There’s something magical about the holidays, the cozy mornings, the scent of cinnamon and citrus in the air, and the joy of making something homemade that you can actually share.

For me, that “something” is this Crockpot Christmas Jam.

It all started one December when I wanted to gift something meaningful but simple, something from my kitchen that would make people smile.

I had leftover cranberries and strawberries, and the idea struck: a warm, festive jam that tastes like Christmas in a jar.

The first batch filled the house with the smell of simmering fruit, orange zest, and cinnamon, and when I spooned it into jars with little red ribbons, it looked like holiday cheer itself.

Now, it’s a yearly tradition.

This jam is easy, cozy, and completely foolproof thanks to the slow cooker. Just toss everything in, stir occasionally, and a few hours later, you have a glossy, ruby-red jam that’s bursting with sweet-tart flavor.

Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or package it up for the neighbors, it’s the kind of homemade touch that makes the holidays feel extra special.

So grab your crockpot, turn on some Christmas music, and let’s make the easiest, most festive jam you’ve ever tried.

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Why I Love This Crockpot Christmas Jam

I love how this jam practically makes itself while I’m busy with other things. Slow-cooking it brings out the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and the warm spices make it feel festive and cozy.

You’ll notice how amazing it smells while it’s cooking. It fills the kitchen with that holiday magic.

I also love that it looks beautiful in jars, making it a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you and I can enjoy it long after the holidays.

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Ingredients

I love making homemade jam because it feels fresh, sweet, and totally customizable.

You and I can turn just a few fruits and spices into a jam that tastes like it came from a fancy kitchen, but it’s actually simple to make.

Ingredients for the Jam Base

Cranberries – I use 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries. They give the jam a tart, bright flavor that balances the sweetness from the strawberries.

Strawberries – I add 2 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped. You’ll love the natural sweetness and juicy texture they bring.

Sugar – 2 cups of granulated sugar works perfectly, or you can use coconut sugar if you want a less refined option. I find it sweetens the fruit while keeping the flavor pure.

Orange – I zest and juice 1 large orange. The citrus adds brightness and a fresh aroma that makes the jam feel special.

Cinnamon – 1 tsp of ground cinnamon gives the jam warmth and a subtle depth. I always feel like it makes the flavor cozy and comforting.

Nutmeg – ½ tsp of nutmeg adds a hint of spice that complements the berries beautifully.

Vanilla Extract – ½ tsp of vanilla brings everything together with a sweet, rounded note.

Liquid Fruit Pectin (optional) – 1 pouch (3 oz) can be added if you want a thicker, more set jam. I usually leave it optional depending on how soft or firm I like my jam.

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How To Make The Best Crockpot Christmas Jam

Step 1: Combine Everything

In your crockpot, add the cranberries, strawberries, sugar, orange juice and zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Stir everything together until evenly coated in sugar.

Let it sit for about 15 minutes — the fruit will start to release its juices, creating that beautiful ruby syrup base.

Pro Tip: If you like your jam extra bright, add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of tartness.

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Step 2: Slow Cook Until Jammy

Cover the slow cooker and let the jam cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, stirring every hour or so.

As it cooks, the berries will soften and gradually break down into a glossy, fragrant mixture that fills your kitchen with the smell of the holidays.

You’ll know it’s ready when the jam thickly coats the back of a spoon and has a shiny, rich appearance — the perfect texture for spreading, stirring into yogurt, or spooning over pancakes.

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Step 3: Blend or Mash

If you love jam that’s a little rustic and full of fruit, gently crush the berries with a potato masher — just enough to break them down while keeping some chunks for texture.

If you prefer it silky smooth, grab an immersion blender and pulse the mixture until it’s creamy and spreadable.

Pro tip: Don’t go too far with the blender! A few little berry pieces peeking through give it that homemade, just-cooked-in-your-kitchen charm, and they add a wonderful burst of flavor in every bite.

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Step 4: Add the Pectin (Optional)

If you want a firmer, spreadable jam, stir in the pectin and cook for another 30 minutes on LOW.

If you prefer a looser, spoonable jam for topping desserts or pancakes, you can skip it.

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Step 5: Jar and Cool

Carefully spoon the warm, fragrant jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean to ensure a perfect seal, then screw on the lids tightly.

Let the jars cool completely at room temperature before storing.

Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy, gift, or tuck away in the fridge for cozy holiday breakfasts and treats.

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Storage Instructions

Homemade jam lasts longer than you might think — especially when sealed properly.

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks.
• Freezer: Up to 6 months (leave space at the top for expansion).
• Canning: If you prefer to water-bath can the jam, it will keep for up to a year in a cool, dark pantry.

Once opened, always store in the fridge and use within a few weeks.

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Calories (Per Tablespoon)

Approximately 45 calories per tablespoon.
Naturally sweet, full of fruit, and lower in sugar than most store-bought versions.

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Variations to Try

1. Mixed Berry Christmas Jam

A festive blend of strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries with warm holiday spices. Cook low in the slow cooker until glossy and fragrant, then jar for a perfect holiday breakfast or gift.

2. Spiced Apple Cranberry Jam

Sweet apples and tart cranberries simmered with cinnamon and nutmeg create a warm, cozy jam perfect for toast, oatmeal, or holiday gifting.

3. Cherry Orange Holiday Jam

Bright cherries and zesty orange come together with a hint of warm spices to make a vibrant, flavorful jam perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifting.

4. Gingerbread Jam

A cozy holiday favorite! Sweet molasses, warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves combine with berries to make a rich, spiced jam perfect for toast, desserts, or gifts.

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Common Questions

Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes! No need to thaw — just toss it all into the crockpot.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but sugar helps the jam set and preserve. If you cut it down, the jam will be slightly looser and less shelf-stable.

Do I have to use pectin?
Not at all. The natural pectin from cranberries will help thicken it on their own.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot isn’t more than ¾ full to prevent overflow.

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Personal Tip

“I always make two batches — one for gifting and one for my own pantry. Nothing beats spreading this jam on warm toast while the Christmas lights are twinkling in the background. It’s pure comfort in a jar.”

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Why Homemade Christmas Jam Is Worth It

When you make your own jam, it’s not just about the recipe — it’s about the moment. The soft bubble of fruit in the slow cooker, the smell of cinnamon in the air, and that proud feeling when you gift a jar that says, “I made this.”

Homemade jam carries love in every spoonful. It’s one of those small, old-fashioned traditions that make the holidays feel special again.

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Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Christmas Jam is everything you want in a holiday recipe — easy, fragrant, festive, and filled with heart. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to every year, not just because it’s delicious, but because it reminds you what the holidays are really about: warmth, giving, and togetherness.

So plug in that slow cooker, grab your jars, and start a new Christmas tradition this year. Because sometimes, the simplest homemade gifts are the ones that mean the most.