How to Make Carrot Cake Jam – A Sweet Homemade Gift for the Holidays

How to Make Carrot Cake Jam – A Sweet Homemade Gift for the Holidays
If you're looking for a unique and delicious homemade gift or just want to enjoy a comforting, spiced spread this winter, this Carrot Cake Jam recipe is a must-try. This recipe is one of the most requested jams from the Well House YouTube channel—and for good reason. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for canning or storing in your fridge.

Why You'll Love This Jam
Carrot Cake Jam is a delightful blend of shredded carrots, chunky pears, crushed pineapple, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It's everything you love about carrot cake—in spreadable form. Whether you're spreading it on toast, dolloping it on English muffins, or using it in holiday breads and desserts, this jam brings the cozy, nostalgic flavor of homemade baking in every spoonful.

Plus, if you’re new to canning or don’t can at all, don’t worry—this recipe works perfectly as a fridge jam too. Simply store it in clean jars and refrigerate.

Ingredients You’ll Need
1 ½ cups finely shredded carrots (store-bought or freshly shredded)

1 ½ cups peeled and chopped pears (chunky for texture or diced small if preferred)

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)

6 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

½ tsp ground cloves (optional)

3 tbsp bottled lemon juice (important for safe pH levels in canning)

1 box regular fruit pectin (or 6 tbsp)

1 tbsp butter (optional, helps reduce foam)

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for added depth)

Tools You’ll Need
6 sterilized half-pint jars (or 7, depending on yield)

Canning funnel and ladle

De-bubbler or chopstick

Clean cloth dipped in vinegar (to clean rims)

Water bath canner or large pot for boiling jars

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Jars
Sterilize your clean jars by boiling them in water. Keep them hot until ready to use.

2. Cook the Fruit Base
In a large pot, combine shredded carrots, chopped pears, crushed pineapple (with juice), lemon juice, and spices. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover loosely, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender.

3. Add Pectin
Turn off the heat and stir in 6 tablespoons of pectin. Mix well until dissolved.

4. Add Sugar & Vanilla
Return the pot to the heat. Stir in 6 ½ cups of sugar and optional vanilla extract. Add a pat of butter to reduce foam if desired. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down). Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

5. Fill Your Jars
Ladle the hot jam into jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Use a de-bubbler to release air bubbles and gently push the carrot and pear pieces toward the outside of the jar for a beautiful presentation.

6. Seal the Jars
Wipe the rims clean with a vinegar-dampened cloth. Add the lids and bands, tightening just to fingertip-tight.

7. Process in Water Bath
Place jars in a boiling water bath with at least 2 inches of water covering the tops. Process for 10 minutes. Remove the jars carefully and let them cool undisturbed on a towel for 12–24 hours.

Storage Tips
Canned jars: Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Fridge method: If you’re not canning, let the jam cool completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Serving Ideas
Spread on cinnamon-raisin or sourdough toast

Fill holiday braided breads or Nutella-style sweet rolls

Use as a unique filling for pastries or fried wontons

Gift it in a basket with a loaf of homemade bread and a ribbon

Why Bottled Lemon Juice?
When canning, always use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh. Bottled lemon juice has a consistent and safe pH level that ensures your jam is shelf-stable. Fresh lemons can vary in acidity and may not be safe for long-term storage.

Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Jam is more than a sweet treat—it’s a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift and a great recipe for beginner canners. The warm spices, fruity base, and beautiful texture make it a standout among homemade preserves. Plus, it costs under $5 to make a batch—perfect for gifting on a budget!

Whether you’re a seasoned canner or just getting started, this jam is a festive and rewarding project. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!