If you’re looking for a heartwarming and vibrant way to celebrate the holiday season, this easy Amish Christmas Jam is here to save the day. Coming together in about 30 minutes and made all in one pot, it makes for a quick and easy treat that your family will absolutely love! With its sweet and tangy flavors, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast or stirring into yogurt. You can even switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, it’s like a little gift from your pantry! So, grab your supplies, and let’s make something delicious!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
4 Cups Diced Strawberries
Strawberries are the star of this jam, bringing a delightful sweetness and beautiful color. I opt for fresh strawberries, especially when they’re in season, because they add the most vibrant flavor. But don’t stress if they’re not available, frozen strawberries will work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid extra liquid in your jam.
2 Cups Diced Peaches
Adding peaches brings a warm, fruity sweetness to the mixture. Honestly, I think they’re what really make this jam feel like a hug in a jar. If peaches are out of season, feel free to substitute with nectarines or even apricots! Just remember, if you go for canned fruit, make sure to drain them well.
2 Cups Crushed Pineapple
The crushed pineapple is the secret ingredient here, it adds a bit of tartness and makes the jam extra succulent. You can use canned pineapple (drain it first) or fresh crushed pineapple if you happen to have it on hand. Just be prepared for that juicy goodness! It’s really flexible, so if you have extra pineapple lying around, toss it in!
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice not only brightens the flavors but also helps with the jam’s setting process. I prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice because it’s just so much more fragrant and delicious. If you need to, bottled lemon juice can work, but really, the fresh stuff is worth it!
6 Cups Sugar
Yes, you read that right, sugar is essential! It preserves the jam and adds that lovely sweetness we’re looking for. It seems like a lot, but trust me, it’s what makes this jam a true holiday treat. If you want to try a more natural sweetener, you could swap half of it for honey, but be aware that it might alter the texture a bit.
1 Package (1.75 oz) Powdered Fruit Pectin
Powdered fruit pectin is what helps our jam thicken up nicely. It’s really important for that jammy consistency and ensures the fruit doesn’t break down too much during the cooking process. I always keep some stored away in my pantry for jams and jellies, such a lifesaver! If you’re looking for a natural option, there are fruit pectins available that are derived from fruit sources.
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
And finally, a little cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor. It’s subtle but really enhances the overall taste profile. You can always adjust to your liking; if you love cinnamon, add a bit more! Wait, before I forget, nutmeg would work wonderfully too if you’re feeling adventurous!
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Amish Christmas Jam
Prepare the Fruit (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine your diced strawberries, peaches, and crushed pineapple with the lemon juice. Just toss it all together until the fruit is coated. The vibrant mix of colors is gorgeous!
Sugar Time (10 minutes): Transfer that fruity goodness into a large pot and mix in the sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, this helps draw out the juices. You’ll see it start to look syrupy.
Pectin and Cinnamon (5 minutes): Time to add the powdered fruit pectin and the cinnamon to the pot, stirring frequently. Give it a good mix and then bring it to a boil over medium heat. You’ll start to smell that sweet, fruity aroma wafting through your kitchen, heavenly!
Boil Until Thick (2 minutes): Once you reach a rolling boil (that means it won’t stop bubbling when you stir it), boil it for 1-2 minutes until the jam thickens up. Stir constantly; you want to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Remember to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom!
Jar It Up (5 minutes): Pour your hot jam into sterilized jars and seal them up tight. To preserve them, process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. Oh, the anticipation!
Cool Down (10 minutes): Let them cool completely before storing in a cool place. You can see the lovely, gem-like hue, now that’s what I call a holiday treat!
My Go-To Recipe
I find myself coming back to this Amish Christmas Jam time and again. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something cheerful and delicious to spread on morning toast or to gift to friends during the holiday season. It really brings comforting vibes to the family table. Plus, the best part is, you can use whatever fruit you’ve got! Last week, I even swapped in some blueberries and oh my goodness, it was divine!
And you know what else? This jam is more than just a topping; it can turn plain yogurt into something special or jazz up your breakfast pastries. Seriously, I’m a real sucker for versatile recipes that can stretch across meals.
If you loved this Amish Christmas Jam, be sure to check out my Festive Christmas Bread, my Easy Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake, or my Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake! Each recipe brings tons of flavor and is sure to delight your family.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This jam comes together all in one pot within about 30 minutes! That means less fuss and more time enjoying the fragrant, sweet aromas that will fill your kitchen.
Make-Ahead Friendly
This jam is perfect for meal prep as it stores for up to a year in proper conditions! It makes for a lovely homemade gift too, jars of jam always seem to be well-received at holiday events.
Customizable
The great thing about this jam is that it’s customizable! You can switch up the fruit based on what’s in season or what needs to be used up, it’s like a culinary game of Tetris.
Comfort Food
There’s something so warm and nostalgic about homemade jam, isn’t there? It reminds me of the cozy kitchens of my childhood, filled with laughter and the sweet scent of simmering fruit.
Budget-Friendly
Using fresh or frozen fruit, this recipe relies on affordable ingredients that you may already have on hand, making it an easy project for those looking to save a couple bucks while enjoying stellar, homemade treats.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Jam
Spread it on toast, layer it in yogurt, or use it as a filling for pastries. You could create a lovely charcuterie board with different cheeses to pair with the sweet and tangy flavors of the jam, your guests will definitely be impressed!
Storage
Your homemade jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks after opening. Sealed jars, in a cool and dark place, will last up to a year.
Reheating
If you’ve got any leftover jam that thickened too much in the fridge, just simmer it on low with a splash of water to loosen it back up again.
Freezer Friendly
Absolutely! This jam is freezer friendly. Just be sure to leave space in your containers since it will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep well for up to a year in the freezer, perfect for those months when you need a fruity fix!
Final Thoughts
Jamming is one of those remedies I turn to when the holidays roll around. The smell, the colors, the warmth, it’s all so perfect. And hey, whether you’re fully in the holiday spirit or just looking for a delightful treat, this Amish Christmas Jam will bring some cheer into your kitchen!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to whip up this delicious, homemade jam and share some happiness with those you love. Happy jamming!
Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to know about making and enjoying your very own Amish Christmas Jam! It really is an amazing recipe and one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket year-round.
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Amish Christmas Jam
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine your diced strawberries, peaches, and crushed pineapple with the lemon juice. Toss until fruit is coated.
- Transfer the fruit mixture into a large pot and mix in the sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out juices.
- Add powdered fruit pectin and cinnamon to the pot, stirring frequently. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once at a rolling boil, boil for 1-2 minutes until the jam thickens, stirring constantly.
- Pour hot jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly. Process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes.
- Let the jars cool completely before storing in a cool place.