Easy Small Batch Mixed Berry Jam Recipe

Take your taste buds on a summertime adventure with this easy mixed berry jam recipe. Made with a combination of berries, fresh lemon juice, and a bit of sugar, this delicious homemade jam brings the sweet and tangy goodness of summer fruit to your table year-round. It’s a great way to use up fresh berries from the farmer’s market or frozen berries from your freezer.

Whether you get these ingredients from the grocery store or the farmers market, this makes a great homemade jam recipe.

Simple Ingredients:

• 16 ounces fresh Strawberries
• 6 ounces Blueberries
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

How do you make this jam with different berries?

1. Add the berries in a large saucepan along with the sugar. Coat the berries in the sugar and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Toss every 5 minutes as the sugar dissolves with the fruit juices.
2. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook over a simmer until the berries start bursting, about 15 minutes.
3. Place a plate in the freezer to test the jam consistency later.
4. Turn the heat up to medium high and stir every few minutes until the juices thicken. Once the mixture thickens, reduce to low heat and stir more often to reduce sticking and burning in the pan.
5. Cook for 30-35 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated from the berries and the fruit is almost completely broken down.
6. The mixture will also be at a slow, thick boil and that is when you add the lemon juice.
7. Mix together and let cook until you reach a thick consistency again, so it looks the same as before the juice was added. This should take another 5 minutes.
8. At this point the jam should be finished. To test take a small spoonful and place it on the plate placed in the freezer earlier. Put in the refrigerator for a couple minutes and then take out and drag your finger through the jam. The mixture should hold its shape and not look runny at all.
9. If it is, cook for another 5 minutes.
10. Once the jam is ready, remove from the heat and place in a mason jar. Store in the refrigerator!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh fruit?

A: Absolutely! Frozen berries work just as well, just ensure they are fully thawed before starting.

Q: Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

A: It’s not necessary, but it can be helpful in ensuring your jam cooks to the right temperature.

Tips and Tricks

• A potato masher is your friend in this recipe; it helps to release the juice from the berries and create the perfect jammy texture with chunks of fruit.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot and a wooden spoon for the best results. Metal spoons can interfere with the natural pectin in the fruit.
• For a foolproof way to test the jam’s doneness, drop a bit of jam on a chilled plate. If it thickens up, it’s ready!

Variations

• Try adding chia seeds for a chia seed jam variant. It adds a bit of protein and fiber, and chia seeds are a natural thickener.
• If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using monk fruit as a less sugar substitute, or Pomona’s pectin which works well with low sugar recipes.
• Mix and match different types of berries or favorite fruits to customize your homemade mixed berry jam recipe.

Where to Serve

This jam is perfect spread on slices of homemade bread for breakfast, dolloped on ice cream for dessert, or even as a filling for pastries.

Storage

Store the jam in clean jars at room temperature until you’re ready to open them. Once opened, jams should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a month for the best taste and safety. I like storing this yummy  traditional jam in glass mason jars.

Where to Use It

From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to sweetening your morning yogurt or oatmeal, this mixed berry jam can do it all!

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this jam recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It works with any summer fruit you have on hand, and the cooking process is straightforward. The key to this recipe is the natural pectin in the berries, which sets the jam without the need for extra pectin. If you are making jam for the first time, a small batches jam recipe like this is a good place to start. 

What are some more fun mixed berry recipes to try?

Classic Bakery Style Mixed Fruit Tart Recipe

The Best Mixed Berry Dessert Nachos

The Most Perfect Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe

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