Crockpot Christmas Jam is a holiday tradition in our family that brings us all together every year. It all started when my grandma taught me her secret recipe back when I was just a little girl. The aroma of the cranberries, orange, and warm spices simmering in the crockpot would fill the whole house, and we’d all gather around the kitchen, eagerly waiting to taste the first batch. There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about this homemade jam – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.
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Why This Crockpot Christmas Jam Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crockpot Christmas Jam
The key to making the most delicious Crockpot Christmas Jam lies in the slow-cooking process. By letting the flavors meld together over 3 hours in the crockpot, you end up with a jam that’s rich, thick, and perfectly balanced. The long cook time allows the natural pectin in the cranberries to work its magic, so you don’t need to add any thickeners. And the blend of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves takes this jam to the next level, making it the ultimate holiday treat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The simple ingredient list for Crockpot Christmas Jam is what makes it so special. First up, you’ll need 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries. These tart little berries are the star of the show, providing the perfect base for the jam. Next, 1 cup of granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness to balance out the cranberries.
The 1/2 cup of orange juice not only provides moisture, but also brings a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully. Speaking of citrus, 2 teaspoons of orange zest gives an extra punch of flavor.
And let’s not forget the warming spices – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. These spices create the cozy, Christmas-y taste that makes this jam so irresistible.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Christmas Jam Instructions
Preparing Your Crockpot Christmas Jam
With a total time of 195 minutes (that’s 15 minutes of prep and 180 minutes of cooking), this Crockpot Christmas Jam is the perfect easy holiday recipe. All you need is a slow cooker and a few simple ingredients to get started.
1- First, add the 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries to your crockpot. Give them a gentle stir to make sure they’re evenly distributed.
2- Next, pour in the 1 cup of granulated sugar and the 1/2 cup of orange juice. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3- Sprinkle in the 2 teaspoons of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. Stir to combine.
4- Cover the crockpot and let the Crockpot Christmas Jam simmer on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency.
5- Once the jam is ready, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cranberries, leaving some whole for texture.
6- Serve the Crockpot Christmas Jam warm or at room temperature, spooned over pancakes, waffles, or your favorite baked goods. Enjoy this cozy, homemade treat with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Crockpot Christmas Jam turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid canned cranberries, as they can be too soft and mushy.
- Adjust the spices to suit your personal taste. Feel free to add a little extra cinnamon or ginger if you want a stronger flavor.
- Stir the jam occasionally during the cooking process to prevent any burning or sticking on the sides of the crockpot.
- For a thicker jam, let it cook for an extra 30 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Christmas Jam
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Christmas Jam
This Crockpot Christmas Jam is the perfect accompaniment to so many holiday favorites. Serve it as a spread on warm, freshly baked bread or scones. It also makes a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. And don’t forget the cheese plate – the sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with creamy brie or sharp cheddar.
As for drinks, a warm mug of mulled cider or spiced tea is the perfect pairing. Or, for a grown-up twist, try it with a splash of brandy or rum. This recipe makes 12 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about Crockpot Christmas Jam is that it keeps incredibly well. Once it’s cooked and cooled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or mason jar and it’ll be ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
For longer-term storage, the jam also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
This recipe is also a great make-ahead option for the holidays. You can prepare the jam up to 5 days in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before spooning it into your favorite dishes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crockpot Christmas Jam
Creative Crockpot Christmas Jam Variations
While the classic Crockpot Christmas Jam is hard to beat, there are plenty of fun ways to switch things up. Try swapping out the orange juice for cranberry juice for an extra cranberry kick. Or add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for a warm, fragrant twist.
For a boozy version, stir in a tablespoon or two of brandy, rum, or port wine. And if you’re feeling extra festive, fold in some diced apples or pears for a delightful fruity twist.
Making Crockpot Christmas Jam Diet-Friendly
This Crockpot Christmas Jam recipe is naturally gluten-free, but you can also make it suitable for other dietary needs. For a vegan version, simply use a granulated sugar alternative like coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of the regular white sugar.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup or use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. Just keep in mind that this may affect the overall texture and sweetness of the jam.
No matter which variations you choose, this cozy Crockpot Christmas Jam is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus instead of orange?
A: Absolutely! You can swap out the orange juice and zest for lemon or even grapefruit if you prefer. Just keep the overall measurements the same.
Q: How long does it take to cook the Crockpot Christmas Jam?
A: This recipe has a total time of 195 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 180 minutes of cooking time on the low setting of your crockpot.
Q: Can I store the leftover Crockpot Christmas Jam?
A: Yes, the jam keeps very well. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Just make sure to use an airtight container.
Q: How much Crockpot Christmas Jam does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 servings of delicious Crockpot Christmas Jam. It’s the perfect amount to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
Q: What if my Crockpot Christmas Jam doesn’t thicken up?
A: If your jam isn’t reaching the desired consistency, you can let it cook for an extra 30 minutes or so. The longer cooking time will allow more of the natural pectin in the cranberries to work its magic, resulting in a thicker, jammy texture.
Crockpot Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 195
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the season with this easy, homemade Crockpot Christmas Jam. Bursting with juicy cranberries, orange zest, and warm spices, this delectable jam is perfect for spreading on biscuits, scones, or even enjoying by the spoonful. The slow cooker makes it a breeze to prepare, and the results are truly irresistible.
Ingredients
– 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 2 teaspoons orange zest
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
1. Add the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have broken down and the jam has thickened.
3. Carefully transfer the hot jam to sterilized jars or airtight containers. Allow to cool completely before refrigerating.
4. Enjoy the Crockpot Christmas Jam on toast, biscuits, scones, or as a topping for cheesecake or ice cream. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the jam after cooking. You can also add a splash of brandy or rum for an extra festive twist. The jam also makes a lovely homemade holiday gift.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 180
- Category: No-Bake, Frozen & Sweets
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Crockpot Christmas Jam is the ultimate holiday treat that’s sure to become a new family tradition. With its festive flavors of cranberry, orange, and warm spices, this homemade jam is the perfect way to celebrate the season. The slow-cooking process in the crockpot brings out the best in every ingredient, resulting in a rich, thick, and utterly delicious jam that’s perfect for serving on everything from baked goods to cheese plates.
I hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones in the kitchen and create your own batch of Crockpot Christmas Jam. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
