Looking for an easy homemade raspberry freezer jam recipe? This DIY 3-ingredient raspberry jam takes 15 minutes and makes the perfect gift.
What Is Raspberry Freezer Jam?
Raspberry freezer jam is a quick, no-pectin jam made with frozen raspberries, honey, and lemon juice that sets in 1-2 hours without traditional canning. Unlike store-bought jams that require commercial pectin and lengthy water bath canning, this small-batch recipe uses the natural pectin in raspberries and takes just 15 minutes of active cooking time.
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Key differences from traditional jam:
- No commercial pectin required
- No water bath canning process needed
- Uses frozen fruit (available year-round)
- Makes 2-4 cups (perfect for gifting)
- Stores in freezer for up to one year
Why Make Raspberry Freezer Jam?
Homemade raspberry jam is a delicious treat any time of year. But this easy raspberry jam is an even sweeter treat when you're in need of a quick, easy, and budget-friendly gift ASAP!
Three reasons this recipe works:
- Budget-friendly ingredients - Frozen raspberries, honey, and lemon juice cost approximately $8-12 total and yield 2-4 jars of jam
- No special equipment needed - A heavy-bottom pot and canning jars are the only requirements
- Versatile gift option - This recipe makes the perfect homemade holiday gift, hostess present, or thank-you gesture
Because this recipe makes 2-4 cups of jam, you don't need to go to the lengths of the traditional canning process, but it doesn't hurt to sanitize your jars with a quick spin through the dishwasher on high heat.
small-batch-raspberry-jam
Recipe variation: You can also switch out the raspberries for blueberries. We love to gift our friends and family a matching set of both flavors.
Common Questions About Making Raspberry Freezer Jam
No, frozen raspberries don't need to be washed and can go immediately into your cast iron pot. Fresh raspberries should be gently rinsed and patted dry before use.
The lemon juice lowers the pH of the jam mixture and neutralizes the negative charges in the strands of the pectin naturally contained in the fruit. This chemical reaction allows the mixture to "set" into jam rather than remain a syrup. Without lemon juice, your jam will stay liquid even after cooling.
Use the frozen plate test - an old chef's secret for checking jam consistency:
- Place a small plate in the freezer when you start boiling your jam
- After cooking the jam mixture for 10-15 minutes, drop a small spoonful onto the frozen plate
- Wait a few seconds, then run your spoon through the dollop
- If the jam leaves a clear trail and wrinkles slightly, it's ready to remove from heat
- If it runs back together, continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes and test again
The jam will have set once completely cooled, approximately 1-2 hours in a cool kitchen. You can speed up the setting process by cooling your jam in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.
Yes, fresh raspberries work equally well in this recipe. Use 2 pounds (approximately 6 heaping cups) of fresh raspberries and follow the same cooking process.
Suggested Reading: 5 Simple Holiday Budgeting Tips to Start Thinking About Right Now
Equipment Needed For Raspberry Freezer Jam
- Large, heavy-bottom pot - We love our Staub Cast Iron French Oven for making jam, but it's definitely a splurge! Any heavy, shallow pan with a thick bottom (like Le Creuset or Lodge cast iron) will distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
- Spatula or wooden spoon - For stirring without scratching your pot
- Small canning jars - 4-ounce or 8-ounce jars work perfectly for gifting
- Cloth for covering jars (optional) - Adds a decorative touch for gift-giving
Raspberry Freezer Jam Ingredients
This recipe requires just three simple ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen raspberries (approximately 6 heaping cups) - An equal amount of frozen blueberries works just as well
- 1/2 cup honey - Provides natural sweetness and acts as a preservative
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Essential for helping the jam set properly
Ingredient substitutions:
- Swap honey for granulated sugar (use 3/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup)
- Use bottled lemon juice if fresh isn't available (though fresh tastes better)
How To Make Raspberry Freezer Jam: Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine ingredients and bring to simmer
Pour the raspberries, honey, and lemon juice into your heavy-bottom pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. This should take approximately 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer for 10-15 minutes
Once the mixture has reached a simmer, let the jam continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let the jam get so hot that it comes to a rolling boil, as this can break down the natural pectin and prevent proper setting.
Step 3: Stir and check consistency
Give the jam a few stirs during the cooking process to make sure it isn't sticking to the sides or bottom of the pot and to monitor the consistency. The mixture should reduce by approximately one-third during cooking.
Step 4: Test with frozen plate method
After 10-15 minutes, check the consistency of the jam using the frozen plate tip described above. The jam should coat the back of your spoon and leave a trail when you run your finger through it.
Step 5: Adjust if needed
If you feel like the jam isn't thick enough, raise the heat slightly and continue simmering until you get the thickness you'd like. Check every 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Cool and jar
Once your jam has reached the temperature to set, remove from the heat and let cool for approximately 20 minutes before spooning into jars. This prevents condensation from forming inside the jars.
Step 7: Final cooling
Cool the jars on the countertop or in the fridge until completely set (1-2 hours). Once cooled completely, add your cloth topper and/or a little ribbon for a festive touch, and you are ready to get gifting!
Storage Instructions For Raspberry Freezer Jam
Refrigerator storage: Keep opened jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
Freezer storage: Unopened jars can be kept in the freezer for up to one year (leave 1/2 inch of headspace for expansion)
Gifting tip: Let your recipients know to keep the jam in the refrigerator once opened, or they can store unopened jars in the freezer for long-term preservation.
Raspberry Freezer Jam vs. Traditional Canned Jam: Which Is Better?
Feature | Freezer Jam | Traditional Canned Jam |
|---|---|---|
Time required | 15 minutes active time | 45-60 minutes total time |
Equipment needed | Heavy pot, jars | Water bath canner, special jars, jar lifter |
Pectin required | No (uses natural pectin) | Yes (commercial pectin) |
Enter your text here... | Up to 1 year (frozen) | 1-2 years (sealed) |
Shelf life | Fresh, bright flavor | Enter your text here... |
Texture | Small batches, gifting | Cooked, deeper flavor |
Best for | Small batches, gifting | Large batch preservation |
When to choose freezer jam: Perfect for quick gifts, first-time jam makers, or anyone without canning equipment
When to choose traditional canning: Better for preserving large harvests or creating shelf-stable pantry staples
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