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If you've got a little over an hour to spare (just 20 minutes of hands-on time), you can have a batch of this festive, delicious Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam ready to roll out the door. The festive free printable labels make this perfect for gifting!
Although we have a Christmas Marmalade with oranges and cranberries on our site, I thought it would be fun to also have a festive, crimson Christmas Jam with cranberries, apples and hints of warm spices.
A delicious, seasonal combination of ingredients
I picked up apples and a few bags of cranberries a few days ago, then put on my Christmas elf cap and started working. It wasn't a difficult task as the ingredients involved create a delicious combination. I diced the apples (taking just a few minutes with my Vidalia Chopper) and threw them in a pot with sugar to macerate for a bit before cooking. If you're not familiar with the culinary term, macerate, it means "to soften or become softened by soaking in a liquid" (from the Oxford English Dictionary).
After 30 minutes the sugar had drawn lots of liquid from the diced apples and then it was simply a matter of throwing everything else into the pot and simmering the vibrantly-hued mixture until it was perfectly thickened. In addition to the diced apples, I added chopped cranberries (again, using my handy-dandy Vidalia Chopper), a few teaspoons of grated ginger, a scoop of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves.
No pectin
I love the fact that both apples and cranberries are loaded with natural pectin so there's no need to use additional pectin to thicken this Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam. And unlike other cooked jams that lose their fresh color during the cooking process this retains a gorgeous cherry red hue. Check it out!
No canning skills needed!
Although this jam can be preserved with a hot water bath, it can also be stored in the refrigerator (or freezer for longer storage). So if you're intimidated or not familiar with canning, no worries! But if you enjoy canning or have limited freezer space you can use a hot water bath to make the jam shelf stable for storing. Here's a great article on how to safely preserve jam and jellies.
What to do with this Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam
Oh my, there are so many awesome things to do with this beautiful jam. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- It's delicious on toasted brioche bread, muffins or scones.
- Serve it warm on cold Brie or cold on warm Brie.
- Combine it with finely chopped fresh cilantro and an extra teaspoon or two of finely chopped fresh ginger. Use this combination as a beautiful "crème de la crème" for crostini topped with creamy goat cheese or cream cheese.
- Add a layer of this jam to your next grilled cheese.
- Serve it as a side with grilled or roasted pork or chicken.
- Swirl it into Greek yogurt topped with a handful of crunchy Double Almond Granola.
- Spoon it over ice cream.
- Give it as a gift!
A beautiful holiday gift!
This make a beautiful gift for hostesses, co-workers, friends, neighbors, teachers... anyone you want to spread a little holiday cheer to! And to make your gifts even cheerier (is that a word?), we've created a set free printable labels. To receive the PDFs for the labels, simply request them in the comment section beneath this post. We'll email you the labels along with instructions on how to print them up.
Add cranberries, apples and fresh ginger to your shopping list (you probably everything else in your pantry} and put together a batch of this Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam. It won't take long before a wonderful aroma will be wafting through your kitchen. And when you see the beautiful jars of jewel-toned jam lining your counter, and you'll feel like a little Christmas elf too! You ahead, treat yourself to a piece of buttered toast topped with your festive jam... you deserve it!
Cafe Tips for making this Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam
- What kind of apples to use for this Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam? I use Honey Crisp but Gala, Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Golden Delicious... really any cooking apple will work. I would stay away from really hard apples like Granny Smith.
- As mentioned in the post above, I use my Vidalia Chop Wizard to chop the apples quickly into a perfect ¼-inch dice. I've used one of these little kitchen workhorses for years and it saves me lots of time. The chopper is perfect for onions, peppers, potatoes, carrots, apples, pears... and so much more! This is not a sponsored post and I am not a big gadget person but I do love this chopper.
- I used fresh cranberries but frozen will also work for this holiday jam.
- Cranberries can be a little tricky to chop as they like to roll and bounce all over the place. I also use my Vidalia Chopper for the cranberries! I put about 6-8 berries on the grate at a time, then lower the top, let it engage slightly then give it a good whack. Voila! Perfectly chopped cranberries with no errant berries!
- This recipe calls for a spoonful of finely grated fresh ginger. You can also use Ginger Paste. I love to keep a tube of ginger paste in my refrigerator or freezer. I like Gourmet Garden Ginger Paste which you'll find in the produce area of many larger grocery stores. It's super convenient and tastes just like fresh ginger.
- I like to use a large pot to make this jam to keep the hot simmering jam from spattering up my stovetop.
- Be sure to give this jam an occasional stir while it's cooking to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a low-sugar jam, I would go with a different recipe as you will need to use pectin. It may seem like a lot of sugar but it acts as a thickener in this jam and also as a preservative. I like to think of jam as a sweet treat to be enjoyed in small doses.
- The easiest and least messy way to ladle jam into jars is with a funnel. Funnels are not expensive and are super useful in the kitchen.
- This recipe makes 5-6 cups of jam. The number of jars will depend on the size of your jars.
- Remember, the jam will thicken as it cools so go for a thinner consistency than you want the finished product to be.
- If your jam cools and it's thicker than you would prefer, you can add water and stir well to thin it down.
Thought for the day:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
He is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you:
You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,
praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoy this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
If you've got a little over an hour to spare (just 20 minutes of hands-on time), you can have a batch of this festive, delicious Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam ready to roll out the door. The festive free printable labels make this perfect for gifting!
- 3 cups diced apples (I use my Vidalia Chopper - see Café Tips) about ¼-inch dice, you'll need about 3 large apples, I use Honey Crisp but other apples will also work. See the Café Tips in the post.
- 5 cups fresh cranberries (I use my Vidalia Chopper - see Café Tips) chopped (frozen will also work)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
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Wash your jars and lids in hot, soapy water then rinse all and set aside.
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Peel, core and dice the apples into ¼-inch pieces then combine them with the sugar and lemon juice in a large pot. Stir well and allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour).
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Add all remaining ingredients to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is thickened to your preference. Take note that it will thicken more as it cools.
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Ladle the jam into the prepared jars, (leave a half-inch headspace at the top) then screw the lids on tightly. Allow the jam to cool completely then store in the refrigerator or freezer when not in use.
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Prepare the jars according to these instructions.
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Peel, core and dice the apples into ¼-inch pieces then combine them with the sugar and lemon juice in a large pot. Stir well and allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour).
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Add all remaining ingredients to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is thickened to your preference. Take note that it will thicken more as it cools.
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Ladle the jam into the prepared jars then follow these instructions for processing the jam in a hot water bath.
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This jam will be stable at room temperature before being opened but should be refrigerated after opening.
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
If you prefer to use Metric measurements there is a button in each of our recipes, right above the word “Instructions”. Just click that button to toggle to grams, milliliters, etc. If you ever come across one of our recipes that doesn’t have the Metric conversion (some of the older recipes may not), feel free to leave a comment and I will add it.
This recipe makes 5-6 cups of jam. The number of jars will depend on the size of your jars.
Brenda says
Please send me the labels-this sounds wonderful. Thanks
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Brenda!
Diana Morris says
Could I use red currants if I can't find cranberries? This looks delicious! I love the addition of ginger. Please send me the labels! And thank you for sharing your recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Lucky you, to have red currants! That should work fine as currants are also high in pectin. Enjoy!
Marcia says
Hello Chris,
I would love to have the free printable labels for the cranberry apple Christmas jam. While I won't make this as a gift this year, I will be ready for next year with this great idea of a gift.
Your updated picture is great! Thank you for all your hard work to bring so many of us wonderful ridiculously easy recipes and spiritual encouragement all year long. I use so many of your recipes throughout the year and several are on the menu for this Christmas week!
Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for your kind and encouraging comment, Marcia! Sending the labels your way.
Doris T Noblet says
Chris, I am so embarrassed after reading my comment. Please tell Scott I'm sorry I messed up his name. Chalk it up to old age!!
Chris Scheuer says
No problem, Doris! People call Scott "Chris" all the time 💕. Then he says, "what are you going to call her?" and points to me 😂
Ron S says
Please send your printable labels for Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam. Looking forward to making it!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Ron!
Jacquelyn Scholtz says
Hi Chris
I really am enjoying your website that is full of so many delicious recipes.
This cranberry/apple jam sounds just what I have been looking for! My grandchildren love to spread cranberry sauce that's been cooked until sweet and thickened, and they love to spread it onto my home-made buns!
Thank you for sending the labels for 'Snowy Night in the mountains"!
I would love to have the labels, as well! The labels add such a nice touch with the jam in bottles.
Thank you.
Jacquelyn Scholtz
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
So glad to hear that, Jacquelyn! Sending the labels your way!
Dianne Matravers says
Please send the lovely labels. I just love all your recipes and the gift labels.🥰
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
So glad to hear that, Dianne! Sending the labels your way.
Nancy K Nielsen says
I love all your recipes, and this beautiful jam looks amazing. I am hoping to cook up a batch this week and would really appreciate having those cute labels. Thanks and Merry Christmas
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thanks, Nancy! Sending the labels your way.
gayle peterson says
I am going to make this jam. Please send me your labels.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Gayle!
Doris T Noblet says
Hi Chris, This looks so yummy! Since I have the ingredients, I'm ready to start. Please send me the labels. And thank you. Tell Christ I said I still love his photography. doris
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Doris!
Viv says
Such a glorious color! Yes, I want to make this and having the labels would just add that finishing touch. Please send some Chris and thank you for your great recipes. They never fail to deliver.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thanks for the kind comment, Viv! Sending the labels your way.
Kris Nelson says
I sure would love the labels! Making this jam soon❤️. Thank you!!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Kris!
Barbara says
I use your website all the time. Every recipe I have tried has been fantastic with lots of compliments coming from the friends and family who have had the opportunity to taste what I have made. I would love to have the labels for your Christmas jam and be able to share it at Christmas
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
That's great to hear, Barbara! Sending the labels your way!
Nikki says
Would love to have these labels!! It's so much fun making easy concoctions that make people smile and gifting them with some! Merry Christmas and thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them now, Nikki! Merry Christmas!
Erma says
Love your site and recipes. This is a great gift I will make soon.
Please end the labels. Thank you.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
So glad to hear that, Gail! We will send the labels.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for the kind comment, Erma! Sending the labels your way.
Gail says
I love your recipes and have given many of your jams as presents. Please sent me the labels.
Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
So glad to hear that, Gail! Sending the labels your way.
Sue says
Making this beautiful recipe today. Please send your adorable labels, I can't wait to put this together for holiday house guests!
Thank you
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Sue!
Charleen says
I just love your daily Posts, I may not always try the recipes, but there is always something interesting to read.
From your post yesterday, I learned all about "Hawaiian Rolls", which living in South Africa, we know nothing about.
I promptly found a recipe on King Athur Baking website & produced the most delicious buns ever.
The next step is to try your "Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole"
Please would you include the metric measurements for this jam & send me these labels.
Happy holidays to you & yours!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Charleen, thanks for your kind comment. Happy to send the labels.
I have added the metric measurements, sorry I missed that!
Camilla says
I have tried many of your recipes and have never come across one that wasn’t perfect. I will try this jam recipe and would like to have the labels. Thanks so much.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Camilla!
Donna Roesink says
Hello, could I please have the link for the printable labels for the Christmas Jan? I am hoping that it will print on the round labels, as that is what I have on hand! Merry Christmas, Chris.
Mallory says
Pls send labels? Also love, love, love the website…Thankyou for honoring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….Merry, merry Christmas.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for the kind comment, Mallory! We will send the labels.
Joyce K says
Could you please send the label PDF? I can’t wait to make this! I have jars ready to be filled !
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Joyce!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sure, Donna!
Reba Eich says
I would love to have the pretty label for the cranberry apple Christmas jam. Would like to try the jam next weekend for last minute Christmas gifts. Thanks in advance!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Reba!
Nancy Klunder says
I just gave your Pumpkin Jam out to friends and would love to give out the Cranberry Apple. Please send label info. MERRY CHRISTMAS and Thank you for all the wonderful recipes you have created.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
That's great, Nancy! Sending them your way!
Alyce Sanderson says
Merry Christmas, Scott & Chris,
I enjoy your website so much--it always provides great recipes, hints --and often labels! Could you please send labels for your Cranberry Apple Christmas Jam?
Thank you for all your work and love for cooking and baking!
Blessings,
Alyce
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for the kind comment, Alyce! Sending the labels your way.
Bev says
Thank you for another fabulous recipe. I would appreciate receiving the labels. Merry Christmas!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Bev!
Leticia Lewis says
I would love your labels. Thanks for sharing. I'm excited to try this.
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Sending them your way, Leticia!