Homemade Blueberry Jam Recipe: Sweet Summer Goodness in a Jar

Sweet summer memories burst through this homemade blueberry jam that captures pure fruit essence in a single spoonful.

Local farmers markets overflow with ripe, plump berries waiting to become something magical.

Generations of cooks have perfected preservation techniques that transform simple ingredients into delectable spreads.

Soft bread becomes extraordinary when slathered with this deep purple concoction.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can create a delicious jarred treasure.

Weekend mornings feel more special with freshly made preserves beside your coffee mug.

You’ll absolutely love how simple and rewarding this recipe becomes once you start.

Spread joy, one spoonful at a time.

Why Easy Blueberry Jam Is A Must-Make

• Boost Kitchen Confidence: Tackle this recipe with ease, even if you're a beginner cook, as the step-by-step instructions guide you through jam-making like a pro.
• Seasonal Celebration: Capture the essence of summer's bounty by transforming fresh blueberries into a delightful, homemade preserve that bursts with natural flavor.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread this vibrant jam on toast, swirl into yogurt, or use as a delectable filling for pastries, making it a multi-purpose kitchen treasure.
• Preserve and Share: Create memorable gifts for friends and family by jarring this homemade blueberry jam, adding a personal touch to any occasion.

What You’ll Need For Easy Blueberry Jam

• Blueberries: Ripe, sweet berries that provide the primary flavor and texture of the jam.
• Lemon: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness while providing natural pectin.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the jam and helps with preservation.
• Pectin: Natural fruit-based thickening agent that helps the jam set properly.

• Butter, Salt: Helps reduce foam formation and enhances overall flavor profile.

How To Make Easy Blueberry Jam At Home

Step 1: Prepare Blueberries

Grab your fresh blueberries and give them a thorough rinse under cool running water. Carefully pick out any stems, leaves, or bruised berries to ensure only the best fruit makes it into your jam.

Step 2: Extract Lemon Essence

Grab a fresh lemon and zest its bright outer skin. Slice the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice, making sure to catch and remove any pesky seeds that might sneak in.

Step 3: Crush Berries

Take a large heavy-bottomed pot and gently crush the blueberries using a potato masher. This helps release their natural juices and breaks down the fruit for a smooth, delicious jam.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Pectin

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a vibrant purple mixture.

Step 5: Heat Things Up

Place the pot on high heat and start stirring continuously. The key is to keep the mixture moving to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 6: Reach Rolling Boil

Bring the mixture to an intense rolling boil – this means bubbles that can’t be stopped by stirring. Keep stirring constantly to prevent any scorching.

Step 7: Sugar Rush

Quickly pour in the granulated sugar and stir vigorously. Make sure every grain dissolves completely into the bubbling mixture.

Step 8: Final Boil

Return the jam to a full rolling boil and cook for exactly one minute. Keep stirring like your jam depends on it!

Step 9: Optional Foam Reducer

If you want, add a tiny bit of butter to help reduce foam formation during the cooking process.

Step 10: Skim and Clean

Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface. This ensures a smooth, clean jam.

Step 11: Jar Filling

Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars. Leave a small 1/4 inch of space at the top for proper sealing.

Step 12: Seal the Deal

Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth. Place sterilized lids and rings on top, securing them tightly.

Step 13: Water Bath Processing

Submerge the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This helps preserve your jam and create a perfect seal.

Step 14: Cooling Down

Carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely at room temperature. You’ll hear satisfying little pops as the lids seal.

Step 15: Store and Enjoy

Check that all jar lids have sealed properly. Store your homemade blueberry jam in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year and enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips For Blueberry Jam That’s Just Right

• Select Perfect Blueberries: Choose ripe, firm berries without soft spots or mold for the best jam flavor and texture.
• Prevent Burning: Stir continuously during boiling to avoid scorching and ensure even sugar distribution throughout the jam.
• Foam Reduction Trick: Add a tiny pat of butter to minimize foam formation, creating a smoother, more professional-looking preserve.
• Seal and Store Safely
• Pectin Power Tip: Use fresh pectin and measure precisely to guarantee proper jam consistency and prevent runny or overly thick results.

Delicious Twists On Easy Blueberry Jam

• Lavender Blueberry Fusion: Add 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds during crushing for a floral, aromatic jam that pairs beautifully with scones and soft cheeses.
• Ginger Blueberry Kick: Incorporate 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger while cooking to create a spicy-sweet jam with warm, zesty undertones perfect for toast and breakfast spreads.
• Bourbon Blueberry Preserve: Stir in 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey during the final minute of cooking for a rich, complex flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of blueberries.
• Maple Blueberry Spread: Replace half the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodland-inspired jam with subtle caramel notes that complement the fruity base.

Tasty Pairings For Easy Blueberry Jam

• Elevate Blueberry Jam Pairings
• Spread Sweet Delights on Artisan Breads: Freshly baked sourdough, rustic country bread, or buttery croissants create a perfect canvas for the vibrant blueberry jam's rich flavor profile.
• Match with Creamy Cheese Companions: Soft goat cheese, tangy cream cheese, or mild brie provide a luxurious contrast to the jam's sweet and slightly tart notes, creating a sophisticated taste experience.
• Craft Gourmet Breakfast Combinations: Serve alongside fluffy buttermilk pancakes, golden Belgian waffles, or classic English muffins to transform a simple morning meal into a delectable feast.

How To Store Easy Blueberry Jam Like A Pro

• Transfer cooled jam to airtight glass containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Place sealed, processed jars in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources, where jam can safely remain for up to 12 months.
• Pour cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months, maintaining its vibrant taste and texture.
• Mark each jar with the preparation date and contents, helping you track freshness and organize your homemade preserves efficiently.

Blueberry Jam Questions, Answered Clearly

• Why use pectin in blueberry jam?

Pectin helps the jam set and thicken, creating the perfect gel-like consistency without requiring extended cooking time that could compromise the fresh blueberry flavor.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Sugar is crucial for preservation and setting, so reducing it significantly might prevent proper jam formation. If you want less sweetness, use low-sugar pectin specifically designed for reduced sugar recipes.

• How do I know if my jam has set correctly?

When you place a small amount on a chilled plate, it should wrinkle slightly when pushed with your finger and not run freely, indicating it has reached the right consistency.

• Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?

Yes, fresh lemon juice provides natural pectin and acidity that helps preserve the jam and enhances the blueberry flavor, making it more vibrant and helping the jam set properly.

Blueberry Jam Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade Blueberry Jam brings summer’s sweetest memories to your kitchen, capturing fresh fruit’s essence in a delightful spread. Sweet, tangy berries simmer into a luscious preserve you can enjoy on toast, pastries, or straight from the spoon.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 4 cups blueberries
• 1 medium lemon

Sweeteners:

• 3 cups granulated sugar

Preserving Agents:

• 1 packet pectin (1.75 oz/49 g)
• 1/4 tsp butter (optional, to reduce foaming)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash blueberries and remove any stems or damaged fruit.
2. Zest and juice the lemon, ensuring no seeds remain in the juice.
3. Crush blueberries in a large heavy-bottomed pot using a potato masher to release their natural juices.
4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and pectin to the crushed blueberries, stirring to combine evenly.
5. Place pot over high heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
6. Bring mixture to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, maintaining constant stirring.
7. Quickly add granulated sugar, continuing to stir vigorously to fully incorporate.
8. Return to a full rolling boil, cooking for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly.
9. Optional: Add butter to help reduce foam formation during boiling.
10. Remove from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
11. Carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
12. Wipe jar rims clean and seal with sterilized lids and rings.
13. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation.
14. Remove jars and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
15. Check seals and store in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year.

Notes

• Soften berries gently before crushing to release maximum juice and flavor without breaking down fruit structure completely.
• Use fresh, ripe blueberries at peak season for most vibrant color and intense natural sweetness.
• Add small pinch of salt to enhance overall blueberry flavor and balance sweetness without making jam taste salty.
• Consider reducing sugar by 25% if using ultra-ripe, naturally sweet blueberries to maintain fruit’s authentic taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg