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Festive Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Apple Jam with Ginger Recipe

4.5 from 105 reviews

This Festive Christmas Jam Recipe with a Hint of Ginger combines fresh cranberries, strawberries, and apple, infused with warm spices and fresh ginger for a perfect holiday preserve. The jam is thickened with liquid fruit pectin and sweetened generously with sugar, offering a delicious balance of tart and sweet flavors that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the season.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
  • Zest and juice of 1 large orange
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup water

Sweeteners and Spices

  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Thickening Agent

  • 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid fruit pectin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit Base: In a large saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, hulled and sliced strawberries, and diced apple. Add the zest and juice of one large orange along with grated fresh ginger. Pour in 1/2 cup of water to prevent the fruit from sticking to the pan.
  2. Cook Until Fruits Soften: Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the fruits become tender.
  3. Blend the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and use an immersion blender or potato masher to blend the jam until it reaches your preferred consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
  4. Add Sugar and Spices: Return the saucepan to medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then bring the mixture back to a rolling boil.
  5. Incorporate the Pectin: Quickly stir in the liquid fruit pectin and return the jam to a full, rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
  6. Test for Doneness: Conduct a gel test by placing a small spoonful of the jam on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute, then push it with your finger. If the surface wrinkles slightly, the jam is ready. If not, continue boiling for another minute and retest.
  7. Prepare for Canning: Skim off any foam from the jam’s surface. Ladle the hot jam carefully into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal. Place lids on jars and screw on bands until fingertip-tight.
  8. Process the Jars: Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring jars are covered by at least one inch of water. Process for 10 minutes, adjusting time if at higher altitudes.
  9. Cool and Store: Remove jars carefully using a jar lifter and set on a towel-lined surface. Allow to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals by pressing down the center of each lid; if it does not pop back, the seal is good. Label jars with the date and store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust sugar quantity if a less sweet jam is desired, but this may affect preservation.
  • The gel test is crucial to ensure the jam sets properly before canning.
  • Ensure jars and lids are sterilized properly to avoid contamination and spoilage.
  • Altitude adjustments for the water bath processing time may be necessary for safe canning.
  • Once opened, keep jam refrigerated and consume within 3 weeks for best quality.

Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry strawberry jam, festive jam recipe, homemade jam, cranberry preserves, holiday jam, ginger jam, fruit pectin jam