If you’re looking for a delicious Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam that fills your kitchen with the warm scents of the season, this recipe is perfect. Made with apples, dried figs or apricots, cranberries, and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s sticky, golden, and ideal for toast, cheese boards, or gifting.
Table of Contents
- Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam Ingredients
- Fruit Jam Recipe Details
- How to Make Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
- Why You’ll Love This Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
- Tips for the Perfect Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
- Frequently Asked Questions about Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
- More Sweet Delights to Enjoy
- Secrets to Making Fruit Jam Like a Pro
- Enjoy
🧾 Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam Ingredients
🍎 Fruit Base
2 cups finely chopped apples
1 cup chopped dried figs or apricots
½ cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
🍯 Sweet & Spice
2 cups sugar
½ cup honey
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
Zest + juice of 1 orange
✨ This Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam glows with golden color and cozy holiday flavors.
🕒 Fruit Jam Recipe Details
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 15 min |
| Cook | 25 min |
| Total | ~40 min |
| Yield | ~2 small jars |
| Difficulty | Easy |
🔢 How to Make Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
- In a medium saucepan, combine apples, figs, cranberries, sugar, honey, and orange juice.
- Simmer over medium heat until the fruit softens.
- Stir in orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cook 20–25 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and jammy.
- Spoon hot Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam into sterilized jars, seal, and store in the fridge.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
Holiday flavor in a jar: The spices and citrus perfectly complement the fruit base.
Perfect for gifts: Homemade Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam is thoughtful and delicious.
Versatile: Use on toast, yogurt, or pair with cheeses.
Easy to prepare: Just 40 minutes from start to finish.
Nutritious twist: Apples, figs, and cranberries add natural sweetness and fiber.
Aromatic kitchen: The warm spices fill your home with holiday scents.
Keeps well: Lasts 2 weeks in the fridge when stored properly.
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
Choose firm, fresh apples for the best texture.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
Adjust sugar depending on your fruit sweetness.
Sterilize jars for safe storage.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam
Q: Can I substitute other fruits?
A: Yes! Pears, cherries, or raisins work well in Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam.
Q: How long does it last?
A: In the fridge, it lasts 2–3 weeks in sterilized jars.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
More Sweet Delights to Enjoy
If you enjoy the warm, festive flavors of this Christmas Fruit Jam, you’ll love how similar notes of apple and cinnamon shine through in the 6-Step 🍎🧁Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Cups . 🍏🍰 For a fruity breakfast twist, you can also pair the jam with Classic American Waffles with Raspberries for a sweet and satisfying start to your day. 🍓🥞
Secrets to Making Fruit Jam Like a Pro
When preparing Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam or any type of fruit preserve, the difference often lies in the little details. The key secrets include:
Choosing the right fruit: A mix of perfectly ripe and slightly underripe fruit works best since underripe fruit contains more natural pectin.
Balancing sugar and acid: Sugar not only sweetens but also preserves the jam, while citrus juice (like lemon or orange) boosts acidity and helps the jam set.
Freezer spoon test: Place a spoon in the freezer, then test a drop of jam on it. If it holds its shape without running, your jam has reached the ideal set point.
Use a wide, heavy pot: This allows water to evaporate quickly, preventing the jam from overcooking or burning.
Cooking temperature: Jam usually sets around 220°F (104°C). Without a thermometer, texture tests are essential.
For a detailed guide to the science and technique behind perfect jam-making, check out this trusted resource:
Jam Making 101: The Secrets to Getting Jam to Set Like a Pro – Serious Eats
🎉 Enjoy
This Spiced Holiday Fruit Jam is the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and warm spices. Whether for gifting, breakfast, or festive treats, it’s sure to impress.
We’d love to hear from you — share your experience, tips, or variations in the comments! Thank you for reading, and enjoy making your own golden, spiced jam this holiday season! 🍯💛