Oh, the holidays! They’re such a magical time filled with twinkling lights, laughter, and the smell of baked goodies wafting through the air. One of my absolute favorite ways to spread that festive cheer is with my homemade Christmas jam. It’s not just a delicious treat; it’s a heartfelt gift from the kitchen that friends and family adore! Imagine a jar filled with vibrant berries, sweetened just right, and a hint of warmth from cinnamon—perfect for slathering on toast, topping off holiday desserts, or even giving as gifts. Trust me, once you make this jam, it’ll become a staple in your holiday traditions!

Ingredients for Christmas Jam

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect Christmas jam. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups mixed berries: You can use any combination of your favorites—strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries work beautifully. Just make sure they’re fresh and vibrant!
1 cup sugar: This helps balance the tartness of the berries. Feel free to adjust based on how sweet your berries are.
1/2 cup water: This will help the berries break down and create that lovely jammy consistency.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity that brightens the flavors and helps with preservation.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: This adds a warm, cozy note that screams holiday spirit!

How to Prepare Christmas Jam

Making your own Christmas jam is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and soon enough, your kitchen will be filled with delightful aromas that’ll have everyone asking for more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir gently until the berries are coated in sugar.
Next, place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The berries will break down and create that luscious jammy texture.
After 20 minutes, add in the lemon juice and cinnamon. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld those flavors together.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool for a bit. You’ll want it to thicken up nicely as it cools.
Finally, transfer your beautiful jam into clean jars, seal them up, and pop them in the refrigerator. It’s that simple!

Now, get ready to enjoy your festive creation or gift it to someone special this holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam

Quick to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delightful jam ready in no time!
Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet berries and warm cinnamon creates a taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
Versatile: Use it as a spread for breakfast, a topping for desserts, or gift it in pretty jars to friends and family.
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries for a unique flavor profile.
Perfect for the holidays: This jam adds a festive touch to any gathering or celebration!

Tips for Success with Christmas Jam

To make sure your Christmas jam turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, choose ripe, fresh berries for the best flavor—frozen berries can work in a pinch, but fresh is always my favorite. Don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the berries; it’s all about finding that perfect balance. If you like a chunkier texture, mash the berries less during cooking. And remember, the cooling process is crucial for thickening, so don’t rush it! Trust me, a little patience goes a long way in achieving jammy perfection!

Nutritional Information

Each tablespoon of this delightful Christmas jam contains approximately 50 calories and 10 grams of sugar. It’s a sweet treat that fits perfectly into your holiday festivities! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on the specific ingredients you use.

FAQs about Christmas Jam

You’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get about my Christmas jam.

Can I use frozen berries? Absolutely! Frozen berries are a great alternative, just remember they might make the jam a bit thinner since they release more moisture.

How long will the jam last in the fridge? Once refrigerated, your jam should stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, consider canning it properly!

Can I adjust the sugar? Yes! Feel free to reduce the sugar if you prefer a tart flavor or if your berries are particularly sweet. It’s all about your taste!

What do I need to do if the jam doesn’t thicken? If it’s too runny, you can simmer it a bit longer to help it thicken. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

Can I gift this jam? Definitely! It makes for a lovely homemade gift. Just make sure to use clean jars and label them with the date!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Christmas jam is super easy! Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container or sealed jars in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy it throughout the holiday season. If you want to keep it longer, consider canning it using proper techniques to ensure it lasts for several months in a cool, dark place.

Reheating isn’t usually necessary since it’s perfect cold, but if you prefer it warm, just spoon out what you need into a small saucepan and gently heat it over low. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching. Enjoy your festive treat!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Learn more about the benefits of berries and why they are great for your health.

Christmas Jam: 5 Simple Steps to Holiday Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 jars 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive jam perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups mixed berries
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Combine berries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add lemon juice and cinnamon, stir well.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Transfer to jars and refrigerate.

Notes

Use any mix of berries you prefer.
Adjust sugar based on sweetness of berries.
Great for gifts or holiday spreads.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 50
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: christmas jam, holiday jam, berry jam

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