Small Batch Raspberry Jam

There’s something so magical about homemade jam—especially when it’s bursting with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of fresh raspberries. Imagine spreading a spoonful of this tangy, sweet goodness on your morning toast or swirling it into your yogurt. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, trust me, this Small Batch Raspberry Jam is exactly what you need to elevate your breakfast or snack game. It’s quick, simple, and the perfect way to capture the essence of raspberries in a jar.

Why You’ll Love Small Batch Raspberry Jam

This recipe isn’t just about making jam—it’s about creating a little jar of joy! Whether you’re making it for yourself or giving it as a gift, this jam will wow everyone with its flavor and homemade charm. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

• Versatile: Use it on toast, as a filling for cakes, or stirred into oatmeal for a burst of fruity goodness. This jam is perfect for so many occasions—breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!
• Budget-Friendly: All you need are a few simple ingredients—raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. No need for fancy stuff; just fresh, delicious fruit at its best.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. With just a little time and attention, you’ll have homemade jam ready to enjoy in no time. No canning skills required!
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tartness to your taste. Want to try a twist? Add a splash of vanilla or a handful of fresh mint for a unique flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This jam is a guaranteed hit with everyone. You’ll find yourself making batch after batch because it’s so irresistible!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful raspberry jam:

Raspberries

The star of the show! Fresh, ripe raspberries are packed with flavor. Their natural sweetness and tang are what make this jam so special. You can even use frozen raspberries if fresh ones aren’t available.

Sugar

The sugar helps to balance the tartness of the raspberries and acts as the preservative. It dissolves beautifully and creates that classic jam consistency.

Lemon Juice

A little lemon juice brightens up the flavor and helps to balance the sweetness. Plus, it’s a key ingredient for helping the jam set to perfection.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this sweet and tangy jam:

Prep Your Ingredients

Start by washing the raspberries gently and removing any stems or leaves. Give them a quick rinse and set them aside to drain. Fresh, ripe raspberries will make the best jam.

Combine Raspberries, Sugar, and Lemon Juice

In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to release some of the natural juices from the raspberries.

Cook the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar and prevent the fruit from sticking. As it cooks, the raspberries will break down and start to thicken. Keep an eye on it, and after about 15-20 minutes, it should reach a jam-like consistency.

Test for the Right Consistency

To check if your jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it—if it wrinkles and doesn’t run, it’s ready! If it’s too runny, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Cool and Store

Once your jam has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer it to a clean jar or container, and let it cool completely before sealing it. The jam will thicken a little more as it cools.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your jam is fully cooled, it’s ready to spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or even spoon over pancakes. Enjoy the fresh, homemade flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 90

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Small Batch Raspberry Jam

This jam is incredibly versatile and can be paired with so many delicious things. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• On Toast or English Muffins: Spread this jam on warm, toasted bread or English muffins for a simple, yet flavorful breakfast or snack.
• With Yogurt: Swirl a spoonful of jam into your favorite yogurt for a refreshing treat that’s both sweet and tangy.
• As a Cake Filling: Use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries. It adds a lovely burst of flavor.
• With Cheese: Pair it with a soft cheese like brie or goat cheese for a savory-sweet appetizer.
• On Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle it over your pancakes or waffles for a fruity topping that feels like a special occasion.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even better:

• Prep Ahead: You can prep the raspberries the night before by washing them and letting them drain. That way, all you need to do is cook the jam when you’re ready.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your jam as it cooks and adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or tart your raspberries are. You can always add more sugar, but it’s harder to take it out once it’s in!
• Spice It Up: For a fun twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract while cooking. These additions can give your jam a new depth of flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store your jam in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Double the Batch: This recipe is so easy to make that you can double it to have extra jars of homemade jam on hand!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can! Frozen raspberries work just as well, and they’re often more affordable. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before using.

Q2: Can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
A2: Absolutely! You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter or reduce the amount for a more tart jam. It’s all about your personal taste.

Q3: How do I know when the jam is ready?
A3: To test for the right consistency, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. If it wrinkles when you run your finger through it, it’s done!

Q4: Can I make this jam without lemon juice?
A4: Lemon juice helps the jam set and adds balance to the flavor. If you don’t have lemon juice, try using a little citric acid or even apple cider vinegar for a similar effect.

Q5: How long will the jam last in the fridge?
A5: Your jam will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Q6: Can I freeze this jam?
A6: Yes, you can freeze it! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.

Q7: Can I add other fruits to this jam?
A7: Absolutely! You can add strawberries, blackberries, or even a mix of berries to create a unique jam blend.

Q8: Do I need special equipment to make this jam?
A8: No special equipment needed! A saucepan, a spoon, and a jar are all you need. It’s that simple.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?
A9: Yes! Feel free to double the recipe if you want to make more jam. Just make sure you have enough jars or containers to store it.

Q10: Can I use this jam for baking?
A10: Yes, this jam works wonderfully in baked goods like tarts, pies, or as a filling for pastries.

Conclusion

Making homemade jam doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Small Batch Raspberry Jam proves it! It’s quick, easy, and full of fresh, fruity flavor. Whether you spread it on toast, mix it into desserts, or just eat it by the spoonful (guilty!), this jam will add a little burst of sunshine to your day. So go ahead, make a batch, and enjoy the sweet, tangy joy that only homemade jam can bring!

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