If you’re craving a festive spread that really sings holiday flavors, you’ve got to try this Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe. It’s one of those cozy kitchen projects that fills your house with amazing aromas all day, and the end result? A luscious, tangy-sweet jam that’s perfect for your Christmas morning toast, gift jars, or even drizzling over your favorite desserts. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through this foolproof method that’s hands-off but packs serious flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you tackle holiday prep.
- Perfect Tangy-Sweet Balance: The combo of cranberries and strawberries plus warm spices hits just the right festive note.
- Batch-Friendly: Make a big batch to share, gift, or keep for those cozy breakfasts through December.
- Flexible Flavor Adjustments: Easily tweak the spices or sweetness to suit your own holiday style.

Ingredients & Why They Work
The heart of this Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe is all about the fresh or frozen berries, combined with brown and granulated sugar for depth, and warming spices that make it truly festive. Each ingredient plays a special role, so let me share a few tips before you shop.

- Cranberries: Whether fresh or frozen, these bring that beautiful tartness we associate with the holidays—make sure they’re whole and bright!
- Strawberries: Fresh or frozen work here, too; they add sweetness and soften the sharp cranberry bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps preserve the jam’s shelf life when refrigerated.
- Light Brown Sugar: Gives a rich, caramel note that balances perfectly with the tartness.
- Ground Allspice: This warm spice packs cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in one—perfect for holiday vibes.
- Ground Cinnamon: Classic Christmas spice that deepens the flavor and aroma.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to round out the flavor profile.
- Optional Orange Zest or Lemon Juice: These bright citrus notes lift and brighten the jam, but use them only if you enjoy a bit more zing.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can tweak the spices or sweetness, or even add your own twists to fit your family’s favorite holiday flavors.
- Variation: I sometimes swap out half the allspice for cloves for a more pronounced festive aroma—totally worth trying if you love that rich holiday spice mix.
- Dietary Adjustment: Swap regular sugar for coconut sugar if you want a lower-glycemic option, though the flavor will be a bit earthier.
- Seasonal Adaptation: If you can’t get fresh berries, frozen still works beautifully and gives you flexibility in winter.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients
First, I gather fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries—it’s so handy to use frozen during busy holiday weeks. Toss them straight into your crockpot along with both sugars, allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. I like to give it one good stir to combine everything evenly before cooking. If you want, add that citrus zest or juice now to brighten everything up.
Step 2: Slow Cook on High
Cover the crockpot and set it to HIGH. Let the mixture cook for four hours, but remember to stir about halfway through—usually around the 2-hour mark—to keep the berries from sticking and to encourage even cooking. You’ll notice the cranberries pop and soften, and the sugars start to thicken everything into a jammy consistency.
Step 3: Blend for the Perfect Jam Texture
Once cooking is done, I grab my immersion blender and pulse the berry mixture just two or three times. This keeps some texture while bringing everything to a lovely jam consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend in batches in a regular blender but be careful—this mixture is hot, so work in small batches and vent the lid slightly for steam release.
Step 4: Jar, Cool, and Refrigerate
Ladle the hot jam into clean jars, wiping rims before sealing loosely with lids. Let them cool to room temperature before moving them to the fridge to chill overnight. This step helps the jam thicken even more and develop its signature flavor depth.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe
- Use Frozen Berries Smartly: I often use frozen cranberries and strawberries to save prep time—they release plenty of juice, making the jam extra juicy and flavorful.
- Stir Midway for Even Cooking: Don’t skip stirring halfway through; it prevents sticking and helps the texture develop beautifully.
- Don’t Overblend: Pulse just a few times to keep some berry chunks—you want that homemade jam feel, not a puree.
- Clean Jars for Safe Storage: Always use thoroughly cleaned and warm jars to avoid mold and extend the jam’s fridge life.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe

Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped rosemary or thyme on top when serving—those little herb notes complement the jam’s warm spices perfectly and add a rustic touch.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs beautifully with warm buttermilk biscuits, cream cheese-stuffed French toast, or just simple buttered toast. It also makes a fantastic spread alongside sharp cheeses and crackers for a festive appetizer board.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special occasions, I spoon the jam into small mason jars, tie on a festive ribbon, and attach a handwritten label. You can also swirl it through plain yogurt or drizzle on top of cheesecake to really wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the refrigerator in airtight jars or containers. It keeps beautifully for up to two weeks—just make sure to always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
Freezing
If I’m making a giant batch, I freeze some jam in small freezer-safe containers to enjoy later in the winter months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving—it tastes just as fresh as the day it was made.
Reheating
When I want warm jam, I gently reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This warms it up without losing that lovely texture or flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen berries for this Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work perfectly in this recipe. They thaw and cook down in the crockpot just like fresh berries and often make the process easier since they’re already washed and prepped.
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How long does this jam last in the fridge?
Stored properly in airtight containers, your Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Just be sure to always use clean utensils when scooping it out to prevent spoilage.
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Can I make this jam without a crockpot?
You sure can. If you don’t have a crockpot, simmer the ingredients gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring often until thickened. Just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
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How do I get the jam texture just right?
The key is to pulse the blended jam just a few times—too much blending turns it into a puree, while too little leaves whole berries. Using an immersion blender makes this easy to control.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe has become a cherished holiday tradition in my kitchen—it’s simple, heartwarming, and always impresses with the depth of flavor it delivers. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and please share it at your holiday table for all those cozy, joyful moments. There’s something about homemade jam that just feels like a big, warm hug in a jar!
PrintChristmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam in the Crockpot Recipe
This Christmas Jam Crockpot Recipe is a cozy and easy way to make delicious homemade berry jam perfect for the holiday season. Combining fresh or frozen cranberries and strawberries with warm spices like allspice, cinnamon, and ginger, this slow-cooked jam brings festive flavors together effortlessly in your crockpot. It’s a delightful spread to enjoy on toast, biscuits, or as a festive gift.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional: zest of one orange or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground allspice, cinnamon, and ginger to the crockpot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Jam: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for four hours. Stir the mixture once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and flavor melding.
- Blend the Mixture: Once cooked, blend the hot berry mixture using an immersion blender or in batches using a countertop blender. Pulse just two to three times to achieve a jam-like texture, avoiding over-blending to keep some fruit chunks.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into clean jars, wiping the rims clean before lightly securing the lids. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature.
- Chill Before Use: Refrigerate the sealed jars overnight to allow the jam to fully set and develop flavor before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen berries both work well, but frozen berries may release more liquid during cooking.
- Adjust the sugar amount slightly depending on how tart or sweet you prefer your jam.
- Adding orange zest or lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Ensure jars are sterilized before filling to extend shelf life.
- This jam can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 weeks once opened.
- If a thicker jam is preferred, cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.

