Spiced Cranberry and Strawberry Jam Recipe
This festive homemade jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, sweetened with brown sugar. Perfect for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or gifting during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 to 5 cups of jam
- Category: Preserves and Jams
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
Spices
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Sweetener
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Rinse the fresh cranberries and strawberries thoroughly. Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them into smaller pieces to aid in even cooking and easier mashing later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot, add the cranberries, strawberries, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Stir in the brown sugar evenly across the fruit and spices.
- Cook the Jam: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The fruit will burst and soften, creating a thick jam-like consistency.
- Check Consistency: As the jam simmers, stir occasionally and mash some of the fruit with the back of a spoon or potato masher to desired texture. Continue simmering until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 more minutes if needed.
- Cool and Store: Remove the pot from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal when cooled completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the cooked fruit mixture briefly with an immersion blender.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing the brown sugar according to taste preference.
- This jam can be frozen for up to 6 months for extended storage.
- Use sterilized jars and utensils to ensure safe preservation if storing long term.
