If you’re craving a fresh, tangy, and oh-so-fruity spread that practically screams holiday cheer, then you’re going to adore this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it takes all the fuss out of jam-making and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Whether you’re a jam newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this slow cooker method saves you time while yielding a jam that’s perfectly textured and bursting with flavor. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this fan-freaking-tastic jam!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it in the crockpot while it develops deep flavors.
- Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet: The combo of cranberries and strawberries with brown sugar creates a jam your taste buds will swoon over.
- Simple Ingredients: No pectin or fancy additives—just natural fruit, spices, and sweetness.
- Great for Gifts or Everyday Treats: This jam shines on toast, in baking, or spooned over yogurt or ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe lies in its straightforward but flavorful ingredients. I always look for the freshest berries I can find—whether fresh or frozen—and the warm spices really bring everything together for that holiday vibe.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work well; their natural tartness is key to balancing the sweetness.
- Strawberries: Their natural sweetness complements the berries’ tang perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness without overpowering the fruit’s flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a slight caramel note that amps up the cozy feel.
- Ground Allspice: Brings a warm, slightly peppery spice that ties all the flavors together.
- Ground Cinnamon: A classic addition that enhances the jam’s festive character.
- Ground Ginger: Offers a subtle zing, balancing the sweet and tart.
- Optional Orange Zest or Lemon Juice: I love adding a bright citrus note—it lifts the jam and smells amazing.
Variations
What I love most about this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it less sweet, spicier, or more zesty, there’s room for tweaks that make it just right for your palate or occasion.
- Extra Citrus: When I want a more vibrant jam, I add the zest of one orange plus a tablespoon of lemon juice—totally brightens things up.
- Low Sugar: I’ve cut down on sugars by about 25% before without losing that great jammy texture, perfect if you’re watching sweetness.
- Spice it Up: Occasionally, I add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for a more autumnal twist—really cozy!
- Chunkier Texture: For a jam with noticeable fruit bits, blend just once or twice instead of fully pureeing it.
How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients in the Crockpot
This is where the magic begins! Toss in your cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and all those cozy spices right into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure the sugars and spices are evenly distributed. I always do this step right after setting up so the flavors get cozy from the very start.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow (Well, High for 4 Hours)
Cover your crockpot and set it on high for about four hours. Midway through, about two hours in, grab a spoon and give it a good stir to break up the fruit and keep things from sticking. The fruit will soften beautifully and the sugar will meld with the berries to create that luscious jam base.
Step 3: Blend to Your Perfect Jam Consistency
Once the cooking is done, it’s time to get the texture just right. I prefer using an immersion blender—just two or three quick pulses to keep it a little chunky and delightfully jammy. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too; just work in batches and pulse sparingly so it doesn’t turn into puree.
Step 4: Jar It Up and Chill
Ladle the hot jam into clean jars—this step always feels so satisfying! Wipe down any sticky rims, lightly secure the lids (not too tight, you want some air escape as it cools), and then let them cool to room temperature. I always let my jars hang out overnight in the fridge before I dig in—it really helps the flavors deepen.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Stir: Stirring halfway prevents the fruit from sticking and burning at the edges—a simple step that makes a big difference.
- Pulse, Don’t Puree: Over-blending turns the jam into something more like jelly; those few quick pulses keep it perfect.
- Use Clean Jars: I always sterilize my jars in boiling water or the dishwasher’s hottest cycle; it keeps the jam fresh way longer.
- Mind the Sugar Ratio: I learned that balancing granulated and brown sugar is key—too much brown sugar and the jam gets overly molasses-y.
How to Serve Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this jam, I like to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint or a twist of orange zest–the fresh herb brightens the tartness beautifully. For a holiday brunch feel, a small dollop of whipped cream on the side brings it into dessert territory.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with buttery croissants, homemade biscuits, or even dolloped atop vanilla yogurt. I’ve also served it alongside cream cheese as a festive appetizer spread with crackers and toasted baguette slices—my family goes crazy for it.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, I like to jar this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe in pretty mason jars with fabric covers tied with twine. Adding a handwritten label or little tag with serving ideas makes it extra special. During holiday gatherings, a jam bar where guests can sample on mini toasts or pancakes is always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover jam in the fridge, tightly sealed, and it stays fresh for up to three weeks. Make sure to always use a clean spoon to avoid any contamination, which can spoil your effort.
Freezing
If you make a big batch you can’t finish quickly, freezing works great. Use freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It thaws perfectly overnight in the fridge, and I find the texture stays just as yummy.
Reheating
When I want to serve the jam warm, I reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. You don’t want to boil it again, just warm it through to bring out the fresh flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh for this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work wonderfully here and often make the process even easier since they break down quickly during cooking. Just no need to thaw them beforehand—add them straight to the crockpot.
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Do I have to use allspice and cinnamon, or can I skip the spices?
You can skip or adjust the spices if you prefer, but I recommend at least a bit of cinnamon for warmth and complexity. The spices really enhance the festive feel of the jam, especially during the holiday season.
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How long does this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam keep in the fridge?
Stored in airtight jars, your jam will stay fresh and delicious for up to three weeks refrigerated. Always use clean utensils to scoop out jam to avoid introducing bacteria.
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Can I process this jam for canning to store longer?
Yes, if you want to shelf-stabilize the jam, you can follow proper water bath canning guidelines. Be sure to use tested canning recipes and sterilize jars fully to ensure safety.
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad I found this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe because it’s become a staple in my kitchen during the holidays and beyond. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a jar—full of fresh fruit, just the right amount of sweetness, and spiced with comforting warmth. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to keep a batch ready for your morning toast or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Enjoy every spoonful just like I do!
Print
Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry 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 cozy Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe combines tart cranberries and sweet strawberries with warm spices, cooked slowly to develop deep flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting, this jam blends traditional festive ingredients into a vibrant, homemade spread.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 ½ pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen
Sweeteners
- 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, brown sugar, and all the spices into the crockpot. Stir well to evenly distribute the sugars and spices among the fruit.
- Cook the Jam: Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for four hours. Remember to stir the mixture once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Blend to Texture: Once cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot or carefully transfer the hot mixture to a countertop blender. Pulse the mixture just two to three times until you achieve a jam-like consistency with small fruit chunks.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Wipe the rims clean and lightly secure the lids to allow any steam to escape as the jam cools.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool to room temperature and then refrigerate overnight. This resting period helps the jam set fully and allows the flavors to meld beautifully before use.
Notes
- Using frozen fruit is convenient and works perfectly if fresh is unavailable.
- For a tangier jam, add the optional orange zest or lemon juice before cooking.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prolong shelf life and maintain safety.
- Stirring midway prevents burning and promotes thorough cooking.
- The jam lasts several weeks refrigerated in sealed containers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
