Here’s a warm and festive Christmas Jam recipe that’s perfect for spreading on toast, scones, or gifting in jars. It combines cranberries, apples, and winter spices for a seasonal flavor.
Ingredients (Makes ~3 cups)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup red or green seedless grapes, halved (optional for natural sweetness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Combine ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, apple, grapes (if using), sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and spices.
2. Cook the fruit
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–25 minutes, until fruit is soft and mixture thickens.
3. Mash and finish
- Mash the fruit slightly with a potato masher or fork to create a spreadable consistency.
- Stir in vanilla extract. Continue simmering 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
4. Cool and store
- Remove from heat and let the jam cool.
- Transfer to sterilized jars. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or process in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.
💡 Tips
- For extra sparkle and holiday flair, stir in a tablespoon of brandy, rum, or port after cooking.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on the tartness of the cranberries and apples.
- This jam pairs beautifully with buttered toast, scones, biscuits, or even as a glaze for roasted meats.
If you want, I can also give a super-easy no-cook Christmas jam recipe that sets with chia seeds for a quick, colorful, and healthy holiday spread.
Do you want me to provide that version?
