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Thanksgiving Jam is the perfect way to capture the warm, spiced flavors of fall in a jar. This easy recipe transforms seasonal fruits and aromatic spices into a delicious homemade preserve that elevates your holiday table. Whether you spread it on warm dinner rolls, serve it alongside roasted turkey, or gift it to loved ones, this jam brings the essence of Thanksgiving to every spoonful.
Making your own Thanksgiving Jam is surprisingly simple and requires no special equipment or canning experience. In just about an hour, you’ll have jars of this festive preserve ready to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The best part? This versatile recipe works beautifully as a Christmas Jam Recipe too, making it an ideal gift or addition to your winter celebrations.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours (cooling)
Yield: 4-5 half-pint jars
Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Jam Recipe
- 2 pounds fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 large orange, zest and juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture
Equipment Required for This Recipe
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Clean glass jars with lids (half-pint or pint size)
- Ladle
- Kitchen thermometer (optional)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
How To Make Thanksgiving Jam: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Wash the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems or damaged berries. Peel and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. Zest the orange before juicing it to ensure you capture all the aromatic oils from the peel.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In your large pot, combine the cranberries, diced apples, orange zest, orange juice, water, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. The citrus elements add brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Spices
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. The combination of warming spices creates that signature Thanksgiving flavor profile.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Continue cooking the jam at a gentle simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The cranberries will burst and the mixture will begin to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when the jam coats the back of your spoon and doesn’t immediately drip off.
Step 5: Test for Doneness
To check if your jam has reached the proper consistency, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Drop a teaspoon of jam onto the cold plate and let it sit for 30 seconds. Run your finger through it if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s done. If not, continue cooking for another 5 minutes and test again.
Step 6: Mash to Desired Consistency
Use a potato masher to break down any large fruit pieces, creating your preferred texture. For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses. If you’re adding nuts, stir them in now for a delightful crunch.
Step 7: Fill and Seal Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, then seal with lids. As the jam cools, you’ll hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the jars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Once completely cool, check that the lids are properly sealed by pressing the center they shouldn’t pop back.
Expert Tips and Delicious Variations
Perfect Consistency Tips:
If your jam seems too thin after cooling, don’t worry! Simply return it to the pot, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and simmer for another 10 minutes. The pectin in the fruit combined with the acid helps achieve that perfect spreadable texture.
Flavor Variations:
- Christmas Jam Recipe Version: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra festive touch
- Spiced Version: Increase the ginger and add a pinch of cardamom for deeper warmth
- Berry Blend: Replace half the cranberries with fresh or frozen mixed berries
- Pear Addition: Substitute one apple with a ripe pear for extra sweetness
Make It Your Own:
This easy recipe welcomes creativity. Try adding a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult version, or incorporate crystallized ginger for extra zing. Some home cooks love adding a cinnamon stick during cooking for enhanced aroma—just remember to remove it before jarring.
Storage Guidelines:
Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 3 weeks. This jam also freezes beautifully for up to 6 months just leave extra headspace in the jars to allow for expansion.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry (sealed) | Up to 12 months | Store in cool, dark location |
| Refrigerator (opened) | 3 weeks | Keep jar tightly sealed |
| Freezer | 6 months | Leave headspace for expansion |
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile jam pairs wonderfully with more than just toast. Spread it on warm biscuits or scones for breakfast, serve it alongside your Thanksgiving turkey as a cranberry sauce alternative, or use it as a glaze for roasted meats. It’s also incredible swirled into yogurt, spooned over ice cream, or used as a filling for thumbprint cookies. For more holiday dessert inspiration, check out this Apple Cider Cheesecake that would pair beautifully with a dollop of this jam.
Gift-Giving Ideas:
Thanksgiving Jam makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Attach a decorative label with the date and a ribbon around the jar. Include serving suggestions on a small card. Recipients will appreciate this easy meal accompaniment that shows you care.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
Never skip the stirring jam can burn quickly on the bottom of the pot. Always use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly. Don’t be tempted to reduce the sugar significantly, as it’s necessary for proper setting and preservation. If you’re new to jam-making, just like trying new techniques with Halloween cookies, practice makes perfect!
Scaling the Recipe:
This easy recipe doubles beautifully if you want to make larger batches for gifts. Just be sure to use a pot large enough to prevent boil-overs and allow for adequate evaporation.
Nutrition Information (Per 2 Tablespoon Serving)
- Calories: 85
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Thanksgiving Jam?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. There’s no need to thaw them first simply add them directly to the pot. They may release slightly more liquid, so you might need to simmer a few extra minutes to achieve the perfect consistency.
How is Thanksgiving Jam different from regular cranberry sauce?
While traditional cranberry sauce is typically chunkier and served immediately, Thanksgiving Jam is cooked longer to create a spreadable preserve with deeper flavors. The addition of apples, citrus, and warming spices gives it a more complex taste profile that’s perfect for multiple uses beyond the holiday meal.
Do I need a canner or special equipment for this easy recipe?
No special canning equipment is required! This simple method creates refrigerator or freezer jam. If you plan to store jars at room temperature for extended periods, proper water bath canning is recommended for food safety. However, most home cooks find refrigerator storage sufficient for their needs.
Can I reduce the sugar in this jam recipe?
While you can reduce sugar slightly (by about ¼ cup), sugar plays important roles in jam-making: it helps with preservation, contributes to proper texture, and balances the tart cranberries. Reducing it too much may result in a thinner consistency and shorter shelf life. Consider using low-sugar pectin if you want a significantly less sweet version.
What other recipes can I use this Thanksgiving Jam in?
This versatile preserve works wonderfully in many dishes! Use it as a filling for pastries, swirl it into oatmeal, mix it into cream cheese for a festive spread, or use it as a glaze for ham. It’s also delicious with cheese boards or served alongside what green pasta for an unexpected flavor combination. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving Jam recipe proves that creating homemade preserves doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can craft a delicious jam that captures the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe to add to your holiday menu, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a versatile preserve to enjoy all winter long, this jam delivers on every front.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility it works equally well as a Christmas Jam Recipe, making it perfect for year-round celebrations. Once you experience how simple and rewarding it is to make your own jam, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought versions.
Ready to make your own Thanksgiving Jam? Give this easy recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to mention any creative variations you tried. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family who would appreciate this festive homemade preserve. For more creative holiday recipes and inspiration, follow us on Pinterest!
Looking for more seasonal recipes to round out your holiday menu? Check out these Teff Injera Strips for a unique addition to your table, or browse our collection of festive treats and easy meal ideas.
Have you made Thanksgiving Jam before? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Drop a comment below I’d love to hear your tips and experiences!
PrintEasy Thanksgiving Jam Recipe: Festive Homemade Preserve
Thanksgiving Jam combines tart cranberries, sweet apples, and aromatic spices into a festive preserve perfect for holiday meals, gifts, and toast. This easy recipe requires no special equipment and creates delicious homemade jam in just 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 4–5 half-pint jars 1x
- Category: Preserves, Condiments
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 large orange, zest and juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
1. Wash cranberries thoroughly and remove stems. Peel and dice apples into small pieces. Zest the orange before juicing it.
2. Combine cranberries, diced apples, orange zest, orange juice, water, and lemon juice in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Continue cooking at a gentle simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cranberries will burst and mixture will thicken.
5. Test doneness: Place a small plate in the freezer. Drop a teaspoon of jam on the cold plate, wait 30 seconds, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds shape, it’s ready. If not, cook another 5 minutes and test again.
6. Use a potato masher to break down large fruit pieces to desired consistency. For smoother jam, use an immersion blender. Stir in nuts if using.
7. Carefully ladle hot jam into clean jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids.
8. Allow jars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Jam will thicken as it cools. Check that lids are properly sealed by pressing center—they should not pop back.
Notes
- If jam seems too thin after cooling, return to pot with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and simmer another 10 minutes.
- Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening and use within 3 weeks.
- This jam freezes beautifully for up to 6 months—leave extra headspace in jars for expansion.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. Stir frequently throughout cooking.
- Don’t reduce sugar significantly as it’s necessary for proper setting and preservation.
- Recipe doubles easily for larger batches—just use a pot large enough to prevent boil-overs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
