Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe

If you’re craving a homemade jam that’s bursting with festive flavors and incredibly easy to make, you’re in the right place! I absolutely love this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe because it combines tangy cranberries with sweet strawberries, creating a perfect balance that tastes like a holiday hug in a jar. You don’t need to hover over the stove for hours either—your crockpot does the heavy lifting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this gem in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe lies in the fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together so naturally. You can use fresh or frozen berries, which is perfect if you want to make this jam off-season. And the blend of warm spices ties everything together beautifully, adding depth to that bright fruity sweetness.

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure they’re tart and firm for that signature tang.
• Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy ones for sweetness; frozen are great too when fresh aren’t in season.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tart berries perfectly without overpowering.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note to the jam.
• Ground allspice: Gives the jam a cozy, warm undertone reminiscent of holiday baking.
• Ground cinnamon: A key spice that enhances the fruit flavors without being too sharp.
• Ground ginger: Just a hint adds a gentle bite and complexity to the jam.
• Optional citrus zest or juice: I like to add orange zest or a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten and deepen flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with this jam recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you should too! It’s super forgiving, so feel free to make it your own—this is your jam after all.

• Spice it up slightly: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra holiday vibe—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
• Use different berries: If you don’t have strawberries, try raspberries or blueberries mixed with the cranberries for a fun twist.
• Make it sugar-free: Try swapping regular sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid thinning the jam too much.
• Add citrus flair: Sometimes a bit of fresh orange zest or a splash of lemon juice brightens the mix perfectly.

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

This is the easy part that had me hooked from the start. Simply add the cranberries, strawberries, both sugars, and all your spices right into your crockpot. Give it a good stir to combine everything well. I usually find mixing it gently with a wooden spoon works best so the berries stay mostly intact before cooking. You want those lovely little bursts of berry goodness!

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and set it to high for about four hours. Midway through—right around the two-hour mark—I like to give it a stir to help everything cook evenly and prevent sticking, though your crockpot might not need much intervention. The fruit will soften and release its juices, and those fragrant spices will bloom beautifully. Don’t rush this step; slow cooking really builds that rich jammy flavor.

Step 3: Blend to Your Desired Jam Texture

Once your fruit mixture is soft and bubbling, it’s time to blend. I use an immersion blender right in the crockpot because it’s quick and easy, but a regular blender works fine too—just do it in batches and be careful with the hot liquid. Pulse just two or three times; this keeps the jam a bit chunky, which I adore because it feels homemade and rustic. If you want it smoother, blend a little more, but don’t overdo it!

Step 4: Jar It Up and Cool

Use a ladle to carefully fill clean jars with your hot jam. I always wipe the rims to make sure they’re spotless before putting on the lids—this helps with sealing and keeps everything fresh. Let the jars cool at room temperature for a few hours, then pop them in the fridge overnight. This chilling step helps the jam thicken up nicely and develop even better flavor.

How to Serve Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I often find that topping croissants, warm toast, or scones with a little fresh herb—like a small sprig of mint or a tiny thyme leaf—adds a nice touch. The jam is flavorful enough on its own, but a delicate herb garnish adds freshness that really elevates the serving.

Side Dishes

My family loves pairing this jam with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese or creamy Brie—those combos are heavenly! It’s also fantastic alongside a breakfast spread featuring buttery biscuits or pancakes. The tangy sweetness cuts through rich dishes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I like gifting this jam in small mason jars decorated with festive ribbons during winter holidays. For parties, try serving it in mini jars as part of a DIY toast bar where guests create their own favorite combo—it’s always a hit and super interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover jam in the fridge, sealed tightly in glass jars. It stays fresh and vibrant for up to two weeks, but honestly, mine rarely lasts that long because it’s so good.

Freezing

One time I made a big batch and froze portions in small containers—no fuss at all! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and the texture stays just as lovely as fresh.

Reheating

If you want a spread that’s easier to stir or spread right out of the fridge, just warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop on low heat. Be careful not to overheat—this keeps the vibrant color and fresh flavor intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe quickly became a holiday staple in my home because it’s so simple but yields incredibly flavorful results every single time. I love how the slow cooker frees me up to focus on other things, and the jam’s bright, cozy taste never fails to bring smiles. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do—give it a try and see how it shakes up your jam game!

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