Sweet Cranberry Jam Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the sparkling ruby hue, lively flavor, and satisfyingly spreadable texture of homemade Sweet Cranberry Jam. It’s a glorious blend of tart cranberries and juicy strawberries, kissed with festive spices and perfectly sweet—like a cheerful jarful of holiday joy that’s delicious any time of year. Whether heaped onto fresh-baked scones, slathered over toast, stirred into yogurt, or given as a thoughtful gift, this easy homemade jam brings a burst of bright flavor and warmth to every table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is selected for both its simplicity and its impact—each adds its own magic, from tangy depth to warm spice. Gather them up and let’s see how this Sweet Cranberry Jam comes together!

• Strawberries: Fresh or frozen strawberries form a sweet, fruity base and give the jam its beautiful color and luxurious texture.
• Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries to add a vibrant tartness that balances the sweetness and infuses the jam with brilliant ruby flecks.
• Sugar: Classic white sugar preserves the fruit’s flavors and helps create that lush, glossy finish we all crave in homemade jams.
• Liquid fruit pectin: Two sachets ensure just the right set—think soft but spreadable, never runny or stiff; Certo brand works perfectly.
• Cinnamon: Adds gentle warmth and just a hint of festive coziness to every bite.
• Ginger: Brightens things up with a subtle zesty note that elevates the jam beyond the ordinary.
• Allspice: A little goes a long way, adding depth and a whisper of old-fashioned charm.
• Cloves: Just a pinch rounds out the flavor, giving the jam its unmistakably “holiday” taste even in July!

How to Make Sweet Cranberry Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by rinsing your strawberries and cranberries thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and chop them into halves or quarters—a little roughness is fine. If you’re using frozen berries, let them thaw slightly for easier chopping. The mix of chopped strawberries and whole cranberries gives Sweet Cranberry Jam its lovely texture and flecks of color in every scoop.

Step 2: Combine Fruits and Spices

Add your prepared strawberries and cranberries to a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Toss gently to coat the fruit with those aromatic spices. Already, the kitchen will start to fill with a cozy, sweetly spiced scent that hints at the jam’s final festive flavor.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Cook

Pour in all the sugar and gently stir everything together. Set the pot over medium heat. As the mixture heats, the sugar will draw out the juices from the berries. Stir occasionally as it comes to a boil, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Watch for the cranberries to begin popping—it’s the sound of flavor bursting!

Step 4: Boil, Then Stir in Pectin

Once the mixture reaches a full, rolling boil (one you can’t stir down), continue boiling for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Open both sachets of liquid pectin and pour them in swiftly, mixing well to incorporate. Boil everything for another full minute—this ensures Sweet Cranberry Jam will set with just the right consistency.

Step 5: Jar and Cool

Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface with a clean spoon. Quickly ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter-inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims, seal, and let the jars cool. You’ll hear that satisfying “pop” if you use canning lids—a sign of a perfect seal! Once cooled, your jam is ready for breakfast, brunch, or gifting.

How to Serve Sweet Cranberry Jam

Garnishes

For a simple, stunning finish, try topping each jar with a sprinkle of orange zest or a few extra cranberries. A sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon on the platter also looks beautiful and hints at the cozy spices hiding inside Sweet Cranberry Jam.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm pastries, crusty sourdough, or buttermilk pancakes for an unbeatable breakfast spread. On a cheese board, Sweet Cranberry Jam absolutely sings with sharp cheddar or creamy brie—the sweet and spice is brilliant with savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Jazz up your next dessert by swirling Sweet Cranberry Jam into Greek yogurt, cheesecake batter, or vanilla ice cream. Or, pack it into tiny glass jars with handwritten tags as a heartfelt edible gift. This jam even proves itself in savory sandwiches—think turkey, brie, and a generous swipe of homemade jam!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Sweet Cranberry Jam in clean, airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator. It’ll stay vibrant and delicious for up to three weeks—plenty of time for morning toast rituals and impromptu desserts!

Freezing

If you’re making a big batch or wish to savor jam all season, freeze portions in freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When properly stored, Sweet Cranberry Jam maintains its lovely texture and flavor for up to 6 months.

Reheating

Jam is wonderful just as it is, but if you prefer it a bit looser (for drizzling), just spoon what you need into a microwave-safe bowl and warm in short bursts, stirring gently. Once thawed, give frozen jam a good stir—its vibrant taste and color spring right back.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Cranberry Jam with only cranberries?

While you can make a jam using only cranberries, the strawberries in this recipe balance the tartness and yield a softer, more spreadable result. The combination creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and mellow.

Is this recipe suitable for water bath canning?

Yes! If you want to store Sweet Cranberry Jam long-term outside the fridge, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes after filling and sealing. Always use sterilized jars and follow safe canning guidelines.

What if I can’t find liquid pectin?

Liquid pectin is easy to work with in this recipe, but powdered pectin will work in a pinch. Just be sure to follow the package instructions, as the technique and timing can differ slightly.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Sugar is important for both flavor and the jam’s ability to set. Reducing it too much can yield a runnier texture, but you can experiment with low-sugar pectin if you prefer a tarter, less sweet jam.

Is Sweet Cranberry Jam gluten free and vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free and vegan, so you can share it with a wide variety of friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let another season pass without making your own batch of Sweet Cranberry Jam. With its jewel-like color, tangy-sweet depth, and warming spices, it’s a little jar of happiness for breakfast, snacking, or gifting. Trust me—one taste and you’ll be hooked!

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