Christmas Jam Recipe for Canning Made Easy and Delicious

Welcome to the cozy world of homemade Christmas jam! Nothing quite captures the warmth and spirit of the season like a jar of beautifully canned, flavorful jam packed with holiday spices and fresh fruits.

Whether you’re looking to create thoughtful gifts for loved ones or simply want to add a festive touch to your breakfast table, this Christmas jam recipe is your go-to. Bursting with bright citrus notes, sweet berries, and a hint of warming spices, it’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Plus, with the convenience of canning, you can preserve that magical holiday flavor all year long.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and fresh fruit simmering away, turning into a luscious jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or even pairing with cheese boards at your holiday gatherings.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees a delicious batch every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas jam recipe is a festive twist on the classic berry preserve, enhanced with traditional holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s easy to prepare and designed specifically for canning, meaning you can enjoy your homemade jam long after the holiday season ends.

With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this jam complements everything from your morning toast to holiday baking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal fruits and create charming gifts that friends and family will cherish.

The recipe is versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps and additions to suit your taste perfectly.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (for natural pectin)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot for cooking the jam
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Jam or candy thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Clean canning jars with lids and bands
• Water bath canner or large stockpot for sterilizing jars
• Jar lifter and funnel for safe handling
• Ladle to fill jars
• Clean kitchen towels

Instructions

1. Prepare your jars: Wash the canning jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Sterilize jars by boiling them in a water bath canner or large stockpot for 10 minutes. Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
2. Prepare the fruit: Rinse the berries thoroughly and hull strawberries if using. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces for added natural pectin and texture.
3. Combine fruit and juices: In a large pot, mix the berries, apples, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the fruit and liquids evenly.
4. Add pectin: Sprinkle the fruit pectin over the mixture and stir continuously over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
5. Add sugar and spices: Quickly add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture returns to a full boil.
6. Boil and test jam consistency: Boil the mixture hard for 1-2 minutes or until it reaches 220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer. To test without a thermometer, place a small spoonful on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, the jam is ready.
7. Remove from heat and add vanilla: Take the pot off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Fill jars: Using a ladle and funnel, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
9. Seal jars: Place the sterilized lids on jars and screw on the bands just until fingertip tight.
10. Process jars: Place the jars back into the boiling water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Process for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude as necessary).
11. Cool and store: Remove jars carefully and place on a towel to cool for 12-24 hours. Check seals by pressing the center of each lid; if it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Store in a cool, dark place.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to gently purée the mixture before adding pectin.”

Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations like cranberries, pears, or even pomegranate seeds for a unique holiday flavor. If you prefer less sugar, reduce it slightly, but remember sugar helps with preservation.

For an extra festive touch, add a splash of brandy or rum after cooking (before canning) to deepen the flavor.

Make sure to keep stirring during boiling to prevent burning. Don’t rush the canning process; sterilizing jars properly is key to safe preservation.

Interested in more seasonal canning recipes? Check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy for more ideas!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas jam is incredibly versatile. Spread it generously on warm toast, bagels, or pancakes for a bright start to your day.

It also makes a wonderful glaze for roasted vegetables or holiday ham, adding a subtle sweetness and spice.

Serve it alongside cream cheese or vegan cheese on a holiday appetizer platter to impress guests. For a decadent dessert, dollop it over vanilla ice cream or swirl it into Greek yogurt.

Don’t forget to gift jars to friends and family wrapped with a festive ribbon!

Conclusion

Making your own Christmas jam for canning is a rewarding and heartfelt tradition that fills your home with the sweet scents of the holidays. This recipe balances fresh fruit, citrus, and warm spices to create a jam that’s both delicious and festive.

The canning process ensures you can enjoy the flavors of Christmas well beyond the holiday season, making it a perfect gift or pantry staple.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, even beginners can confidently create a batch of this homemade jam. For more delicious and seasonal recipes, be sure to explore our other favorites like Best Vegan Christmas Pudding Recipe for Festive Joy and Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats.

Here’s to a joyful, tasty, and memorable holiday season filled with homemade goodness!

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