It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for me, that means one thing: Crockpot Christmas Jam. Every December, I pull out my trusty slow cooker and whip up a batch of this festive, fragrant jam. The aroma of simmering cranberries, orange, and warm spices fills the house, instantly putting me in the holiday spirit.
I remember the first time I made Crockpot Christmas Jam. It was a few years ago, and I was hosting my family’s annual Christmas party. I wanted to have a homemade treat that would wow my guests, but I didn’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. That’s when I stumbled upon this easy crockpot recipe, and it’s been a staple in our household ever since.
Now, I wouldn’t dream of a Christmas season without a few jars of this vibrant, flavorful jam in my pantry. It’s the perfect hostess gift, a delightful addition to a holiday charcuterie board, and a cozy topping for freshly baked scones or biscuits. Plus, it’s so simple to make – just 5 minutes of prep and 4 hours in the slow cooker, and you’ve got a holiday treat that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Why This Crockpot Christmas Jam Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crockpot Christmas Jam
The secret to this Crockpot Christmas Jam is in the slow-cooking process. By letting the cranberries, orange, and spices simmer low and slow, you allow all the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, complex taste. The long cooking time also helps the jam thicken to a perfect, spreadable consistency without the need for any pectin or additional thickeners.
Another key factor is the balance of sweet and tart. The 1 cup of granulated sugar perfectly offsets the natural tartness of the cranberries, creating a jam that’s not too sweet, not too sour – just pure holiday bliss.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The star ingredient in this recipe is, of course, the cranberries. Fresh or frozen, they provide the vibrant red hue and tangy flavor that makes this jam so festive. The 12 ounces of cranberries give you the perfect amount to make a generous batch.
The orange juice and zest add a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully. The 1/2 cup of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest pack a punch of flavor.
Rounding out the ingredient list are the warm spices – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice. These fragrant spices infuse the jam with cozy, holiday aromas that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a winter wonderland.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Christmas Jam Instructions
Preparing Your Crockpot Christmas Jam
With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 240 minutes (that’s 4 hours!), this Crockpot Christmas Jam couldn’t be easier to make. All you’ll need is a slow cooker and a few simple ingredients.
1- Start by giving your cranberries a good rinse and picking out any stems or damaged berries. Then, add the 12 ounces of cranberries to your crockpot.
2- Next, sprinkle in the 1 cup of granulated sugar and pour in the 1/2 cup of orange juice. Use a spoon to gently stir everything together, ensuring the cranberries are evenly coated.
3- Cover the crockpot and let the jam simmer on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. As the jam cooks, you’ll start to see the cranberries break down and the mixture thicken.
4- About halfway through the cooking time, add the 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice. Stir to combine and let the spices infuse the jam.
5- After 4 hours, your Crockpot Christmas Jam should be thick, jammy, and deeply flavorful. Give it a final stir, then ladle the jam into sterilized jars or containers.
6- Allow the jam to cool completely before sealing the jars. Once cooled, your Crockpot Christmas Jam is ready to enjoy! Serve it alongside baked goods, cheese plates, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful.
Pro Tips for Success
- For best results, use fresh or frozen cranberries. Avoid canned or jarred cranberries, as they can make the jam too watery.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste preference. If you like a tarter jam, try reducing the sugar to 3/4 cup. For a sweeter version, increase it to 1 1/4 cups.
- Don’t be afraid to let the jam cook for the full 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the thicker and more concentrated the flavors will become.
- Stir the jam occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or burning on the edges.
Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Christmas Jam
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Christmas Jam
This Crockpot Christmas Jam is the ultimate holiday condiment, making it a versatile addition to your seasonal spread. Serve it as a topping for freshly baked scones, biscuits, or croissants for a festive breakfast or brunch. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, on a holiday charcuterie board.
For a cozy winter treat, try spooning the jam over vanilla ice cream or serving it alongside pumpkin pie or gingerbread. And don’t forget the drinks – this jam is delicious stirred into hot apple cider or mulled wine. With 24 servings, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Crockpot Christmas Jam keeps incredibly well, so it’s the perfect make-ahead holiday treat. Once the jam has cooled completely, transfer it to clean, sterilized jars or airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, the jam can be frozen for up to 6 months. Simply spoon the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to use the frozen jam, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
To reheat the jam, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s spreadable. You can also microwave small portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crockpot Christmas Jam
Creative Crockpot Christmas Jam Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this Crockpot Christmas Jam? Try these fun variations:
- Spiced Cranberry Orange Jam: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm, gingerbread-inspired twist.
- Cranberry Pear Jam: Swap out 4 ounces of the cranberries for diced fresh pears.
- Cranberry Vanilla Jam: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cranberry Bourbon Jam: For an adult-friendly version, mix in 2 tablespoons of bourbon along with the orange juice.
Making Crockpot Christmas Jam Diet-Friendly
Looking to enjoy this festive jam while sticking to a special diet? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions:
For a gluten-free version, simply enjoy the jam as is. It’s naturally gluten-free.
To make it vegan, swap the granulated sugar for an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
And for a lower-carb twist, use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or Swerve in place of the regular sugar. Just be sure to adjust the measurements accordingly.
No matter which variation or dietary adaptation you choose, this Crockpot Christmas Jam is sure to be a hit on your holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. You can use them straight from the freezer without any need for thawing.
Q: How long does the Crockpot Christmas Jam need to cook?
A: The total cook time for this recipe is 240 minutes, or 4 hours. This long, slow cooking process is essential for developing the rich, jammy texture and concentrated flavors.
Q: Can I store the Crockpot Christmas Jam?
A: Yes, the jam keeps very well. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Q: How much Crockpot Christmas Jam does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 servings of Crockpot Christmas Jam. It’s the perfect amount to enjoy throughout the holiday season and share with friends and family.
Q: What if my jam isn’t thickening up?
A: If your jam isn’t reaching the desired thick, jammy consistency after 4 hours, you can continue cooking it on low for an additional 30-60 minutes. The long simmering time is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Crockpot Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 245
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Crockpot Christmas Jam is a delicious and easy-to-make homemade gift that’s perfect for the holiday season. This slow-cooked jam features warm, festive flavors of cranberries, orange, and spices, creating a comforting and versatile spread.
Ingredients
– 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
1. Add all the ingredients to a crockpot and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently, to allow the jam to thicken further.
4. Carefully transfer the hot jam to sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
5. Seal the jars and allow the jam to cool completely before refrigerating.
Notes
This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It also makes a great gift! For a chunkier texture, you can mash some of the cranberries with a potato masher or fork during the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Dips & Spreads
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Crockpot Christmas Jam is truly a holiday gift that keeps on giving. With its vibrant color, festive flavors, and easy slow-cooker preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your household, just like it has in mine.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot and let’s make some magic this holiday season! I promise, one spoonful of this sweet and tart jam will have you feeling all the cozy, Christmas feels. And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see how you enjoy this Crockpot Christmas Jam.
Happy holidays, and happy jamming!
