If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a batch of homemade jam without the mess and fuss, then trust me, you’re going to adore this Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe. It’s hands-off, bursting with festive flavor, and perfect for cozy mornings or gifting. I absolutely love how this jam balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweet juiciness of strawberries, all infused with warm spices—it’s like a hug in a jar! Keep reading because I’m about to share all my best tips so your batch turns out just right every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: Just toss ingredients into the crockpot and come back hours later to jam heaven.
- Perfect Holiday Flavors: Cranberries, strawberries, and warming spices create a festive flavor that feels like Christmas morning.
- Customizable Texture: You control how smooth or chunky your jam is with easy blending.
- Great for Gifts & Breakfasts: Homemade jam makes a meaningful gift and a delicious start to any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully in the crockpot, creating a jam that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor and just the right touch of spice. When shopping, look for ripe, fragrant strawberries and bright cranberries—either fresh or frozen work well here.
- Cranberries: Tart and vibrant, they give the jam its signature zing and festive color.
- Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, they balance the tartness and add luscious texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps sweeten without overpowering, giving that classic jam shine.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and depth with a subtle caramel undertone.
- Ground Allspice: Brings cozy, complex notes reminiscent of holiday treats.
- Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that complements berries beautifully.
- Ground Ginger: Just a hint to brighten and elevate the jam’s flavor.
- Optional Orange Zest or Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh citrus lift that brightens the jam, a trick I discovered that takes it up a notch.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment; you might surprise yourself!
- Spice It Up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth during winter.
- Less Sweet Version: Use all brown sugar or reduce sugars slightly if you prefer tart jams.
- Citrus Twist: Swapping orange zest for lemon juice adds a zingy freshness I adore.
- Chunky or Smooth: Blend it just a couple of times if you want fruit pieces, more if you like it smooth.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by adding fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries right into your crockpot. Then, toss in both granulated and light brown sugars along with the allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. If you’re using orange zest or lemon juice, add it here too. Give everything a good stir so the sugar and spices get evenly distributed. This early mix is key to infusing the flavors as the jam cooks.
Step 2: Set It and Forget It (Well, Almost)
Cover your crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. About halfway through, give the jam a good stir to make sure nothing sticks to the sides. This slow cook lets the berries break down beautifully while the sugars and spices meld into one perfect, cozy flavor. Resist the urge to peek too often – the longer, gentle cooking is what makes it so luscious.
Step 3: Blend to Your Preference
Once the jam is cooked and you have a fragrant, bubbling pot, it’s time to blend. I recommend using an immersion blender directly in the crockpot—just pulse 2-3 times if you want chunkier jam. If you like it smoother, blend a bit longer but not so much that it becomes liquidy. This step allows you to control the texture and that’s the beauty of this recipe!
Step 4: Jar and Chill
Spoon the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars—be careful because it’s hot! Wipe the rims clean before lightly securing the lids. I let my jars cool at room temperature until they’re not steamy, then pop them in the fridge overnight so flavors mellow and the jam thickens up nicely. This simple finish ensures your jam is ready to spread or gift with confidence.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe
- Use Fresh or Frozen Berries: I’ve made this with both, and while fresh gives a fresher flavor, frozen works perfectly and is super convenient.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring Midway: I accidentally forgot once and had some jam sticking to the pot’s sides—it’s a small step that pays off.
- Blending Carefully: Blend just enough; over-blending can thin your jam. I always pulse gently and check texture between blends.
- Jar Preparation: Use sterilized jars to avoid any spoilage and ensure longer-lasting homemade jam.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my morning toast spread with this jam alongside a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of freshness. Sometimes, a dollop of creamy ricotta with a drizzle of honey on top turns it into a delightful brunch treat.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs beautifully with crusty bread, buttery biscuits, or even pancakes. For a savory touch, I serve it alongside sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or brie, which balances the sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
When gifting this jam, I like tying a pretty ribbon around the jar with a handwritten gift tag—it’s such an easy way to make something homemade feel extra special. For holiday gatherings, spoon it into small ramekins with miniature spreading knives for guests to enjoy on their own toast or crackers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my jam refrigerated in airtight jars, where it lasts up to three weeks. I always use clean spoons to prevent contamination, which is a little habit that keeps things safe and fresh.
Freezing
If I make extra, I freeze jam in smaller freezer-safe containers or bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you want some, and it retains its lovely flavor and texture. Freezing works like a charm to extend your batch beyond a few weeks.
Reheating
When reheating jam to spread, I warm a small jar gently in a bowl of hot water or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This softens it up and makes spreading a breeze without losing that fresh homemade taste.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen berries for this Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work wonderfully and actually make this recipe so much more convenient year-round. Just measure them as you would fresh berries and add them straight into the crockpot—no need to thaw first.
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How long does this homemade jam last?
Stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, your jam should last for about 3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon when scooping to avoid introducing bacteria, which helps keep it fresh longer.
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Can I make this jam without sugar?
You can try reducing sugar or using natural sweeteners, but keep in mind sugar not only sweetens but also helps with preservation and texture. I suggest experimenting with small batches to find your preferred sweetness and consistency.
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Do I need to sterilize jars before storing the jam?
Yes, sterilizing your jars reduces the risk of spoilage and keeps your jam safe for longer storage. I usually boil jars and lids in water for 10 minutes before filling them with jam.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen and holiday traditions. It’s so satisfying to make something homemade that tastes delicious and requires minimal effort. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—whether it’s to cozy up your breakfasts or share a little homemade love with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this jam, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Easy Cranberry Strawberry Crockpot Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups of jam
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe combines fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries with a blend of warm spices to create a festive, flavorful homemade jam. Slow-cooked in a crockpot, this jam captures the essence of the holiday season with notes of cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, making it perfect for spreading on toast or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 ½ pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen
Sugars
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Optional
- Zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground allspice, cinnamon, and ginger to the crockpot. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on high heat for four hours. Remember to stir the jam halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
- Blend the Jam: Once cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot, or carefully transfer the hot mixture in batches to a countertop blender. Pulse just two to three times to achieve a thick, jam-like texture without completely pureeing all the fruit.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Wipe the rims clean and screw on the lids lightly to allow slight expansion as the jam cools.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the jars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate the jam overnight before serving to let the flavors meld and the jam set properly.
Notes
- For a citrusy twist, add the zest of one orange or a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the jam’s flavor.
- Use fresh or frozen berries depending on availability; frozen berries should be thawed slightly before adding.
- Make sure to use clean, sterilized jars to store the jam safely and extend its shelf life.
- Stirring halfway during cooking prevents the jam from sticking to the crockpot and ensures uniform cooking.
- This jam can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 35g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
