There’s nothing quite like Homemade Raspberry Jam—sweet, slightly tart, and bursting with berry flavor. Made with just four ingredients, this simple recipe transforms fresh raspberries into a luscious spread perfect for breakfast toast, pastries, or desserts.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- All-Natural Goodness: No preservatives or additives—just fruit, sugar, and lemon.
- Bold, Bright Flavor: Ripe raspberries shine with just the right touch of sweetness and citrus.
- Perfect for Gifting: A jar of homemade jam makes a heartfelt homemade gift.
- Versatile Use: Great on toast, pancakes, yogurt, or as a pastry filling.
What Is Raspberry Jam?
Raspberry jam is a classic fruit preserve made by slowly cooking raspberries with sugar and a hint of lemon until thick and spreadable. Its vivid color and balance of tart and sweet make it a favorite in kitchens around the world. Unlike store-bought varieties, homemade versions often skip commercial pectin, relying on natural fruit and citrus for thickening.
Cooking Tips
- Use ripe raspberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Maceration matters—letting the berries rest in sugar draws out juices and intensifies taste.
- Cook low and slow to avoid burning and ensure a smooth texture.
- Sterilize jars properly before filling to ensure safe storage.
- Strain for smoothness, or skip this step if you prefer a seed-in jam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Pectin to Make Raspberry Jam?
Nope! This recipe thickens naturally with sugar and lemon—no added pectin needed.
Can I Skip Straining the Seeds?
Absolutely. If you love a rustic, seedy texture, feel free to skip the straining step.
How Do I Know When the Jam Is Ready?
When it thickens to a spreadable consistency and passes the spoon test—slide a spoon through the mixture and if it holds shape, it’s ready.
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and expect a bit more liquid, which might slightly extend the cooking time.
Is This Jam Shelf-Stable?
If you properly sterilize and seal the jars while hot, it can be shelf-stable for several months.
How to Store
Keep unopened jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store the jam in the refrigerator and consume within 2–3 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
How to Freeze
Raspberry jam freezes beautifully. Pour cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Ingredients
How to Make Raspberry Jam
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Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until thickened.
In a large bowl, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Let sit for 3 hours to release juices and develop flavor.
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Press the jam through a fine mesh sieve using a spatula to remove seeds (optional).
Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until thickened.
While hot, pour jam into sterilized jars. Seal tightly with lids.
Press the jam through a fine mesh sieve using a spatula to remove seeds (optional).
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While hot, pour jam into sterilized jars. Seal tightly with lids.
Let jars cool completely at room temperature. Once sealed, store or enjoy!
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