Simple Spiced Christmas Jam

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This simple spiced Christmas jam is like a cozy holiday hug in a jar. It bursts with juicy berries and warm spices that make your kitchen smell like the holidays as it simmers. With every spoonful, you’ll taste memories of Christmas mornings and snowy evenings. It’s the kind of gift you’ll want to give everyone—and definitely save a jar or two for yourself.

Whether spread on toast, swirled into yogurt, or dolloped over brie, this jam brings a festive flair to even the simplest snacks. And the best part? It’s easy to make with frozen fruit and pantry staples, no canning skills needed. Make a few jars ahead of time and you’re holiday-ready with homemade charm.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Spiced Christmas Jam

This jam is everything comforting about the holidays, packed into one beautiful jar. It’s sweet but balanced with spice, festive without being fussy, and incredibly versatile. You’ll love how the flavors deepen over a few days and how well it pairs with both sweet and savory foods. Plus, it’s a thoughtful homemade gift that feels personal and nostalgic.

What Kind of Fruit Should I Use?

The beauty of this jam is in its flexibility. A mix of frozen strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries gives it a ruby-red color and a naturally tangy sweetness that plays so well with warm spices. You can experiment with blueberries, blackberries, or even cherries if you’d like. Just aim for a mix of sweet and tart fruit for the best balance.

Ingredients for the Simple Spiced Christmas Jam

This jam recipe is made with common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role in flavor and texture.

Frozen mixed berries: These bring the deep berry flavor and vibrant color. Go for a mix like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries.

Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and to help the jam set. Don’t reduce too much or it won’t preserve properly.

Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness. It also helps the pectin work properly.

Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and brings that signature Christmas spice note.

Clove: Just a pinch goes a long way. Clove deepens the spice profile and adds complexity.

Nutmeg: Earthy and slightly sweet, it complements the berries beautifully.

Apple (optional): If you want a thicker jam without pectin, finely grated apple helps because it’s naturally high in pectin.

How To Make the Simple Spiced Christmas Jam

Step 1: Simmer the Fruit and Spices

In a large saucepan, combine the frozen berries, sugar, lemon juice, and spices. Turn the heat to medium and stir until the fruit starts to break down and the mixture gets juicy. This takes about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Until It Thickens

Once everything is well combined and bubbling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often. It should start to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender right in the pot, or let it cool slightly and blend in batches. You can skip this if you like a chunkier texture.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spooning into sterilized jars. Once fully cooled, refrigerate. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

How to Serve and Store This Christmas Jam

This jam makes about 2 to 3 cups and can easily be doubled for gifting. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and can be frozen for up to 3 months. For longer shelf life, you can use proper water bath canning techniques.

Serve it with toast, scones, yogurt, oatmeal, or cheese boards. It also makes an amazing glaze for roasted meats or a surprise filling for thumbprint cookies.

What to Serve With Simple Spiced Christmas Jam?

Toasted Sourdough

A thick slice of sourdough toast with butter and a layer of this jam is breakfast bliss.

Brie or Cream Cheese

Serve a spoonful over a wheel of brie or a block of cream cheese for an instant appetizer.

Oatmeal or Porridge

Swirl it into hot oatmeal for a cozy, fruity twist.

Thumbprint Cookies

Use it as a jewel-toned filling in buttery shortbread thumbprints.

Roasted Pork or Chicken

Brush it on meat as a glaze or serve on the side to add brightness and depth.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer it with Greek yogurt and granola for a festive breakfast or snack.

Ice Cream Topping

Warm it slightly and pour over vanilla ice cream for a spiced dessert sauce.

Want More Holiday-Inspired Jam and Spread Ideas?

If you’re loving this festive recipe, you’ll enjoy these flavorful options too:

• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts
• Rhubarb Shortbread Bars
• Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Deviled Eggs
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls
• Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use apples? Maybe tried a splash of orange zest? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and cozy seasonal recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for winter treats.

Conclusion

Simple spiced Christmas jam is everything you want in a holiday treat: sweet, tangy, warmly spiced, and incredibly easy to make. It brings together nostalgic flavors with a homemade touch that feels special in every spoonful. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast or gifting it to friends, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite.

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