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Homemade red berry jam in a rustic white bowl on a marble surface

Easy Homemade Jam Recipe (Fresh, Fruity & Foolproof!)

Ely Rechard
This easy homemade jam recipe uses just fresh fruit, sugar, and lemon juice no pectin needed! Perfect for beginners and delicious on everything from toast to cakes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Condiments, Spreads
Cuisine American
Servings 2 cups
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh fruit strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches
  • Granulated sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Optional: vanilla extract cinnamon, or herbs like basil or thyme

Instructions
 

  • 1. Wash and hull or pit your fruit; chop if needed.
  • 2. In a saucepan, combine fruit, sugar, and lemon juice. Mash slightly.
  • 3. Simmer over medium heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring often.
  • 4. Test thickness with a cold plate (wrinkle test).
  • 5. Cool slightly and transfer to clean jars.
  • 6. Store in fridge or process for long-term storage.

Notes

Jam thickens as it cools, so don’t overcook.
Use ripe (not overripe) fruit for best flavor and consistency.
Lemon juice helps preserve and set the jam naturally.
Frozen fruit works—just thaw and drain first.
Keyword easy jam recipe, fruit preserves, homemade jam, no pectin jam