⏱ 60 min
Desserts
Triple Chocolate Layer Cake
Decadent 3-layer chocolate cake with rich fudge buttercream and dark chocolate shavings.
Baking should be a joyful, reliable experience, and this Festive Spiced Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam guarantees smiles at first bite. Combining or frozen tart cranberries, or frozen strawberries, hulled and and granulated sugar for a rich, balanced sweetness, it bakes into an irresistible treat that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for casual afternoons.
Ingredients
16 servings
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Combine Fruits & Sugar in Pot
In a large heavy-bottom saucepan, **combine cranberries, chopped strawberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves**.
2
Bring to Rolling Boil & Mash
Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. **Use a potato masher to crush cranberries as they pop** and soften.
3
Simmer until Thickened (12 Minutes)
Reduce heat to medium and **simmer vigorously for 12 to 15 minutes** until jam coats the back of a spoon (or reaches 220°F / 104°C).
4
Ladle into Jars & Cool
Ladle hot Christmas jam into clean glass mason jars. **Cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate for up to 1 month**!
Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips
- Chef's Secret Natural Pectin: Cranberries are naturally packed with high pectin levels, so this jam thickens beautifully without adding powdered boxed pectin!
- Edible Holiday Gift: Tie red ribbons and holiday gift tags around mason jars for the perfect handmade Christmas host gift.
- Serving Ideas: Spread over warm buttermilk biscuits, scones, baked brie cheese, or holiday roast turkey!
1. Spoon and Level Your Flour: Never scoop flour directly from the canister with your measuring cup, which packs excess volume by up to 25%. Fluff the flour with a fork, spoon it into the cup, and level the top with a knife. 2. Zest Before You Squeeze: The citrus peel contains natural aromatic essential oils that provide brighter flavor than juice alone. Microplane the colorful zest first, then roll and juice the fruit at room temperature. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Chef's Secret Natural Pectin: Cranberries are naturally packed with high pectin levels, so this jam thickens beautifully without adding powdered boxed pectin!
Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
- Why Did My Festive Spiced Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Turn Out Drier Than Expected?: Dryness usually stems from slight over-measuring of flour or keeping the pan in the oven a few minutes too long. Check for doneness slightly early—a toothpick inserted into the center should emerge with a few moist crumbs rather than dry wood.
- How to Prevent Uneven Browning?: Most domestic ovens have hot spots near the back corner. Rotate your baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through the timer to ensure uniform golden browning and rise.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines
Store baked items in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 6 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar? A: Yes, substituting dark or light brown sugar adds extra moisture and subtle caramel undertones due to natural molasses content.
Q: Can I make this dessert gluten-free? A: A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum (such as Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur) produces outstanding, nearly identical results.
Home Cook Community
Kitchen Notes & Discussion
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