Festive Red Christmas Jam
For decades, this bright red preserve has been a holiday staple. Tart cranberries mingle with sweet raspberries, enhanced by fragrant orange and a touch of warm cinnamon, creating a perfectly balanced jam—festive, cozy, and bursting with flavor.
Use it to top toast, scones, or pancakes, swirl into yogurt, or gift in small jars tied with ribbon. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour with only five simple ingredients.
🌟 Why You’ll Adore It
✅ Just 5 ingredients—no pectin or complicated steps
✅ Ready in roughly 45 minutes, mostly hands-off
✅ Naturally vegan and gluten-free
✅ No fancy equipment required
✅ Makes a charming homemade gift
Holiday Red Jam
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberries (fresh or frozen) | 12 oz (340 g) | — |
| Raspberries (fresh or frozen) | 6 oz (170 g) | Red currants work too for extra tartness |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups | Adjust to taste |
| Orange (zest + juice) | 1 orange (~¼ cup juice) | Zest gives that festive aroma |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 | Or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon |
| Optional: Grand Marnier or bourbon | 1 tbsp | Adds depth and warmth |
💡 Tip: Don’t skip the zest—it’s what makes this jam sparkle.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Simmer the Fruit
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, raspberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Cook Until Jammy
Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when:
- Cranberries have popped
- The mixture coats the back of a spoon
- A small spoonful gels when cooled on a plate
💡 Slow simmering deepens flavor and prevents sticking.
3. Finish & Jar
Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in Grand Marnier if using. Mash lightly for smoother jam or leave it chunky. Ladle into clean jars, let cool, then seal and refrigerate.
🎁 For Gifts: Use 4-oz jars, clean the rims, and add festive lids or fabric covers.
🍯 Tips for Best Results
- Frozen berries are perfect—they’re picked at peak ripeness.
- Adjust sweetness: add extra sugar for tart berries, or a squeeze of lemon if too sweet.
- No pectin required—cranberries naturally thicken the jam.
- Makes roughly 3 cups (6–8 small jars).
- Store: up to 3 weeks in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer.
🍴 Ways to Enjoy
- Spread on toast or scones with butter or cream
- Stir into oatmeal or yogurt for holiday breakfasts
- Pair with cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar
- Add to desserts: cheesecake, thumbprint cookies, or ice cream
- Brush over roasted pork or chicken for a sweet-savory glaze
✨ This jam is more than a recipe—it’s a slice of holiday tradition, a gift of love, and a little spoonful of festive joy.
