⏱ 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 Spiced Holiday Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe guarantees smiles at first bite. Combining or frozen cranberries, or frozen strawberries, hulled and and granulated cane 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
24 servings
Advertisement
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Combine Fruit & Sugar
In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine cranberries, chopped strawberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
2
Bring to a Boil
Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for **5 minutes** as cranberries pop.
3
Simmer to Jam Consistency
Reduce heat to medium-low; **simmer for 15 to 20 minutes**, stirring frequently and mashing fruit slightly with a wooden spoon until jam is thick and glossy (220°F).
4
Jar & Seal
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract. Ladle hot jam into clean glass jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Seal and process in water bath for **10 minutes** or store in fridge.
Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips
- The natural pectin in cranberries ensures a thick, glossy set without boxed pectin additives.
- Tie with a festive holiday ribbon for a wonderful homemade Christmas gift.
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: The natural pectin in cranberries ensures a thick, glossy set without boxed pectin additives.
Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
▾
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
- Why Did My Spiced Holiday Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe 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
▾
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
▾
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
Tried this Spiced Holiday Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe? Share your tips, substitutions, or question with fellow home cooks!
Leave a Kitchen Note
Be the first to leave a Kitchen Note!
Have you made this Spiced Holiday Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe? Share your experience, cooking tips, or tweaks below.
You Might Also Love
More Delicious Recipes
⏱ 10 min
Desserts
Copycat Black Forest Blizzard
Thick copycat Black Forest blizzard blended with rich vanilla soft-serve, dark cherry compote, fudgy brownie chunks, and dark chocolate flakes.
⏱ 45 min
Desserts
Super Fudgy Brownies
Ultra-dense super fudgy brownies baked with real melted dark chocolate, Dutch cocoa, and a shiny, crackly tissue-thin top.