Classic Christmas Raspberry Jam

There's something truly magical about a jar of homemade raspberry jam, especially when it's prepared with the festive spirit of Christmas. With its deep ruby hue and bursts of tangy-sweet berry flavor, this jam embodies the essence of holiday warmth and tradition. Whether spread generously over buttered toast, spooned into thumbprint cookies, or gifted in rustic jars wrapped with twine, Classic Christmas Raspberry Jam brings a little sparkle to every bite.

Crafted from fresh or frozen raspberries, this jam is enhanced with subtle notes of lemon and a hint of holiday spice—think cinnamon and cloves—that elevate its taste without overpowering the fruit. It's a simple yet thoughtful recipe that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned jam makers alike, delivering reliable results and that nostalgic, homemade touch.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Christmas Raspberry Jam

• Bursting with the fresh, tart-sweet flavor of raspberries
• A festive twist with hints of warm holiday spices
• Perfect for gifting, baking, or elevating breakfast and brunch
• Quick and satisfying to prepare with minimal ingredients
• Can be made ahead and stored for weeks, or preserved for longer shelf life

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the jam-making process, gather the essential tools: a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even cooking and preventing scorching, a wooden spoon for gentle stirring, a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a seedless texture, sterilized glass jars with tight lids for storage, and a funnel for mess-free jar filling. Each item plays a vital role: the saucepan ensures the jam reduces without burning, the spoon helps maintain consistency, and the sieve offers texture control. Proper jars are crucial for preserving freshness, especially if gifting or storing for weeks.

Preparation Tips

Choose high-quality raspberries—fresh if in season, or frozen if not—for the best flavor. If using frozen berries, allow them to thaw completely and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery jam. Always sterilize your jars before filling to prevent contamination and spoilage. Simmer the jam slowly to let the flavors develop fully, and skim off any foam for a clearer finish. For a more festive flair, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg just before filling the jars.

Ingredients for this Classic Christmas Raspberry Jam

• 4 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (about 500g)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (if desired for firmer set)

Step 1: Prepare the Jars and Tools

Start by washing your jars, lids, and tools with hot, soapy water. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle. Place the lids in a small pan of simmering water, not boiling. Lay out a clean towel to place the hot jars on after filling.

Step 2: Prep the Raspberries

If using fresh raspberries, gently rinse and pat dry. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any extra juice. Mash the berries slightly with a potato masher or fork, keeping some texture. This helps release their natural juices and speeds up the cooking process.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the mashed raspberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir in the sugar and mix well. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve slightly into the fruit.

Step 4: Cook the Jam

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often. Once it reaches a rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred), reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for about 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Skim off any foam that forms on top for a cleaner, clearer jam.

Step 5: Optional - Add Pectin

If you prefer a firmer jam, stir in the fruit pectin according to the packet instructions once the jam has boiled. Return the jam to a full boil and cook for 1–2 more minutes. If you're skipping pectin, just continue boiling and reducing until the jam thickens to your liking.

Step 6: Test for Doneness

To test if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and wait 1 minute. Run your finger through the center—if it leaves a clear line and the jam doesn’t flood back, it's ready. If not, continue cooking for another few minutes and retest.

Step 7: Jar the Jam

Using a funnel, carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, place the lids on top, and screw the bands on until just fingertip-tight.

Step 8: Process the Jars (Optional for Long Storage)

If you plan to store the jam for several months, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let them cool completely on a towel. You should hear the lids pop as they seal. Any unsealed jars should be stored in the fridge and used within 3 weeks.

Step 9: Label and Store

Once cooled, label your jars with the date and name of the jam. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Opened jars should be kept in the refrigerator.

Notes

This raspberry jam has a naturally vibrant flavor thanks to the balance of sweet and tart elements, with just the right hint of holiday spices to make it feel extra special. You can customize the spice level based on your taste—reduce or omit the cloves if you prefer a milder profile, or experiment with a splash of almond extract for a twist. The jam can be left slightly chunky or passed through a sieve for a smoother, seedless version. Be sure to let the jars cool undisturbed to help them seal properly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not sterilizing jars properly: This is critical for food safety and longevity. Always sterilize before use.
• Overcooking the jam: It can become too thick or develop a burnt taste. Monitor closely and stir often.
• Skipping the foam removal: Foam may not affect taste, but it can make your jam look cloudy and reduce its shelf life.
• Incorrect fruit-to-sugar ratio: Reducing sugar too much can affect setting and preservation.
• Not testing for doneness: Without checking, your jam may be runny or overly stiff.

Storage Instructions

Store sealed and processed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3–4 weeks. If you didn’t process the jars in a water bath, refrigerate them immediately after cooling and consume within a few weeks. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.

Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon

• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade raspberry jam last?

If properly sealed and stored, it can last up to one year in a cool, dark place. Opened jars should be refrigerated and consumed within 3–4 weeks.

Can I use frozen raspberries for this jam?

Yes, frozen raspberries work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them before use to prevent excess moisture.

Do I need pectin for this recipe?

Not necessarily. Raspberries have natural pectin. However, if you prefer a firmer jam, you can add store-bought pectin.

Can I make this jam seedless?

Absolutely. Simply strain the mashed berries through a fine-mesh sieve before cooking to remove the seeds.

What’s the best sugar to use?

Granulated white sugar is best for both flavor and texture. Avoid using sugar substitutes unless you have a tested low-sugar jam recipe.

Is this jam safe to can?

Yes, as long as you follow proper sterilization and water bath processing, it’s safe for canning.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Reducing sugar will affect the jam’s set and shelf life. If you need to reduce sugar, consider using low-sugar pectin.

Can I double the recipe?

It’s better to make this jam in small batches. Larger volumes may not cook evenly and could result in poor setting.

Conclusion

Classic Christmas Raspberry Jam is a joyful blend of rich berry flavor and festive spice, perfect for gifting, enjoying at breakfast, or using in holiday treats. With simple steps, a few tools, and some seasonal cheer, you can create a homemade jam that captures the spirit of the holidays in every spoonful. Whether you're a first-time jam maker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a treasured part of your Christmas traditions.

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