Introduction

Rich Amish Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful spread perfect for the holiday season. Combining tart cranberries with sweet strawberries and warm spices, this jam brings a cozy touch to your breakfast table or holiday treats.

A small white ceramic bowl filled with thick, glossy, deep red cranberry sauce that has a slightly chunky texture, showing soft fruit bits throughout. The sauce is mounded slightly above the rim of the bowl with natural peaks and swirls, catching light on its shiny surface. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a pinecone and green pine needle branch blurred in the background, all against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups (24 oz) whole cranberries
16 oz fresh strawberries
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the cranberries and strawberries thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and cut them into halves or quarters depending on size.
Step 2: In a large pot, combine the cranberries, strawberries, and brown sugar. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to the fruit and sugar mixture. Stir to distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and let the jam cool slightly before transferring to sterilized jars. Seal and refrigerate once cooled.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother jam, pulse the fruit mixture lightly in a food processor before cooking.
Adjust the brown sugar amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or tarter jam.
Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
Use fresh or frozen berries when fresh are not available, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave before serving if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a single white ribbed ramekin filled with thick, glossy deep red cranberry sauce that has a slightly chunky texture with visible berry pieces on the surface, placed on a white marbled texture. Behind the ramekin, a large pine cone on the left and some blurred green pine needles on the right add a subtle festive touch in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other berries instead of cranberries and strawberries?

Yes, you can substitute with similar tart and sweet berries like raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries, but the flavor will vary slightly.

Do I need to add pectin to this jam?

This recipe does not require added pectin because the natural pectin in cranberries and strawberries helps the jam set well during cooking.

Rich Amish Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

This Rich Amish Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful preserve blending tart whole cranberries and fresh strawberries with warm spices and brown sugar. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifts, this traditional jam combines the richness of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to create a cozy, spiced taste that complements the natural fruit sweetness.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 cups of jam 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

6 cups (24 oz) whole cranberries
16 oz fresh strawberries

Sweetener and Spices

2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Instructions

Prepare the Fruits: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick through the strawberries to remove stems and any blemishes. Dice the strawberries into smaller pieces to help them break down during cooking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, add the cranberries, diced strawberries, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Cook the Jam: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20–25 minutes or until the berries have burst and the mixture thickens to your desired jam consistency.
Test and Adjust Consistency: To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, the jam is set. If not, continue simmering a few more minutes.
Cool and Store: Remove the pot from heat and let the jam cool slightly. Transfer the jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly. Refrigerate and use within a few weeks or process for longer shelf-life if desired.

Notes

Ensure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.
Using fresh, ripe strawberries will improve the flavor and texture of the jam.
The jam will thicken further as it cools, so avoid overcooking.
You can adjust the spice quantities to suit your taste preferences.
This jam pairs wonderfully with bread, toast, or holiday desserts.

Keywords: Amish Christmas jam, cranberry strawberry jam, holiday jam recipe, spiced fruit jam, homemade jam