Amish Christmas Jam: The Ultimate Holiday Indulgence

Have you ever struggled to find that perfect holiday treat that’s both impressive and delicious? As someone who once burned cookies and overcooked pasta, I understand the holiday pressure all too well.

But here’s the good news Amish Christmas Jam is about to become your holiday hero.

This vibrant, sweet-tart confection bursts with festive flavors that will transform your holiday table from ordinary to extraordinary.

As a self-taught chef who’s spent countless evenings perfecting recipes, I’ve discovered that Amish Christmas Jam is one of those rare treasures that’s both simple to make and absolutely unforgettable.

In this guide, I’ll share my tested techniques for creating the perfect batch, selecting the best ingredients, and ways to serve this delightful holiday tradition.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to prepare this jam, creative ways to enjoy it, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your holiday repertoire. Let’s dive into the sweet, bright world of Amish Christmas Jam!

Why This Amish Christmas Jam Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, seasonal fruits for maximum flavor
• Requires minimal cooking equipment perfect for beginners
• Makes ideal homemade gifts that friends and family will treasure
• Balances sweet and tart flavors beautifully
• Captures the essence of holiday traditions in every jar

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Amish Christmas Jam

Best Fruits for Amish Christmas Jam

The magic of Amish Christmas Jam lies in its perfect balance of fruits. Traditionally, cranberries provide tartness, strawberries add sweetness, and pineapple contributes tropical notes. Look for fresh cranberries during their peak season (October through December) for the brightest flavor. Frozen strawberries work wonderfully year-round, while fresh pineapple delivers superior taste over canned versions.

Buying Tips for Amish Christmas Jam

When selecting cranberries, choose firm, plump berries with a deep red color. Avoid any that appear soft, shriveled, or have brown spots. For strawberries, whether fresh or frozen, seek out fully red berries without white shoulders for the most intense flavor. When choosing pineapple, look for one with a sweet aroma at the base and golden color throughout.

Substitutions for Amish Christmas Jam

While traditional Amish Christmas Jam has a specific fruit profile, you can customize based on availability. Raspberries make an excellent cranberry substitute, maintaining the beautiful red color and tartness. Peaches can replace strawberries for a different sweetness profile, while mango can substitute for pineapple if you prefer a different tropical note.

Ingredients & Prep for Amish Christmas Jam

Jam Preparation Essentials

Before beginning your Amish Christmas Jam journey, ensure you have proper canning equipment if planning to store long-term. You’ll need:

• Clean mason jars with new lids
• Large stockpot for processing jars
• Jar lifter for safety
• Funnel for filling jars
• Bubble remover tool

Main Ingredients for Amish Christmas Jam

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and chopped (about 2 cups)
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of one orange

Pantry Staples for Jam Making

Essential additions include:

• Lemon juice (for acidity and preservation)
• Vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
• Butter (a small pat prevents excessive foaming)
• Sugar (essential for proper setting and preservation)

Looking for something to pair with your jam? Try my Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes for a complete holiday meal!

Step-by-Step Amish Christmas Jam Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Amish Christmas Jam Prep

1. Sterilize your mason jars by washing in hot, soapy water then placing in oven at 225°F for 10 minutes, or run through a dishwasher cycle.
2. Wash all fruits thoroughly, even if using frozen.
3. Chop strawberries into small pieces and pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
4. Core and finely dice pineapple into ¼-inch pieces.
5. Measure sugar into a separate bowl to ensure accurate quantities.

Cooking Method for Amish Christmas Jam

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine all fruits, pectin, and ¼ cup of the measured sugar. Mix well.
2. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Add remaining sugar all at once, stirring to dissolve completely.
4. Return to a full rolling boil (one that doesn’t stop when stirred) and boil exactly 1 minute.
5. Remove from heat and skim off any foam with a metal spoon.

Doneness Check for Amish Christmas Jam

Properly set jam should:

• Coat the back of a spoon without running off immediately
• Wrinkle when pushed with your finger after placing a small amount on a chilled plate
• Reach 220°F on a candy thermometer at sea level (adjust for altitude)
• Have a slightly thickened appearance, though it will continue to set as it cools

Canning Amish Christmas Jam

1. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
2. Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure proper sealing.
3. Apply lids and bands, tightening to fingertip-tight only.
4. Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
5. Remove jars and allow to cool undisturbed for 24 hours before checking seals.

Pro Tips for Perfect Amish Christmas Jam

Avoiding Common Amish Christmas Jam Mistakes

• Don’t reduce the sugar amount it’s crucial for proper setting and preservation
• Measure ingredients precisely for consistent results
• Use a timer when boiling with pectin too long will break down the pectin’s effectiveness
• Add ½ teaspoon of butter to reduce foaming during cooking
• Prepare all equipment before starting to ensure smooth workflow

Tool Recommendations for Amish Christmas Jam

For the best Amish Christmas Jam results, consider investing in:

• A wide, heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching
• Digital candy thermometer for accuracy
• Food processor for quick fruit preparation
• Canning funnel to reduce mess when filling jars
• Silicone spatula for thorough mixing without scratching your pot

Storage & Gift-Giving Amish Christmas Jam Ideas

Properly sealed jars of Amish Christmas Jam can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. For gift-giving:

• Decorate jar lids with festive fabric and ribbon
• Create custom labels with the date and ingredients
• Include a small wooden spreader
• Package with homemade bread or scones for a complete gift
• Add a handwritten note with serving suggestions

Discover more sweet treats like my Caramelized Onion Gruyere Tart for additional holiday entertaining options!

Flavor Variations for Amish Christmas Jam

Spicy Twist on Amish Christmas Jam

Add unexpected warmth to your Amish Christmas Jam with:

• ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• A pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat
• 1 tablespoon crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• 2 star anise pods during cooking (remove before canning)

Low-Sugar Amish Christmas Jam Options

For those watching their sugar intake:

• Use low-sugar pectin and follow package directions
• Replace up to half the sugar with monk fruit sweetener
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance flavor when reducing sugar
• Consider Pomona’s Universal Pectin, which works with less sugar

Global Flavor Influences for Amish Christmas Jam

Transform your Amish Christmas Jam with international flair:

• Add 1 tablespoon orange blossom water for a Mediterranean touch
• Include 1 teaspoon cardamom for a Scandinavian twist
• Mix in 1 tablespoon finely minced crystallized ginger for Asian influence
• Incorporate a cinnamon stick and star anise for a mulled wine-inspired flavor (remove before canning)

Serving Suggestions for Amish Christmas Jam

Elevate your Amish Christmas Jam experience by serving it with:

• Warm buttermilk biscuits fresh from the oven
• Cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer
• Stirred into plain yogurt with granola for breakfast
• As a glaze for roasted chicken or turkey
• Warmed slightly and drizzled over vanilla ice cream
• Spooned over cheesecake for a festive dessert
• Spread between layers of a vanilla cake
• Mixed with olive oil and vinegar for a vibrant salad dressing

For a complete holiday experience, try my Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte alongside your Amish Christmas Jam breakfast!

Find more inspiration for your holiday table on my Pinterest where I share seasonal recipes and beautiful presentation ideas that will make your holiday gatherings truly special!

FAQs About Amish Christmas Jam

Can I use frozen fruits for Amish Christmas Jam?

Yes! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work perfectly. Just don’t thaw them before using, as this can affect the pectin’s ability to set properly. Add them frozen directly to your pot.

How do I know if my Amish Christmas Jam has set properly?

The jam should coat the back of a spoon and wrinkle when pushed with your finger after being chilled on a plate. It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose while hot.

Can I make Amish Christmas Jam without pectin?

While possible, I don’t recommend it. Without pectin, you’ll need to cook the jam much longer, which can diminish the fresh fruit flavor. The cooking time would increase substantially, and the results may be inconsistent.

How long does Amish Christmas Jam last?

Properly processed jars will keep for up to one year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 weeks.

Can I double the Amish Christmas Jam recipe?

It’s best not to double jam recipes as this can affect the setting properties. Instead, make multiple single batches for consistent results.

Conclusion

Amish Christmas Jam isn’t just a recipe it’s a tradition worth starting in your home this holiday season. The vibrant colors and balanced flavors capture everything we love about the holidays: warmth, sweetness, and the joy of sharing something made with love.

Ready to explore more holiday recipes? Try my Caramelized Onion Gruyere Tart next for another crowd-pleaser!

Amish Christmas Jam: The Ultimate Holiday Indulgence

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• Author: alexandra
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A delightful Amish-style Christmas jam made with strawberries, cranberries, and warm holiday spices sweet, tangy, and bursting with festive flavor. Perfect for spreading on toast, gifting, or serving with holiday breakfasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (optional, for thicker jam)

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, strawberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.

4. If using pectin, stir it in according to package directions and boil for 1 minute.

5. Remove from heat and use a potato masher or immersion blender to reach desired consistency.

6. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

7. Seal tightly and cool completely before refrigerating.

8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.

Notes

This jam makes a beautiful edible Christmas gift — tie a ribbon and festive tag around the jar.

For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla or orange zest before cooling.

Pairs wonderfully with biscuits, pancakes, or baked Brie.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip blending and mash lightly instead.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Amish / American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tbsp
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Amish Christmas jam, cranberry strawberry jam, holiday preserves, homemade jam gift, festive jam recipe, Christmas canning