One crisp December evening, the kitchen glowed with warm holiday light as cranberries and strawberries waited on the counter. My kids were busy crafting ornaments, and I wanted to make something special that would fill the house with rich, festive aromas. Amish-style Christmas jam seemed perfect, simple, flavorful, and full of seasonal charm.

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I chose the slow-cooker method so the berries could simmer gently while I enjoyed a quiet moment. As they cooked, cranberries released their tartness and strawberries added natural sweetness, while cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger created a welcoming, aromatic atmosphere throughout the kitchen.

Blending the cooked fruit into a smooth, ruby-red jam was easy and rewarding. Thick enough for toast yet soft enough for yogurt, it tasted wonderful warm and smelled even better. By the time it cooled, the jam had become a family favorite, ideal for breakfasts, snacks, or holiday gifts, carrying the flavors of the season in every jar.

Short Description

Easy Amish Christmas Jam a slow-cooked, spiced blend of cranberries and strawberries, perfect for toast, yogurt, or gifting during the holiday season.

Key Ingredients

For the Jam

6 cups whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)
16 oz fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered)
2 cups packed brown sugar (dark brown preferred)
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated for best flavor)
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger

Tools Needed

Slow cooker
Blender or immersion blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Stirring spoon
Airtight jars or containers for storage

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to ensure the fruit and spices are evenly mixed.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Fruit Mixture
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Do not open the lid or stir during cooking to allow flavors to develop fully and prevent moisture loss.

Step 3: Blend to Make Jam
Transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Pulse carefully until smooth, avoiding over-blending to prevent it from turning into cranberry butter.

Step 4: Cool and Store the Jam
Allow the jam to cool to room temperature, thickening naturally. Transfer to jars or airtight containers. Sample while slightly warm for the best flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal hands-on cooking with slow-cooker convenience

Naturally thickened by cranberries, no pectin needed

Warm, festive flavors perfect for the holidays

Versatile: spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or gift

Family-friendly and budget-conscious

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Over-blending the Jam
Over-blending can turn the jam into cranberry butter.
Solution: Pulse gradually and check consistency frequently.

Opening the Lid Too Early
Lifting the lid disrupts cooking and flavor development.
Solution: Keep the lid closed for the full 4 hours.

Using Too Much Sugar
Excess sugar can overpower the natural tartness of the cranberries.
Solution: Stick to recipe amounts; adjust sweetness after cooking if necessary.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Spread on toast, bagels, or English muffins

Stir into Greek yogurt or oatmeal

Pair with cheese platters or charcuterie boards

Gift in decorative jars for friends and family

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate in airtight jars for up to 3 weeks

Freeze in suitable containers for up to 6 months

Reheat gently over low heat before serving

FAQs

1. Can frozen berries be used?
Yes, frozen cranberries and strawberries work well; no need to thaw.

2. Is pectin required?
No, cranberries naturally provide enough pectin to thicken the jam.

3. How long does this jam keep?
Refrigerated, up to 3 weeks; frozen, up to 6 months.

4. Can it be made on the stovetop?
Yes, cook on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until desired consistency is reached.

5. Is this jam suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Use sterilized jars and add decorative labels for a festive touch.

Tips & Tricks

Lightly mash larger berries before blending for a smoother texture

Let the jam rest overnight to enhance flavors

Use fresh, high-quality spices for the most aromatic jam

Recipe Variations

Spiced Orange Amish Jam: Add 1 tbsp orange zest and reduce cloves to ¼ tsp; follow original steps.

Mixed Berry Amish Jam: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries; cook and blend as usual.

Apple-Cranberry Amish Jam: Add 1 peeled, chopped apple to the fruit mixture; cook and blend as in the main recipe.

Cranberry-Pear Amish Jam: Replace half the strawberries with 1 peeled, chopped pear; cook and blend as usual.

Final Thoughts

This festive jam brings together the bright tartness of cranberries and the natural sweetness of strawberries, gently enhanced with aromatic spices. Using a slow cooker makes it simple to prepare while filling the kitchen with inviting holiday scents.

It works beautifully on morning toast, stirred into yogurt, or packaged in jars as thoughtful gifts. Each spoonful carries the warmth and flavors of the season, making it a little celebration in every bite. The process is straightforward, yet the results feel special.

Sharing it around the table adds a touch of joy to everyday moments, and the rich, layered flavors make it both memorable and delightful. Homemade jam like this truly adds a festive note to any occasion.

Easy Amish Christmas Jam