Every year around the holidays, my kitchen smells like berries, sugar, and warm spices. My family and I love making jam together—it’s one of those little traditions that feels cozy and special.
This slow cooker holiday berry jam is one of our favorites. It’s easy, hands-off, and the flavors are just perfect: sweet, a little tart, and full of holiday cheer.
Honestly, I love that I don’t have to stand over the stove stirring. I just toss everything into the slow cooker, and a few hours later, the house smells amazing, and we have a big batch of jam ready for breakfast, snacks, or even gift baskets for friends and neighbors.
Why We Love This Jam
Making jam with a slow cooker is so simple, and the whole family can get involved. Here’s why we keep coming back to this recipe:
- No babysitting the stove: The slow cooker does all the work while we do other things.
- Perfect flavor balance: Sweet berries with a little tartness and warm holiday spices.
- Big batch: Enough to enjoy for breakfast and share with family and friends.
- Natural thickening: The berries do all the work, no need for pectin or gelatin.
What We Use
- Mixed berries: We usually mix blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Frozen or fresh both work.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten and help the jam set.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a warm, slightly caramel flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice make it smell like the holidays.
- Citrus zest (optional): Orange or lemon zest adds brightness.
Tools You Need
- Slow cooker (six-quart or bigger if you want more jam)
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Clean mason jars with lids
How We Make It
Step 1: Mix Everything Together
We start by adding the berries, sugars, spices, and citrus zest to the slow cooker. Then we stir everything gently so the fruit is coated. I usually let it sit for a few minutes while we tidy up—sometimes my kids like to sneak a few berries at this point.
Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work
Cover and cook on low for about six hours. I like to stir once halfway through so nothing sticks. By the time it’s done, the house smells amazing—like a holiday bakery!
Step 3: Blend Just a Little
After cooking, we use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses. We like a little texture in our jam, so we don’t fully puree it. My kids love spotting little chunks of berries in their toast.
Step 4: Jar It Up
We ladle the jam into clean jars, leaving about half an inch at the top. I wipe the rims, secure the lids lightly, and let them cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Chill and Store
Refrigerate overnight. The jam thickens as it chills. It lasts about three weeks unopened in the fridge or ten days once opened. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
How We Serve It
We have so many ways to enjoy this jam in our family:
- Spread on warm toast, bagels, or biscuits
- Poured over pancakes or waffles
- Served with cheese like brie or goat cheese for snacks
- Stuffed into thumbprint cookies or turnovers
- Used as a glaze for roasted chicken or turkey
- Included in holiday gift baskets for neighbors and friends
Tips from Our Kitchen
- Use ripe berries for the best flavor.
- Don’t over-blend; a few pulses are enough.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness before jarring. Sometimes we add a little extra sugar if the berries are tart.
Making this slow cooker holiday berry jam has become one of our favorite family traditions. It’s simple, it smells amazing, and it tastes even better when shared. Every time we make it, we end up sneaking a spoonful before breakfast—and sometimes after dinner too.
