Description
Christmas Freezer Jam is a bright, sweet-tart holiday spread packed with fresh cranberries, strawberries, and citrus flavor. This easy freezer jam recipe is perfect for quick breakfast ideas, holiday brunches, homemade food gifts, and festive dinner ideas. The fresh fruit flavor and vibrant red color make it a beautiful addition to toast, biscuits, cheesecake, yogurt bowls, and holiday desserts. Since this is a simple freezer jam, you can enjoy homemade flavor without complicated canning methods, making it one of the best easy recipe ideas for the holiday season.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh cranberries
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
4 cups granulated sugar
1 package freezer jam pectin
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Wash the cranberries thoroughly and remove any damaged berries. Rinse and slice the strawberries, then zest the orange carefully.
2. Add the cranberries and strawberries to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but still slightly chunky.
3. Transfer the fruit mixture to a large bowl and stir in the orange zest and lemon juice.
4. Gradually mix the sugar into the fruit mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes so the fruit releases its juices.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the freezer jam pectin and water. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly for 1 minute.
6. Slowly pour the hot pectin mixture into the fruit mixture and stir continuously for several minutes.
7. Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly until fully combined.
8. Let the jam rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens.
9. Spoon the jam into clean freezer-safe jars, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.
10. Refrigerate the jars for several hours before transferring them to the freezer.
11. Thaw a jar overnight in the refrigerator before serving and stir gently before use.
Notes
Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor and best texture.
Do not overblend the fruit because small berry pieces create a more homemade consistency.
Always leave space at the top of freezer jars to prevent cracking during freezing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Freezer Jam
- Cuisine: American Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg