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Easy Festive Christmas Freezer Jam Recipe Perfect for Holiday Gifts

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A quick and easy cranberry freezer jam with festive spices, perfect for holiday gifts and enjoying on toast or cheese boards. No canning required, just fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, pectin, and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (600g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
  • 1 box (1.75 oz / 50g) powdered fruit pectin (e.g., Sure-Jell)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Optional: lemon juice instead of orange juice
  • Optional: substitute half the sugar with honey or maple syrup for lower sugar version

Instructions

  1. Rinse 4 cups (600g) of fresh or frozen cranberries under cold water. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar and one box (50g) of powdered fruit pectin until evenly mixed.
  3. Add the cranberries to the sugar-pectin mixture and stir gently until the berries are well coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to macerate and soften the fruit.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan. Add 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
  5. Heat over medium-high and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Stir constantly to prevent sticking, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Test the set by placing a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate and letting it cool for a minute. Push the jam with your finger — if it wrinkles and holds, it’s ready. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
  7. Turn off the stove and let the jam cool for 5 minutes before ladling it into prepared jars or containers, leaving about 1/2-inch headspace.
  8. Cover with lids and let jars cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the freezer. Label with date and flavor.

Notes

Stir continuously during boiling to prevent burning. Skim off any foam for clearer jam. Test the set on a chilled plate to avoid runny jam. Leave 1/2-inch headspace in jars for expansion. Jam is best thawed overnight in the fridge and should not be refrozen once thawed. For a thicker set, increase pectin slightly or reduce sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: freezer jam, cranberry jam, holiday gifts, Christmas jam, easy jam recipe, festive jam, no canning jam, quick jam

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/easy-festive-christmas-freezer-jam-recipe-perfect-for-holiday-gifts/