Homemade Raspberry Jam

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.

How to Make Raspberry Jam

In a large bowl, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Let sit for 3 hours to release juices and develop flavor.

Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Press the jam through a fine mesh sieve using a spatula to remove seeds (optional).

While hot, pour jam into sterilized jars. Seal tightly with lids.

Let jars cool completely at room temperature. Once sealed, store or enjoy!