bright red berries, a soft steam carrying cinnamon and nutmeg, and a pot that does the work while you do everything else. The textures change through cooking. Fresh strawberries give a tender sweetness, while cranberries add a firm, tart pop. Once cooked, the jam turns into a jewel-toned spread with flecks of spice and a glossy sheen. The smell should make you slow down for a second, breathe in, and be glad you made the choice to cook slow.

Before listing the ingredients, here’s a quick overview. You will layer fruit and sugar, add a little water and spices, and let the slow cooker do its thing. The jam thickens as the water evaporates and the fruit breaks down. From there, a touch of lemon brightens everything and balances sweetness. It is the kind of homemade thing that tastes better the next day when flavors mingle, but it also behaves wonderful warm on toast.

Gathering the Ingredients

2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced
2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon lemon juice

You might forget the lemon until you taste it, and then you will be glad you went back to find it. Also, if you accidentally buy salted butter for something else, no judgment it still works for other recipes. This jam keeps things simple: grocery staples, pantry spices, and fruit you can find during the holiday season. If you want a slightly deeper flavor, use brown sugar instead of white, and if you prefer a less sweet spread, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup. Meanwhile, frozen cranberries work perfectly, and they are a great last-minute rescue when your local market is out of fresh fruit.

If you like to pair jam with holiday cookies, try serving it alongside chewy cranberry orange cookies for a joyful plate that sings of season and warmth.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a slow cooker, add the strawberries, cranberries, sugar, water, and spices.
   Stir gently so sugar coats the fruit. This is the only fussy part; keep it simple.

2. Stir to combine and cover.
   Place the lid on, set your slow cooker, and walk away. This is the beauty.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the mixture thickens.
   Don’t panic if it looks thin early on; jam thickens as it cools and as the fruit breaks down.

4. Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
   The lemon brightens flavors and helps the jam set a touch. Taste, then adjust.

5. Allow to cool before transferring to jars for gifting or storing.
   Once cooled, spoon into clean jars. Label, date, and hide a jar for yourself.

Each step is forgiving. If your slow cooker runs hot, check closer to the 3-hour mark on high. If you like a chunkier jam, mash less. If you like it smooth, give it a quick pulse with an immersion blender after cooking. Also, remember that sugar acts as a preservative. If you plan to gift jars, make sure lids seal properly by warming jars slightly before filling. I once forgot this and ended up with a half-sealed jar that demanded immediate consumption. No one complained.

Bringing Christmas Jam to the Table

There is a small, practical joy in sliding a warm jar of jam onto the table and watching everyone’s face change. The smell draws people like a gentle alarm. The kids crowd around the toast rack, and adults sneak tiny tastes with spoons. It turns breakfast into a family event without requiring a full parade of pots and pans.

Serve Christmas Jam on buttered toast, warm scones, or a thick slice of homemade bread. A dollop beside cream cheese on a cracker makes an easy appetizer. You can also swirl it into plain yogurt or spoon it over ice cream for dessert. For a holiday brunch, set out a small board with soft cheeses, toasted nuts, and warm jam, then let guests build their own bites. It feels like something crafted with intention, but it required very little fuss.

If you love to match jams with other homemade treats, don’t forget a loaf or two for the table. For a classic combination, try pairing it with sweet cranberry jam recipes or house-baked bread. The combination of fresh, warm bread and a bright, slightly spiced jam turns a hurried meal into a slow cooker comfort meal.

Saving Christmas Jam for Tomorrow

Store jam in clean, airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you want longer storage, you can water-bath can jars for shelf stability, but that step requires confident lids and proper sterilization. For most homes, refrigerated jars are perfect.

To reheat, spoon a bit into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling; you do not want to alter the texture too harshly. Once cooled, jam often tastes better. The flavors mingle overnight and mellow into something deeper and more balanced. Meanwhile, if your jam thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon of warm water when reheating to loosen it.

For gifting, fill small sterilized jars while the jam is still warm, wipe rims, and seal. If you do water-bath can them, follow reliable canning guidelines to avoid spoilage. Personally, I like gifting jars with simple handwritten tags and a tiny spoon tied on. People love a thoughtful, homemade jar. It says you cared enough to slow down.

Ellie’s Slow-Living Tips

1. Use frozen fruit if fresh is sparse.
   Frozen strawberries and cranberries work just as well. Toss them in from frozen and add an extra 15-30 minutes on high if needed.

2. Keep a bowl for spoon tests.
   Taste as you go, and keep a little dish for adjustments. More lemon brightens, more sugar smooths, and a pinch more spice adds warmth.

3. Reclaim time by prepping earlier.
   Prep fruit the night before and store it in the fridge. From there, you can load the cooker in the morning and go about your day.

4. Double-batch smartly.
   If you want to make more, make sure your slow cooker is big enough. Otherwise, split batches between two cookers or cook sequentially.

5. Use simple jars and labels.
   A pretty ribbon and a handwritten note go a long way. Folks appreciate homemade details.

For little extras and different ways to use your jam around the holidays, try it with sweet treats like saltine cracker toffee for a plate that balances sweet and tart. These small pairings make the jam feel like a hub for many cozy moments.

Family Twists on Christmas Jam

Everyone around the farmhouse or neighborhood has a twist. My neighbor Ruth pours a splash of port in before the last half-hour for depth. It sounds fancy, but it is just a small bottle rescue from the back of her pantry. My sister adds a hint of orange zest for brightness, which I adore on scones. Grandpa used to toss in a handful of chopped pecans at the end for crunch when using it on warm biscuits.

Regional variation matters too. In some places, folks add clove for a sharper spice edge. In other homes, people prefer less sugar and more citrus. I once tried a maple-sweetened version and learned that maple pairs beautifully with cranberries, giving a woodsy note that feels very farm-chic.

If you want a boozy adult version, stir in a tablespoon of brandy or port after removing from heat. It keeps the jam safe for all but gives a grown-up wink. For a vegan-friendly twist, simply avoid any buttered accompaniments and mark jars clearly for guests. The point is to make it yours. Small changes can make big flavor differences.

FAQs About Christmas Jam

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker’s big enough. I once tried it in a smaller one, and let’s just say dinner was delayed. If you double, split between two cookers if possible.

Do I have to use fresh cranberries?
No, frozen cranberries work just fine. They thaw into the jam and keep the color bright. From there, cooking time might shift slightly.

Will the jam set without pectin?
Yes, this recipe relies on fruit and sugar to thicken naturally. It will be slightly less firm than store-bought pectin jams, but that’s part of its charm.

Can I can this for longer storage?
Yes, but follow proper water-bath canning standards. Sterilize jars, leave proper headspace, and process according to guidelines. If you’re new to canning, consult a trusted resource for exact times and safety.

What if my family doesn’t like spice?
You can reduce or omit cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. The jam will still be delicious; it will just be more straightforward fruit and sugar. Adjust to taste and remember you can always add spices later when reheating.

A Final Thought

Cooking in a slow cooker is a small act of calm in a noisy life. Christmas Jam is more than a recipe; it is a way to keep the house smelling cozy while you manage the day. It teaches that good food does not require perfection. You can have small mishaps and still end up with something that makes people smile.

I have spilled sugar on the floor, miscounted jars, and overfilled a slow cooker lid. Each time, the jam still turned out. That patience and forgiveness are why I keep this recipe in regular rotation. It is a homemade ritual that keeps the house humming and hearts content. So next time you need an easy crock pot recipe that doubles as a family favorite, remember this jar of warm, spiced goodness. It is a tiny tradition in a busy world.

Conclusion

If you want to explore a darker, spicier take on the idea, check out this lovely version at Spiced Christmas Jam – Lord Byron’s Kitchen for inspiration and a slightly different spice profile. For a classic, crowd-loved riff on the same concept, the recipe at Christmas Jam offers a warm, family-oriented perspective that pairs well with the slow cooker method described here.

Enjoy the slow cooker comfort meal, the easy rhythms, and the sweet, small moments around the table.

Christmas Jam

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Eleanor Mae Jenkins
• Total Time: 315 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A warm and spiced cranberry and strawberry jam made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a slow cooker, add the strawberries, cranberries, sugar, water, and spices.
2. Stir gently so the sugar coats the fruit.
3. Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Allow to cool before transferring to jars for gifting or storing.

Notes

For a less sweet jam, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup or use brown sugar for deeper flavor. Using frozen cranberries works perfectly as well.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 300 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg