Amish Christmas Jam kinda sneaks up on you every holiday season, right? You’re in the kitchen, looking for that one thing that’ll make simple toast taste magical. Amish Christmas Jam to the rescue. It tastes like December. If you’ve ever felt your holiday mornings are missing a little wow, or you want something homemade to spread on a biscuit, trust me, this jam’s the answer. Plus, making it is way easier than you think.
TL;DR – Amish Christmas Jam
- Flavor: Sweet + lightly tart with warm cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Main Ingredients: Strawberries, cranberries, sugar, liquid pectin, lemon juice, spices.
- Prep Time: ~15 minutes
- Cook Time: ~30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Servings: ~112 tbsp (≈ 7 cups jam)
- Best For: Toast, biscuits, English muffins, charcuterie boards, gifting.
- Storage: Refrigerator 3–4 weeks · Pantry up to 1 year (if canned properly)
- Methods: Stove-top or slow cooker (crockpot)
Why This Homemade Christmas Jam Is a Holiday Favorite
Honestly, folks rave about this for a reason. It’s got that sweet, slightly tart flavor that feels like Christmas in a jar. We’re talking strawberries, cranberries, and a hint of warm spice, it’s “Santa stopped by my kitchen!” jam. I whip this up every year, and my family gobbles it faster than you can say candy cane. People love it because it’s not overly sugary, and it’s just so dang good on everything. Add in the nostalgia factor, and well, you’ve got yourself a five-star restaurant treat at home. And if you’re looking for more ideas, check out these Christmas Recipes.
Ingredients for Amish Christmas Jam
Here’s what you’ll need (no mystery ingredients here):
- 2 cups crushed strawberries (fresh or use frozen, more on that later)
- 2 cups whole cranberries (fresh or frozen works)
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pouch (3 ounces) liquid fruit pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (totally clutch in this recipe)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Juice from half a lemon
Pro tip? Get the best berries you can find. It really matters. Off-season? Frozen will do…promise.
Tools & Equipment (Canning Jars, Water Bath Canner, Slow Cooker Option)
You don’t need any fancy gadgets, but having a few things makes life easier. Grab:
- Half-pint or pint canning jars (cleaned and dried)
- Lids and rings for the jars
- A big pot (water bath canner or just your largest soup pot with a rack)
- Basic things like a ladle and a funnel (helpful but not must-haves)
- Cutting board, potato masher, and a wooden spoon (bet you’ve got these already)
- Optional: Slow cooker for a set-it-and-forget-it twist
That’s basically it. If you’re new to canning, don’t panic! For more Christmas spread ideas you can check Snowmen Truffles Christmas.
How to Make Amish Christmas Jam Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s not overthink it. Wash your berries. If you’re using frozen, let ’em thaw a bit. Chop the strawberries, and toss cranberries in, whole. Mash ’em together in a big pot. Add sugar, lemon juice, and spices now. Bring the mix to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring so nothing sticks or burns (watch it, this is where patience pays off).
Next, dump in your fruit pectin while everything’s bubbling, and keep stirring for another minute. You’ll notice it thickening up quick. Turn off the heat, fill your jars with the hot jam, and wipe those rims clean. Seal with lids and you’re pretty much there.
Print
Amish Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 half-pints
Description
A delightful homemade jam combining strawberries and cranberries with warm spices, perfect for holiday mornings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed strawberries (Fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups whole cranberries (Fresh or frozen)
- 5 cups granulated sugar (Adjust for sweetness preference)
- 1 pouch liquid fruit pectin (3 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Essential for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (For warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (Adds depth)
- Juice from half lemon lemon (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the berries. If using frozen, allow them to thaw slightly.
- Chop the strawberries and combine them with the whole cranberries in a large pot.
- Mash the berries together using a potato masher.
- Add the sugar, lemon juice, and spices to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Cooking
- Once bubbling, add the liquid fruit pectin and stir for an additional minute.
- Turn off the heat and fill the cleaned jars with the hot jam.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean, seal with lids, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
Notes
This jam can be made in advance and will last up to a year if properly canned. Flavor variations include adding orange zest or reducing sugar for a lower-sugar option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Stove-Top Method for Homemade Christmas Jam
This is my default because, hey, I’m old school sometimes. Just use your big pot on the stove. Squish the berries and sugar, then simmer and stir as the jam gets glossy and thick. When you reach that jammy texture (it’ll stick slightly to a cold spoon), you’re golden.
Want more classic holiday treats? Check out these Christmas sugar cookies that go perfectly with this jam.
Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Christmas Jam Variation
Feeling a bit lazy? Good news, the slow cooker’s your best friend here. Toss the berries, sugar, lemon, and spices into the slow cooker. Set on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir a few times. Add your pectin near the end, crank it to high for 15-20 minutes, and that’s about it. You can walk the dog or wrap presents while it bubbles away. Less babysitting, same great jam.
Canning Instructions for Christmas Jam
Canning’s not as scary as it sounds. Fill your hot jars with the finished jam, leaving a bit of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean, pop on the lids and bands so they’re finger-tight. Place jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Take ’em out, let cool, and you’ll hear that satisfying “pop” as the seals set. You just made jam that’ll keep all winter! If you love jars of holiday cheer, these Christmas recipes offer even more canning inspiration.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Not gonna lie, I play around a lot. Sometimes I add orange zest for zing. Chopped apples will thicken and sweeten things. Feeling spicy? Toss in extra cinnamon or a hit of ginger. I once threw in a splash of bourbon, yum for grownups. Basically, the base is forgiving, so make it match your vibe.
Low-Sugar or No-Sugar Christmas Jam
Not everyone wants a sugar rush. You can cut the sugar down (try 3 cups), use low-sugar pectin, or swap in honey. Just keep in mind, lower sugar might mean a runnier texture, but still totally spreadable. Taste as you go so it’s not too tart. Nobody needs a pucker-face breakfast.
Spiced Christmas Jam (Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg)
Here’s where the “Christmas” part shines, those spices. Don’t leave ’em out, unless you absolutely must. Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg give deep warmth. My grandma always said, “If you smell Christmas, put more in.” Start with the listed amounts, and adjust if you want it bolder. More is more, until it’s not.
Breakfast Pairings (Toast, Biscuits, English Muffins)
Alright, serving time, here’s what’s best with Amish Christmas Jam:
- Slathered thick on buttery toast in the morning
- Stuffed inside warm, fluffy biscuits (amazing!)
- Spread on toasted English muffins for that nooks-and-crannies magic
Or, you know, eaten straight from the spoon. No one’s judging.
Holiday Appetizers & Charcuterie Boards
Don’t let breakfast have all the fun. This jam shines on cheese boards, think sharp cheddar or creamy brie. Swirl a little into yogurt. Want easy appetizers? Top crackers with cream cheese and a dollop of Amish Christmas Jam. Suddenly, you’re the Martha Stewart of your neighborhood. If you’re building a board, let these Christmas recipes inspire you.
Gifts for Neighbors, Teachers & Hostess Gift Ideas
I’m not even exaggerating, people go wild for this stuff as a gift. Spoon the jam into cute jars, tie with ribbon, and tuck in a handwritten tag (“Made with love, not perfection!”). I always make a double batch, hand out jars, and pretend I’m Oprah at Christmas. Oh, and for more sweet ideas, check out these snowmen truffles for Christmas.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Good news! You can make this Amish Christmas Jam even weeks before the holidays. Properly canned, it’ll last on your pantry shelf for a solid year or more. Keep open jars in the fridge; they’re happiest there for 3 to 4 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to scoop, no double dipping. Planning ahead means less stress and more spreading.
Troubleshooting Common Jam-Making Issues
Let’s be real, sometimes stuff goes sideways. Jam too runny? Not enough boil or too little pectin. Sauce instead of jam, but hey, use it anyway. Too stiff? Overcooked, but still fine, just blob it on hot toast. Getting floaty fruit means you probably didn’t stir enough right after jarring. Not the end of the world, still delicious.
What to Do if Jam Doesn’t Set
This one’s classic. If it’s too loose, try re-boiling with a bit more pectin. Or just rebrand it as “holiday sauce” that’s what I do. Drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, or even roasted meats. Nobody minds, promise.
Preventing Crystallization or Separation
Got gritty sugar in your jam? You probably rushed the dissolving step. Slow down, stir until every grain is melted before boiling. If your fruit floats (it happens), just keep stirring gently after filling the jars, so it stays mixed in. Not perfect? Still tasty.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Look, it’s jam, not kale salad, alright? About 40 calories per tablespoon, mostly from the fruit and sugar. At least it’s better than store-bought, with all those mystery ingredients. Besides, holidays don’t count (according to me).
Nutrition Facts – Amish Christmas Jam
Estimated · Per 1 Tbsp (16 g)Can I Use Frozen Strawberries or Cranberries?
You sure can! Frozen berries work great, just thaw them first so the jam isn’t watery. Sometimes I use half frozen because, well, it’s December and “fresh” is a little, uh, questionable. Honest truth? No one will know the difference.
How Long Does Homemade Christmas Jam Last?
If canned and sealed right, Amish Christmas Jam lasts a year (or more). Once a jar’s open, keep in the fridge and use within 3-4 weeks. But honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house. Stick a jar in the deep freeze if you’re stockpiling big time.
Holiday Gifting & Packaging Ideas
Think about piling up bright jam jars in baskets, tucked with a tea towel or a box of fancy crackers. Or, just a single pretty jar with a Christmas bow, it’ll make anyone’s day. Print little labels or just scribble with a marker. Homemade > store-bought, every time.
More Festive Jam & Spread Recipes to Try
Wanna go jam-wild? After you master this, dive into more jams, jellies, and spreads. Try classics like orange marmalade or experiment with spiced apple butter. And if you want another sweet treat, whip up a batch of Christmas sugar cookies to go alongside your jar of holiday magic.
Common Questions
Yes, but big batches might take longer to set up. Keep your pot roomy so nothing spills over. Works fine, it’ll just need a bit of extra tending.
Technically, you could cook longer and try naturally thickening, but it won’t jam up the same. I always use pectin for Amish Christmas Jam to be safe.
If you plan to eat them quickly, just store in the fridge. For gifting or saving longer, yep, canning is the way.
You’ll hear a slight pop as they cool, and the lid won’t flex up and down if sealed. If one doesn’t seal, just pop it in the fridge and eat that one first.
Go wild! More cinnamon, ginger, allspice, customize for your taste and family traditions.
Wrap Up: Amish Christmas Jam, Your New Holiday Tradition
So, Amish Christmas Jam is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a holiday hero without fancy skills. Trust me, after your first batch, you’ll wonder why you ever bought fancy store jam. Make extra, it disappears quick. Spread a little joy (and jam), give away a few jars, and watch your kitchen become everyone’s favorite five-star restaurant. By the way, if you’re looking for more canning tips or holiday jam ideas, Food in Jars and Ball Canning are solid sites to poke around. Happy jamming, and don’t forget: imperfect is perfect.
Related posts:
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
Cranberry Brie Bites : Easy 5-Ingredient Christmas Appetizer
Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese Bites: Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizer Everyone Loves
Holiday Pigs in a Blanket: A Fun Party Treat!
Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe
Appetizers & Sides
Main Dishes
Drinks & Wellness
Desserts & Baking