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    Home » Breakfast/Brunch » Raspberry Freezer Jam Recipe

    Raspberry Freezer Jam Recipe

    Published: Jun 8, 2022 by Andrea Howe · This post may contain affiliate links.

    67 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This homemade raspberry freezer jam recipe uses just a couple of ingredients to create a delicious, fuss-free homemade jam. Because it doesn’t require cooking the fruit or water baths for sterilization, it’s a very easy process that any novice can master! No special canning equipment needed!

    mason jars filled with raspberry freezer jam

    I have only canned a couple of times, under the direct supervision of a friend who knew what she was doing. Making a batch of jam wasn’t something I ever considered myself capable of, until I learned about freezer jam. Freezer jam requires no cooking of the fruit or hot water baths to ensure proper sealing and sterilizing. It’s a simple process that just about anyone can do, and produces the yummiest, freshest jam that looks as vibrant as it tastes.

    Try this raspberry freezer jam recipe on my buttermilk cheddar waffles, or add a dollop to everyday pancakes along with a spoonful of yogurt for a high protein breakfast. Or of course make it with good old peanut butter sandwiches. Let me show you how to make this simple homemade raspberry jam recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-step directions
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • Choosing a pectin powder
    • Solving a common problem
    • Raspberry Freezer Jam Recipe

    Why this recipe works

    • Fresh and simple ingredients and made with less sugar than your average store bought jam.
    • Quick and easy recipe that’s a lot less complicated than traditional jam. Creates delicious jam that’s good in the freezer for up to a year.
    • Makes good use of seasonal berries (you can even swap out the raspberries for strawberries) and homemade freezer jam makes a wonderful homemade gift, especially around the holidays.
    • More affordable than store-bought jam! Each jar runs less than $2
    raw ingredients in white bowls to make raspberry freezer jam recipe

    Ingredients

    2 cups of fresh whole raspberries, but frozen can also be used (just make sure they are thawed)

    3 cups granulated sugar

    1.5 ounces (3 tbsp) dry pectin (I used Ball Freezer Pectin but Pomona Pectin works as well)

    ¾ cup of water for mixing with the pectin

    Step-by-step directions

    Add the fresh raspberries into a large bowl and crush them thoroughly. A potato masher makes quick work of this, but a fork or wooden spoon would also work.

    Add in the sugar to the mashed raspberries and stir well, for at least 3 minutes. See recipe tip below for stirring in and letting sugar set to reduce graininess.

    While the fresh berries and sugar sit, prepare the fruit pectin.

    Heat water in a small saucepan and stir in pectin. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat and boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour pectin mix into the smashed raspberry mixture.

    step by step instructions to make raspberry freezer jam recipe

    Let stand for at least 5 minutes, so jam mix can cool slightly.

    Pour into very clean jars and leave a ½ inch to 1 inch head space. I like to use mason or Weck glass jars. Secure the lids and allow to stand for at least 12 hours before placing in the freezer.

    raspberry freezer jam recipe distributed in small mason jars

    Recipe FAQ’s

    What size jars do you recommend for storing the jam?

    I find half pint jars the perfect size for freezer jam, because you can go through the entire jar before it goes bad. Pint size jars may hold too much jam and may not be eaten before it goes bad.

    How long does a batch of freezer jam last?

    The great thing about this jam is that it lasts for up to a year in the freezer! Once you are ready to eat your homemade jam, let it thaw and then store it safely in the fridge for about a month. I have had jars last longer than a month, but they typically get eaten before then!

    Can I use less sugar?

    Sugar helps the jam set, and so you can find pectin powders that will work with recipes using a lesser amount of sugar. Brands like Bell and Sure-Jell make “low sugar pectin.” Keep in mind that the ratios of fruit to pectin may be different than this recipe, which was only tested using 3 cups of sugar to 2 cups of fruit. Here is a great article about low-sugar pectins from a trusted source, Cook’s Illustrated.

    Choosing a pectin powder

    Pectin is a starch found in the cell walls of fruit. Some fruits like apples, citrus and stone fruits have higher pectin levels. Pectin is often added to fruit jams and jellies, especially ones with lower pectin content, to help them thicken up and set. There are powdered and liquid forms of pectin, and some, like Pomona Pectin, requires the addition of calcium water.

    box of Pomona's Universal Pectin and Ball Real Fruit Freezer Pectin on a blue table next to a saucepan filled with water

    I have used the Ball Real Fruit Freezer Pectin as well as the Pomona Pectin and have had consistently good results with Ball. Certo Pectin and Sure-Jell are also popular brands, and all 4 of these are commonly found in any grocery store. They are typically carried in the baking aisle or with canning supplies. Any of these mentioned will work fine for this recipe so don’t stress too much and just pick up the one your store carries.

    This is a great comprehensive article about pectin.

    homemade raspberry freezer jam in small mason jars stacked up on a wood board

    Solving a common problem

    One common problem that some experience when making freezer jam is that the sugar doesn’t thoroughly dissolve and therefore it can have a slightly grainy texture. You can stir and stir, but because the raspberries aren’t cooked with the sugar, it never thoroughly dissolves. I have had this happen but to be honest, no one in my family noticed, especially when it’s topped on ice cream or in sandwiches!

    But if you are planning to gift these batches of jam, then for best results, allow the sugar and smashed raspberries to sit for a few hours. This will allow the sugars to eventually break down and dissolve. Over night is great, but even letting it sit for a couple of hours will help.

    frozen jam in mason jars surrounded by fresh raspberries

    I do hope you give this raspberry freezer jam recipe a try, because it is so easy and tasty! It really doesn’t take much time and produces fantastic and impressive results!

    Other jam and breakfast recipes

    • Cranberry Rosemary Christmas Jam
    • Everyday Basic Pancake Recipe
    • Savory Buttermilk Cheddar Belgian Waffles
    • Ham and Asparagus Quiche Recipe

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or rating, letting me know how you enjoyed it! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest, and never miss a post by signing up for my weekly newsletter!

    Raspberry Freezer Jam Recipe

    This homemade raspberry freezer jam recipe uses just a couple of ingredients to create a delicious, fuss-free homemade jam. Because it doesn’t require cooking the fruit or water baths for sterilization, it’s a very easy process that any novice can master! No special canning equipment needed!
    No ratings yet
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    Prep Time: 12 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 hours
    Total Time: 12 hours 12 minutes
    Servings: 5 pints
    Author:Andrea

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups raspberries fresh preferred or frozen, thawed
    • 3 cups granulated sugar
    • 3 tbsp pectin
    • ¾ cup water
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    Instructions

    • Add the fresh raspberries into a large bowl and crush them thoroughly. A potato masher works well.
    • Add in the sugar to the mashed raspberries and stir well, for at least 3 minutes. 
    • While the fresh berries and sugar sit, prepare the fruit pectin. Heat water in a small saucepan and stir in pectin. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat and boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour pectin mix into the smashed raspberry mixture.
    • Let stand for at least 5 minutes, so jam mix can cool slightly.
    • Pour into very clean jars and leave a ½ inch to 1 inch head space. Secure the lids and allow to stand for at least 12 hours before placing in the freezer.

    Notes

    To reduce sugar graininess of jam, allow the sugar and smashed raspberries to sit for a few hours. This will allow the sugars to eventually break down and dissolve. Over night is great, but even letting it sit for a couple of hours will help.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 133g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 122g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Howe.We.Live or tag #HoweWeLiveRecipes!

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    About Andrea Howe

    Andrea Howe is the recipe developer and photographer of Howe We Live. She is also a seasoned home cook of over 20 years, for her family of 5. Andrea has spent over 10 years in the food industry, writing for various publications including Babble and Disney. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Taste of Home, Yahoo, Buzzfeed and ABC News.

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    Welcome to Howe We Live. I’m Andrea, a passionate home cook and mother of 3. I’ve been cooking and writing about healthy eating for almost a decade, and my number one goal here is to help you develop the tools needed to throw together a great meal at home that is both delicious, and healthy-ish. All eaters are welcome here! Read More

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