There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own jam, and this Blackberry Bliss Jam is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fresh, juicy blackberries. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, homemade jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or even using as a filling for pastries.
Ingredients
Scale Options:
- 1X (standard recipe)
- 2X (double the recipe)
- 3X (triple the recipe)
For 1X:
- 4 cups fresh blackberries: Choose ripe, juicy blackberries for the best flavor.
- 4 cups granulated sugar: The sugar helps to sweeten the jam and acts as a preservative.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and helps the jam set.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Blackberries
- Wash the blackberries thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any stems or leaves.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can lightly mash the blackberries with a potato masher or fork. If you like your jam with fruit chunks, leave some of the berries whole.
2. Cook the Blackberry Mixture
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice.
- Stir the mixture well to coat the blackberries evenly with sugar.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Boil and Thicken the Jam
- Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred), continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir constantly to prevent burning. As the mixture cooks, it will begin to thicken.
- To test if the jam is ready, you can use the “plate test”: Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Drop a spoonful of hot jam onto the cold plate. If the jam wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready. If not, continue to cook and test again in a few minutes.
4. Jar the Jam
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from heat.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills.
- Seal the jars with lids and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
5. Process the Jars (Optional)
- For long-term storage, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step is essential if you plan to store the jam outside of the refrigerator.
- After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a towel or cooling rack. Let them cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you may hear a “pop” sound, indicating that they have sealed properly.
6. Store and Enjoy
- Once the jars are completely cool, check the seals. If the center of the lid is indented, the jar is sealed. If the lid pops up and down, the jar did not seal properly, and the jam should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
- Once opened, refrigerate the jam and use it within a few weeks.
Tips and Variations
- Berry Mix: Feel free to mix blackberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry jam.
- Low Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but keep in mind that this may affect the jam’s consistency and shelf life.
- Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the jam during cooking for an herbal flavor twist.
- No Pectin Needed: This recipe relies on the natural pectin in the blackberries and the acidity from the lemon juice, so there’s no need for added pectin.
Homemade Blackberry Bliss Jam is a simple yet rewarding recipe that brings the taste of summer to your kitchen all year round. Whether you enjoy it on a warm slice of bread, stirred into your morning oatmeal, or as a filling for your favorite desserts, this jam is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it makes for a thoughtful homemade gift! Enjoy the delicious, vibrant flavors of fresh blackberries with every spoonful.
