Description

Capture the bright, tangy sweetness of summer with this Old-Fashioned Raspberry Jam recipe. Using simple pantry ingredients and traditional methods, this homemade jam delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with a rich, spreadable texture and slight berry chunks. Ideal for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting, it preserves the nostalgic charm of classic jam-making.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Fresh Raspberries – 4 cups (ripe and firm)
Granulated Sugar – 3 cups
Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Pectin (optional) – 1 packet or as per package instructions
Water – 1/4 cup

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the raspberries gently under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Drain well and crush the berries slightly using a potato masher or fork to release their juices while keeping some chunks for texture.
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Place the crushed raspberries into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice, then stir gently to combine. If using pectin, mix it in now according to the package instructions.
Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Boil vigorously for 10 to 15 minutes or until the jam thickens noticeably and the bubbling slows down, indicating it is close to setting.
Test the Jam Consistency: Place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate and let it cool for one minute. Push it gently with your finger; if the surface wrinkles and the jam doesn’t flood back together, it is ready. If not, continue boiling and test every few minutes.
Jar Your Jam: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Carefully ladle the hot jam into the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and process in boiling water for 10 minutes to ensure preservation.

Notes

Use fresh, firm raspberries for the best flavor and texture.
Stir gently to maintain berry chunks and avoid breaking down the pulp too much.
Maintain a consistent, steady boil to activate pectin and thicken the jam.
Always sterilize jars to ensure safe long-term storage.
Use the plate test method to reliably check jam readiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Condiments
Method: Stove Top Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 50
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: raspberry jam, homemade jam, old-fashioned jam, fruit preserves, homemade preserves, raspberry recipes, gluten free jam