There’s something magical about homemade jam, the scent of bubbling fruit on the stove, the burst of flavor on toast, and the satisfaction of preserving a bit of summer in every jar. This raspberry jam recipe with pectin has been my go-to for years, especially when I have an abundance of fresh raspberries or even frozen ones waiting in the freezer.
Whether you’re a canning novice or a seasoned pro, this jam is simple, quick, and delivers beautifully consistent results. Plus, it’s just the thing to spread on warm biscuits, swirl into yogurt, or gift to someone you love. It fits perfectly into a weekend project or a weekday win, you can whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. And because we’re using pectin, you don’t need to stress about long cooking times or tricky natural setting methods.
Table of contents
Why This Raspberry Jam Recipe with Pectin Works So Well
One of the biggest benefits of using pectin in jam-making is that it takes out the guesswork. If you’ve ever struggled with jam that didn’t set or overcooked your fruit trying to make it thick, this recipe is your new best friend. Commercial pectin ensures a firm but spoonable texture and preserves the fresh, vibrant taste of the raspberries without overboiling.
In this raspberry jam recipe with pectin, we use just the right amount of sugar to enhance the tartness of the berries, while keeping the flavor balanced. You can even reduce the sugar slightly if you’re using low-sugar pectin or prefer a tarter spread.
Another thing I love? This recipe is adaptable. Want to use frozen raspberries? Go ahead, just thaw and drain the excess liquid. Want to add a touch of lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract? You can absolutely personalize it. Plus, it’s an ideal recipe for canning. If you follow safe water-bath canning procedures, this jam will last for up to a year in your pantry.
This raspberry jam isn’t just a recipe, it’s a foundation you can build on, twist, and make your own.
Recipe Card
Raspberry Jam Recipe with Pectin
Cuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes50
kcalCapture the sweet essence of summer with this raspberry jam recipe with pectin. Bursting with fruity flavor, it’s the perfect addition to your breakfast or desserts!
Ingredients
4 cups fresh raspberries
2 cups granulated sugar
1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup water
Directions
- Prep the Jars: Sterilize 4 jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Let dry.
- Cook the Jam: In a large pot, combine raspberries, water, and lemon juice. Mash lightly with a fork or potato masher.
- Sprinkle the pectin over the raspberry mixture and stir to dissolve. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, add the sugar all at once and stir continuously. Boil hard for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
- Check the Consistency: To test if the jam is set, drop a spoonful onto a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
- Fill the Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims, seal with lids, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
- Let the jars cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- If your jam turns out too thick, stir in a bit of hot water to adjust the consistency.
- For a seedless version, strain the raspberries through a fine mesh sieve before cooking.
- Store unopened jars in the pantry for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks.
Tips for perfect Raspberry Jam Recipe with Pectin
- For the freshest flavor, use ripe raspberries picked in season.
- Be sure to dissolve the pectin thoroughly for the perfect jam set.
- A splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a unique twist.
- Make sure to skim off any foam that forms during cooking for a clear jam.
- Don’t overcook the jam; it can affect the consistency and flavor.
Variants of the Raspberry Jam Recipe
1. Raspberry and Vanilla Jam
Adding a touch of vanilla to your jam brings out a warm, sweet undertone that complements the tartness of the raspberries. To make raspberry and vanilla jam, simply add a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract when you add the lemon juice. The vanilla pairs beautifully with the raspberry flavor and makes the jam feel extra special.
2. Raspberry and Mint Jam
For a fresh, herbaceous twist, try raspberry and mint jam. The cool, aromatic mint balances the richness of the raspberries and adds a refreshing note to the jam. You can infuse the mint into the jam by adding a handful of fresh mint leaves during the cooking process, then strain them out before canning the jam. It’s a wonderful way to create a jam that feels vibrant and light.
3. Raspberry and Lemon Jam
If you love the citrusy brightness of lemon, a raspberry and lemon jam is a fantastic option. You can add both the zest and juice of a lemon to the jam to give it a tangy, citrusy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the raspberries. The lemon not only enhances the flavor but also helps the jam set beautifully. If you want more of a punch, you can even add a little bit of lemon zest to each jar before sealing it.
4. Low-Sugar Raspberry Jam
For those looking to cut down on sugar, a low-sugar raspberry jam is the way to go. You can substitute part or all of the sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or agave syrup. Be mindful that pectin often requires sugar to set properly, so make sure to choose a low-sugar pectin or adjust the ratio to suit your sweetener of choice. This variation still delivers the delicious raspberry flavor without as much sweetness.
FAQs
Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
This could be due to insufficient boiling time or old pectin. Ensure a rapid boil and fresh pectin for best results.
While sugar helps preserve and set the jam, you can use a low-sugar pectin if you want to reduce the amount of sugar.
Properly sterilize jars and process in a water bath to seal them. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Let’s Wrap up
Making raspberry jam with pectin is a fun and satisfying project, perfect for preserving the sweet, tart taste of summer. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, pairing it with cheese, or adding it to baked goods, homemade raspberry jam brings a burst of flavor to any meal. I hope this recipe and these tips have inspired you to try your hand at jam-making, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and create your own unique version!
If you love fruity flavors, try our Purple Sweet Potato Recipe for a vibrant side dish that pairs beautifully with sweet or savory meals!
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