Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, delicious treat to spread on your toast this season, you’re going to absolutely adore this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe. It’s super easy to make, requires minimal fuss, and I promise — once you try it, your mornings will never be the same. The blend of tart cranberries with sweet strawberries turns out beautifully balanced, and slow cooking it in the crockpot gives it a rich, homemade depth you just can’t buy at the store.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends — simple, honest, and full of flavor. I always recommend using fresh fruit if you can, but frozen works just as well (and is great for off-season jams!). Keep an eye out for cranberries and strawberries that look firm and vibrant for the best result.

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work; they give the jam its signature tartness and a gorgeous ruby color.
• Strawberries: Fresh or frozen again; ripe strawberries bring the natural sweetness that balances the cranberries.
• Granulated sugar: Helps the jam set and lifts the fruit flavors without overshadowing them.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses richness that deepens the flavor perfectly.
• Ground allspice: Gives a warm, aromatic background note that makes this jam feel like a holiday hug.
• Ground cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs beautifully with berries and adds comforting warmth.
• Ground ginger: Just a little kick to brighten up the spice profile.
• Optional orange zest or lemon juice: A citrusy twist to add brightness if you like your jam with a little zing.

Variations

I love that this Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe is like a blank canvas — you can make it your own based on what you have in the pantry or what your taste buds crave. Here are a few ways I’ve personalized it over the years!

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne for an exciting warmth that contrasts the sweet and tart.
• Sweetener swaps: If you prefer natural sweeteners, try using honey or maple syrup, though you might want to adjust the quantity a bit.
• Extra fruit: Blueberries or raspberries can sneak in for an even fruitier jam — just keep the total fruit weight about the same to preserve texture.
• Alcohol infusion: For a grown-up spin, a splash of vanilla-infused bourbon added near the end gives it a subtle boozy aroma.

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

This is where the magic starts. Add cranberries, strawberries, both sugars, and the ground spices straight into your crockpot. If you’re using orange zest or lemon juice, toss them in now. Give everything a good stir so the fruit is evenly coated. I like to use a wooden spoon here so it’s easy on the crockpot surface.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Jammy

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for about four hours. Make sure to stir it halfway through cooking — this helps the fruit break down evenly and prevents sticking. You’ll notice all the berries soften and burst, mingling with the spices and sugars to create that jammy goodness I can’t get enough of.

Step 3: Blend to Your Desired Texture

Once cooked, use an immersion blender to pulse the mixture two or three times. Don’t overblend here — you want that perfect jam texture with some chunkiness to make it feel homemade. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the warm jam in batches to a countertop blender and pulse briefly.

Step 4: Jar and Cool

Ladle the hot jam into clean jars, wiping the rims before securing the lids lightly. Let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the jam to thicken to that perfect spreadable consistency.

How to Serve Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping a fresh slice of bread or warm biscuit with a dollop of this jam and a sprinkle of freshly chopped mint or a tiny twist of orange zest. It really highlights the fruity brightness and adds a pop of freshness that keeps each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This jam is fantastic with buttery croissants, cream cheese spread on bagels, or even as a topping for pancakes and waffles. When I serve brunch, it’s always the star alongside simple egg dishes and crispy bacon.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting, I like to pour this jam into mini mason jars, wrap them with a festive ribbon, and add a handwritten tag. It’s a handmade gift that feels special and always gets rave reviews from friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your jam in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator. I usually keep mine chilled for up to two weeks — after that, the flavors start to fade, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, you can freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers. I learned it’s helpful to leave a bit of headspace for expansion. Frozen jam keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to use frozen jam, thaw it overnight in the fridge. If the texture is thicker than you like, gently warm it on the stove or microwave to loosen it up before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for good reason — it’s easy, comforting, and brings a little bit of joyful sweetness to even the coldest mornings. If you give it a try, I think you’ll love how fresh and homemade it tastes without any stress. Spread it generously, savor each bite, and maybe even share with a friend — because good jam deserves good company.

Print