Christmas Jam for Canning

Published: December 8, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cranberries creates a rich, fruity flavor that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
Great for Gifting: Beautifully jarred, this jam makes an ideal gift for friends and family during the holidays.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced canners alike.
Versatile Uses: Enjoy this jam on toast, with cheese plates, or as an ingredient in desserts and sauces.
Long Shelf Life: Properly canned Christmas jam can be stored for months, ensuring you have a tasty treat all winter long.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your canning adventure, make sure you have the right tools. These will ensure safety and efficiency throughout the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large stainless steel saucepan
Water bath canner
Jar lifter
Bubble remover tool
Canning jars (half-pints)
Lids and bands

Importance of Each Tool

Water Bath Canner: Essential for maintaining safe temperatures during the canning process to prevent spoilage.
Jar Lifter: Provides safety when removing hot jars from boiling water, preventing burns or accidents.
Bubble Remover Tool: Helps eliminate air bubbles in jars, ensuring proper sealing and a smoother jam texture.

Ingredients

For this festive Christmas Jam for Canning, gather the following ingredients:

40 ounces frozen unsweetened strawberries, crushed (fresh is fine but usually more expensive)
1 pound fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons orange zest (about 2 oranges)
¼ cup bottled lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
5 pounds granulated sugar (yes pounds, NOT cups)
2 3-ounce pouches liquid fruit pectin

How to Make Christmas Jam for Canning

Step 1: Prep Jars

Wash the jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and keep them warm to prevent cracking. Fill your water bath canner halfway with water and bring it to a simmer. You can also keep your jars in the canner to keep them warm.

Step 2: Combine Fruits and Juice

In a large deep stainless steel saucepan, combine the crushed strawberries, cranberries, and lemon juice. Add orange zest along with cinnamon and cloves. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Pectin

Add all of the sugar and both pouches of pectin to the fruit mixture at once. Stir well to prevent clumping. Bring this mixture to a full rolling boil (bubbling vigorously across the surface). Boil hard for 1 minute while stirring constantly.

Step 4: Skim Foam

Remove the pan from heat. Use a spoon to skim off any foam that forms on top of your jam mixture; this helps achieve a smoother consistency.

Step 5: Fill Jars

Ladle hot jam into prepared jars while leaving a ¼ inch headspace at the top. Use a bubble remover tool to release trapped air bubbles. Wipe rims with a clean cloth before placing lids on jars and securing bands fingertip-tight.

Step 6: Process Jars

Place filled jars in the canner ensuring they are covered by at least an inch of water. Cover the canner; bring water to a gentle boil. Process jars for 10 minutes, adjusting time based on altitude if needed.

Step 7: Cool Down

Using a jar lifter, carefully remove jars from the canner onto a kitchen towel spaced slightly apart. Let cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours to ensure seals form properly.

Step 8: Check Seals

After 24 hours, check each jar seal by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back up, it’s sealed correctly. Label jars with contents and date before storing them in a cool dark place.

How to Serve Christmas Jam for Canning

Christmas jam is versatile and can elevate many dishes. Whether you spread it on your breakfast toast or use it as a glaze, this delightful jam adds a festive touch to any meal.

On Toast or Biscuits

Warm biscuits: Spread a generous layer of Christmas jam on warm biscuits for a delicious breakfast treat.
Toast: A simple slice of toasted bread topped with this jam makes for an easy and delightful snack.

As a Glaze

Ham: Brush Christmas jam over roasted ham during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor.
Chicken: Use it as a glaze for baked chicken thighs to give them a sweet and tangy kick.

In Desserts

Cheesecake topping: Drizzle Christmas jam over cheesecake for an elegant dessert presentation.
Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and a dollop of Christmas jam for a refreshing snack or breakfast.

With Cheese

Cheese board: Pair Christmas jam with various cheeses on your holiday cheese board for an exquisite contrast of flavors.
Brie bake: Top baked brie with this jam and serve with crackers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

How to Perfect Christmas Jam for Canning

To ensure your Christmas jam turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and ripe strawberries enhance flavor and texture in your jam.
Measure sugar accurately: Precision in measuring sugar is crucial since it’s key to proper gelling in the jam.
Stir constantly: While boiling, keep stirring to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Check headspace: Always leave the recommended headspace in jars to allow for proper sealing during processing.
Cool undisturbed: Let jars cool without moving them to ensure they seal properly, preventing spoilage.
Store correctly: Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Jam for Canning

Christmas jam pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its fruity flavors. Here are some great options:

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts add color and flavor alongside the sweetness of the jam.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a perfect canvas for drizzling some Christmas jam over them.
Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens balances well against the rich sweetness of the jam when used as a dressing component.
Stuffing: Traditional stuffing benefits from a spoonful of Christmas jam stirred in, enhancing its overall taste.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can be served alongside roasted meats and topped with dollops of the festive jam.
Bread Rolls: Soft, warm bread rolls are ideal for slathering with butter and topping with Christmas jam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Jam for Canning can be a delightful experience, but there are pitfalls to avoid. Here are some common mistakes:

Skipping jar preparation: Not properly washing and heating jars can lead to spoilage. Always wash jars in hot, soapy water and keep them warm before filling.
Ignoring fruit quality: Using overripe or spoiled fruits can ruin your jam’s flavor. Always select fresh, high-quality fruits for the best results.
Incorrect pectin usage: Adding too little or too much pectin can affect the texture of your jam. Follow the recipe carefully for precise amounts.
Not skimming foam: Forgetting to skim off the foam can lead to an unappealing texture. Make sure to remove it for a smoother finish.
Improper sealing: Failing to check seals after cooling can result in jars that aren’t properly preserved. Always press down on the lid after 24 hours to ensure a secure seal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store opened jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Use airtight containers to keep the jam fresh longer.

Freezing Christmas Jam for Canning

Freeze jam in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can last up to 1 year in the freezer.

Reheating Christmas Jam for Canning

Oven: Preheat your oven and place the jar (without metal lid) in a baking dish with hot water. Heat until warm.
Microwave: Transfer jam into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 15-30 seconds, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Place the jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Christmas Jam for Canning:

Can I substitute fresh fruit for frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh fruit instead of frozen. Just make sure they are ripe and properly prepared before using them.

How long does homemade Christmas Jam last?

When stored correctly, unopened jars can last up to 1 year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks.

What types of fruit work well in Christmas Jam?

Other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples can be added for variety. Experiment with flavors while keeping the main ingredients intact.

Is it safe to double this recipe?

Doubling recipes for canning is not recommended as it affects cooking times and set. It’s best to make batches separately.

Can I use less sugar?

Reducing sugar may impact the preservation and texture of the jam. It’s best to stick with the recipe for optimal results.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Jam for Canning is not only easy to make but also versatile. It’s perfect as a spread on biscuits or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Feel free to customize your jam by adding spices or different fruits according to your taste!

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