🧑‍🍳 Ingredients

5 cups fresh cranberries

4 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped

4 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

These four simple ingredients come together to make a stunningly vibrant jam that’s bursting with fruity flavor and natural holiday color.

🍓 Why This Jam is Perfect for Christmas

Cranberries and strawberries make the ultimate festive pairing. Cranberries provide a tart, tangy note that balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. Together, they create a rich red hue that looks stunning on your holiday table.

Moreover, both fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making this jam not only delicious but also a little healthier than most store-bought options. Lemon juice adds brightness and helps the jam set naturally by activating the pectin present in the fruits.

🕯 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Rinse your cranberries thoroughly, removing any soft or discolored ones. Hull and chop your strawberries into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the smoother your jam will be.

Step 2: Combine and Cook
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let the mixture sit for about 10–15 minutes. This resting time helps the sugar start to dissolve and draws out the natural juices from the fruit.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Place the pot on medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once it reaches a gentle boil, increase the heat slightly. Continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the fruit begins to break down and the mixture thickens — about 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Check the Consistency
To test if the jam is ready, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Drop a spoonful of hot jam onto the chilled plate. If it wrinkles slightly when you push it with your finger, it’s set. If not, cook for a few more minutes and test again.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)
For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to carefully puree the mixture in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier jam, skip this step.

Step 6: Jar and Seal
Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and ladle it into sterilized jars. Leave about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal tightly, and let the jars cool completely at room temperature.

🎁 Tips for Perfect Homemade Jam

Use a Wide Pot – A wide pot allows more surface area for evaporation, helping the jam thicken faster.

Sterilize Jars Properly – Wash jars in hot soapy water, rinse well, and place in a warm oven (around 225°F) for 10 minutes before filling.

Don’t Overcook – Overcooking can cause the sugars to caramelize and change the jam’s flavor.

Adjust Sweetness – Depending on your fruit’s ripeness, you can add or reduce sugar slightly.

Add a Festive Twist – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the jam a cozy holiday flavor.

🏺 Storage and Shelf Life

Once sealed, this jam can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. After opening, refrigerate and use within 3–4 weeks. Always ensure the jars are properly sealed before storing long-term.

🍞 Serving Suggestions

Spread over buttery toast or freshly baked biscuits.

Serve alongside roast turkey or ham as a festive condiment.

Add a spoonful to Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a fruity breakfast.

Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or sandwich cakes.

Gift it in small jars tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.

🌟 Nutritional Benefits

Cranberries are known for their antioxidant properties and immune-boosting benefits, while strawberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. Together, they create a jam that’s not just indulgent but also wholesome in moderation.

🎨 Presentation Ideas

If you’re making this jam for gifting, use small 4-ounce jars with decorative lids. Add a festive label, some ribbon, or even a sprig of rosemary for a rustic Christmas touch. Homemade jam makes an excellent addition to gift baskets, especially when paired with baked goods or tea.

🧠 Fun Fact

Did you know that cranberries were once used by Native Americans as a natural dye and food preservative? Their vibrant color and tart flavor have long been symbols of festivity and abundance — making them perfect for Christmas recipes.

💡 Troubleshooting

Jam too runny? Boil for a few more minutes or add a bit more lemon juice to encourage setting.

Jam too thick? Add a splash of water and heat gently to loosen it.

Too tart? Stir in a tablespoon of honey or extra sugar while the jam is still warm.

🧺 Batch Size and Scaling

This recipe makes approximately six 8-ounce jars of jam. If you’d like to double or halve the recipe, maintain the same fruit-to-sugar ratio to ensure proper consistency and sweetness.

🕰 Make-Ahead & Freezing

You can prepare the jam up to two months before the holidays. It freezes well too — just make sure to leave some space in the jar for expansion. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.

🍇 Variations

Cranberry-Raspberry Jam: Substitute half the strawberries for raspberries.

Spiced Christmas Jam: Add cinnamon, clove, and a dash of orange zest for a warming twist.

Low-Sugar Version: Replace half the sugar with honey or a low-calorie sweetener designed for canning.

❤ Final Thoughts

Making Christmas Red Jam is more than just a recipe — it’s a heartwarming ritual that brings joy to your kitchen and smiles to those you share it with. The deep red color symbolizes love and celebration, while the taste instantly evokes cozy, festive memories. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or trying it for the first time, this recipe will become a treasured holiday tradition.

So gather your berries, warm up your kitchen, and let the holiday magic begin — one delicious jar at a time.