Festive Red Christmas Jam
For generations, this vibrant red jam has been a holiday favorite. Tart cranberries and sweet raspberries combine with zesty orange and a hint of warming cinnamon, creating a perfectly balanced flavor—bright, festive, and irresistibly cozy.
Spread it on toast or scones, stir it into yogurt, or package it in little jars tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Even better, it’s ready in under an hour with just five simple ingredients.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
✅ Only 5 ingredients—no pectin or complicated canning
✅ Ready in about 45 minutes—mostly hands-off simmering
✅ Naturally vegan and gluten-free
✅ No special equipment required
✅ Makes a thoughtful edible gift
Christmas 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 is key for festive aroma |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 | Or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon |
| Optional: Grand Marnier or bourbon | 1 tbsp | Adds extra depth of flavor |
💡 Pro tip: Don’t skip the orange zest—it’s what makes this jam shine with holiday brightness.
👩🍳 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 to Jammy Perfection
Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The jam is ready when:
- Cranberries have burst
- The mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon
- A small spoonful gels when cooled on a plate
💡 Slow simmering enhances flavor and prevents scorching.
3. Finish & Jar
Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in Grand Marnier if using.
Mash lightly for a smoother jam or leave it chunky.
Ladle into clean jars. Let cool, seal, and refrigerate.
🎁 For gifting: Use 4-oz jars, wipe rims clean, and dress with festive lids or fabric covers.
🍯 Tips for Success
- Frozen berries work great—they’re picked at peak ripeness.
- Adjust sweetness: add sugar for extra tart berries, or a squeeze of lemon if too sweet.
- No pectin needed—cranberries naturally set the jam.
- Yields about 3 cups (6–8 small jars).
- Storage: 3 weeks in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer.
🍴 Delicious Ways to Enjoy
- Classic: Spread on toast or scones with butter or clotted cream
- Holiday breakfast: Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
- Cheese board: Perfect with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar
- Dessert upgrade: Add to cheesecake, thumbprint cookies, or ice cream
- Savory twist: Brush over roasted pork or chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking
✨ More than just a recipe, this jam is a tradition, a gift, and a spoonful of holiday joy.
