There’s just something magical about making your own jam at home, and this Blackberry Jam Recipe captures that magic in a jar. Bursting with juicy, sun-ripened blackberries and brightened with a hint of lemon, this small-batch recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious spread that’s perfect for toast, desserts, or even gifting. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a total beginner, you’ll love how quick and rewarding this Blackberry Jam Recipe is to make—and how its taste brings summer sunshine to your table any time of year!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
How to Make Blackberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Blackberries
Start by placing your blackberries in a large saucepan. If you’re using fresh berries, give them a gentle rinse and check for any stems. Use a potato masher to crush the berries slightly—just enough to release their juices and break them up a bit. This step helps the berries cook evenly and gives your jam that lovely, rustic texture.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
Stir in the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. The sugar will begin to draw out even more juice from the berries, and the lemon juice will add a bright note while helping the jam set. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth, even jam later on.
Step 3: Cook and Thicken the Jam
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Once bubbling, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the jam to a full boil. Keep stirring often as the jam cooks for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick or scorch. For the perfect set, you want the jam to reach 220°F (105°C) on a candy thermometer, or use the wrinkle test on a chilled plate to check if it’s ready.
Step 4: Add Lemon Zest (Optional)
If you’d like a hint of extra citrus, stir in the lemon zest now. This step is optional but highly recommended if you love a little extra brightness in your jam. The zest melts right in, infusing the jam with a subtle, aromatic lift.
Step 5: Cool and Jar the Jam
Once your Blackberry Jam Recipe has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully ladle the warm jam into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and allow it to cool to room temperature. If you want to store your jam longer, process the sealed jars in a water bath as directed for canning.
How to Serve Blackberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of this jam looks gorgeous topped with a few fresh blackberries or a twist of lemon zest. You can also try a sprinkle of finely chopped mint for a refreshing touch, or dust a little powdered sugar over your jam-topped treats for a bakery-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this Blackberry Jam Recipe is its versatility. Spread it over warm, buttered toast, swirl it into creamy yogurt, or pair it with pancakes and waffles for an irresistible breakfast. It also shines alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a stunning appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, spoon the jam into cute jars and tie them with ribbon for a homemade gift. Layer it between cake layers, swirl it through cheesecake batter, or serve it in a small bowl with a cheese board for a pop of color and flavor that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Blackberry Jam Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Store your cooled, sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Be sure to use a clean spoon each time to prevent introducing bacteria and keep your jam fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save your jam for later, you can freeze it! Simply transfer cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to six months, and thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Reheating
Jam is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if it’s a bit too firm straight from the fridge, just let it sit on the counter for a few minutes. If you need it pourable for a dessert, gently warm it in the microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this Blackberry Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work just as well as fresh, and there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add a few extra minutes to the initial cooking time as they’ll release more liquid at first.
How do I know when the jam is set?
The jam is ready when it reaches 220°F (105°C) on a candy thermometer, or when a small dollop wrinkles when pushed with a finger on a chilled plate. If you prefer a softer set, you can remove it from the heat a little earlier.
Can I double this Blackberry Jam Recipe?
You can double the recipe, but keep in mind that larger batches may take longer to thicken and can be a bit trickier to set. Stir frequently and test often for the perfect consistency.
Is it necessary to strain out the seeds?
It’s completely up to you! Some people love the rustic texture of whole berries, while others prefer a smoother jam. If you want seedless jam, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before jarring.
How long will this jam keep?
If you process the jars in a water bath, the jam can last up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. Refrigerated, unprocessed jam should be enjoyed within three weeks for best quality.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Blackberry Jam Recipe a try and experience just how easy and rewarding homemade preserves can be. There’s something truly special about opening a jar of your own jam and sharing it with friends and family. Enjoy every sweet, tangy bite!
Print
Blackberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy homemade blackberry jam recipe captures the vibrant flavor of fresh or frozen blackberries, balanced with a touch of lemon juice and sugar. Perfect as a spread for toast, a topping for desserts, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this small-batch jam comes together on the stovetop in just 30 minutes. The optional lemon zest adds an extra hint of brightness for a well-rounded preserve.
Ingredients
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare blackberries: Place the blackberries in a large saucepan. Using a potato masher, gently mash the berries to release their juices, creating the base for your jam.
- Add sugar and lemon juice: Stir in the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the mashed berries. These ingredients help sweeten and preserve the jam while enhancing the flavor.
- Cook mixture over medium heat: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts bubbling gently.
- Boil to thicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. The jam thickens and should reach 220°F (105°C) on a candy thermometer or pass the wrinkle test on a chilled plate.
- Add lemon zest: If using, stir in the lemon zest at this stage to infuse additional citrus flavor into the jam.
- Cool and jar: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool slightly. Carefully transfer it to sterilized half-pint jars and seal with lids.
- Store or process: Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process them in a boiling water bath canner to extend shelf life for several months.
Notes
- For a smoother jam texture, strain the cooked mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds before jarring.
- This recipe yields approximately 2 half-pint jars, ideal for small batch consumption or gifting.
- Use fresh blackberries when in season for the best flavor; frozen berries work well if fresh are unavailable.
- Make sure to sterilize jars and lids properly to prevent spoilage if storing for long-term.
- The lemon juice acts as a natural preservative and balances the sweetness of the jam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
