Recipe Card

Christmas Red Jam

A bright, tangy-sweet holiday jam made with cranberries and strawberries — perfect for gifting or spreading on warm toast.

Servings: About 6–7 half-pint jars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Nut-Free

Ingredients

(With measurements as requested)

5 cups fresh cranberries
4 cups strawberries, hulled
4 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Rinse cranberries and strawberries. Roughly chop strawberries.
Add cranberries, strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a large pot.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer 20–25 minutes, or until thickened.
Mash fruit lightly for a smoother jam or leave chunkier if preferred.
Ladle hot jam into clean, warm jars and seal.
Allow jars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating or processing for shelf-stable storage.

Notes

Use ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness.
Cranberries thicken naturally due to pectin; no additional pectin is needed.
This jam is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free.

Introduction

When you want a holiday preserve that bursts with color and flavor, this Christmas Red Jam is a perfect go-to. I make it every December because it captures that sweet-tart seasonal taste using only a handful of ingredients. It’s simple, quick, and ideal for gifting — and it makes the whole kitchen smell like the holidays.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prepare the Fruit

Rinse your cranberries and hull the strawberries. Chop the strawberries so they break down evenly during cooking.
Tip: If your strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry to prevent overly thin jam.

2. Combine Ingredients

Add cranberries, chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice into a large heavy-bottomed pot.
Tip: A wider pot helps the jam reduce faster.

3. Bring to a Boil

Heat over medium-high until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Stir often to avoid scorching.
Tip: If foam forms on top, skim it off for a clearer jam.

4. Simmer and Thicken

Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes. The cranberries will burst and the mixture will thicken naturally.
If the mixture looks too thin after 25 minutes, simmer 5 additional minutes.

5. Adjust Texture

Mash with a potato masher for a smoother jam, or leave it chunky for a rustic finish.
Tip: Jam thickens more as it cools.

6. Jar the Jam

Ladle the hot jam into sanitized jars, leaving a little headspace. Seal with clean lids.
Tip: Wipe jar rims before sealing to ensure they close properly.

Ingredient Details and Substitutions

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cranberries: Naturally high in pectin, providing natural thickening.
Strawberries: Add sweetness and body to balance the cranberries’ tartness.
Sugar: Essential for sweetness, thickening, and safe preservation.
Lemon Juice: Helps set the jam and brightens flavor.

Quality Tips

Use fresh, firm cranberries — wrinkled berries can turn the jam bitter.
Choose deep red, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor.

Substitutions

Frozen berries: Use frozen cranberries or strawberries without thawing.
Sweetener: You can replace 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of honey, but the jam will be softer.
Lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice if needed.
Low-sugar option: Reduce sugar to 2 cups, but expect a thinner consistency.

Equipment Alternatives

No canning setup? Store the jam in the refrigerator.
No potato masher? Use a fork or leave the jam chunky.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

Cinnamon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Citrus Pop: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest.
Ginger Warmth: Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger.

Dietary Variations

Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free — no changes needed.

Serving Ideas

Spread on toast, biscuits, or scones.
Serve with cheese boards (brie and goat cheese pair beautifully).
Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal.

Drinks & Pairings

Pairs well with black tea or mulled cider.
For a festive breakfast, serve with warm croissants and a pot of tea.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Storage

Refrigerate in sealed jars for up to 3 weeks.
For longer storage, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to make them shelf-stable for up to 1 year.

Freezing

Freeze jam in freezer-safe jars, leaving headspace. Keeps up to 6 months.

Reheating

If jam thickens too much in the fridge, warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or stir with a splash of hot water.

Make-Ahead Tips

Cook the jam up to 3 days ahead before canning or gifting.
Prep fruit the night before and refrigerate.

Shelf Life Notes

Flavor deepens after 24 hours.
Texture may firm up slightly after chilling.

Nutrition Facts (Per Tablespoon Approx.)

Calories: 45
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Sugar: 10 g
Fat: 0 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 0 g

Allergens: None (naturally free of gluten, dairy, nuts, and eggs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use only cranberries?
Yes, but increase sugar to balance tartness.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a wide pot and increase simmering time.

Q: Why is my jam too thin?
It likely needs more reduction time. Simmer another 5–10 minutes.

Q: Can I use less sugar?
Yes, but the jam will be softer and may not store as long.

Q: Can I skip lemon juice?
No — it helps the jam set and prevent spoilage.

Optional Story

This jam was one of my first holiday traditions. Years ago, I wanted a homemade gift that felt personal but didn’t require baking dozens of cookies. I combined cranberries and strawberries on a whim, and the result became an instant favorite. The bright, ruby-red color feels festive every time I spoon it into jars.

Reader Interaction

I’d love to know how your jam turns out or if you try any variations. Share your results or ask questions in the comments — your ideas often inspire new versions.

Call to Action

Give this Christmas Red Jam a try and add a homemade touch to your holiday season. If you enjoy it, share the recipe or pass a jar along to someone you love.