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Ever wanted to get into making your own preserves? It’s honestly not that hard! This guide will teach you how to make Sugar Free Berry Jam from scratch? Why? Because honestly – making it yourself just makes it taste so much better.
What You’ll Need to make this Sugar Free Berry Jam
This is what you’ll be putting your jam in! I don’t recommend using knockoff brands. With things that you consume – it’s better to go with brands that you trust. And Ball has been a staple in natural living homes for generations. The best thing is that the jars themselves can be used over and over again! The only thing that needs to be replaced (If you choose to preserve them so that your jam lasts longer) is the lids. I prefer 8oz jars over 12oz because honestly – I just don’t eat that much jam. So I prefer the quantities to be smaller. If you opt for bigger mason jars – you’ll just need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
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2. Honey. I personally used Nature Nate’s 100% Pure and Organic Honey. This is such a healthier option instead of using white, refined sugar (which most jam recipes call for)
Honey is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. It also contains pectin so you don’t have to use any in this recipe. It doesn’t get much better than that. Plus it adds a complexity to the flavor
3. Lemon
Lemon will help cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors of this jam. While some people don’t use lemon in their recipes, I always add just a little.
4. Berries!
This recipe is interchangeable and super flexible to accomodate what you’re craving. Anything in the blackberry or raspberry family will be a delicious option. I’m in Oregon and we are known for our marionberries – so that’s what I used personally.
Wooden box of fresh Marionberries Red Raspberries and Black Raspberries
Can I use frozen berries to make this jam?
Yes, you totally can! I went berry picking last week and had 12 pints that needed to be preserved ASAP so that’s why I used fresh berries. Honestly, even if your local supermarket has a great deal on berries that will be totally fine, too. Just make sure that the frozen berries are drained of any liquid that would mess with the measurements of the recipe.
Why Sugar Free Jam over traditional Sugar Berry Jam
For me, I am trying to limit the amount of sugar that I take in. Sugar has been shown to exacerbate a variety of health issues, and with my chronic health conditions it’s easier to just try to avoid when possible. One of the wonderful things about cooking from scratch is that you can control the quantities of the “bad” stuff in what you make. And this is one of the perfect scenarios to play around with different options. I opt for honey in this recipe, but you can easily use maple syrup or agave syrup in the recipe in lieu of honey.
10 Things to Do with Your Berry Jam
Stuffed French Toast:
- Create a decadent breakfast by spreading berry jam between slices of bread for a stuffed French toast. Dip the sandwich in an egg mixture and cook until golden brown.
Berry Jam Pancake/Waffle Topper:
- Instead of traditional syrup, top your pancakes or waffles with a generous dollop of berry jam. It adds a burst of fruity sweetness to your breakfast.
Jam-Filled Muffins:
- Make muffins with a surprise burst of flavor by adding a spoonful of berry jam to the center of each muffin before baking. This works well with plain or lemon-flavored muffins.
Jam and Yogurt Parfait:
- Layer berry jam with yogurt and granola to create a vibrant and tasty parfait. It’s a quick and easy snack or dessert.
Grilled Cheese with Jam:
- Spread berry jam on one side of a grilled cheese sandwich before cooking. The combination of gooey cheese and sweet jam creates a delicious contrast of flavors.
Jam-Swirled Cheesecake:
- Add a decorative swirl of berry jam on top of your cheesecake before baking. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a fruity element to each bite.
Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies:
- Bake thumbprint cookies by creating an indentation in each cookie and filling it with berry jam. This classic cookie recipe becomes even more delightful with the addition of fruity filling.
Berry Jam BBQ Glaze:
- Mix berry jam with barbecue sauce to create a sweet and tangy glaze for grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or even grilled vegetables.
Jam and Cheese Crostini:
- Spread a layer of berry jam on crostini (toasted bread slices) and top with your favorite cheese, such as brie or goat cheese. It makes for an elegant and tasty appetizer.
Jam-Filled Pastries:
- Use berry jam as a filling for pastries like turnovers, Danishes, or puff pastry pinwheels. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet jam is sure to be a hit.
Feel free to mix and match different berry jams to suit your taste preferences and the occasion. The versatility of berry jam makes it a delightful addition to a variety of dishes.
Directions for this Sugar Free Jam
Sugar-Free Berry Jam Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Funnel
- 1 Potato Masher
- 1 Medium Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Pint Berries
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Using a potato masher mash all of the berries in a bowl and mix in the honey.
- Using a (preferably) non-stick pan, put the berry and honey mixture on medium-high for 10 minutes until it starts bubbling and foaming. You'll want to stir until it reaches a gel like consistency.
- Using a funnel to prevent mess, spoon into your jars leaving 1/4 – 1/2 inch of space. This is particularly important if you plan on preserving/canning for later.
- Put in the fridge and enjoy within two weeks! Since it's fresh without preservatives – it won't last as long as store bought jam. That being said, you can rest knowing that it's all natural and delicious.
- Enjoy your freshly made jam within 2 weeks!
How Long Is This Jam Good For?
Since this is as fresh as can be, we recommend eating it within two weeks. With no artificial ingredients, it is just best eaten quickly. And with how tasty it is and easy to add into pretty much any breakfast – it shouldn’t be a hard thing to do!
If you want to Preserve Sugar Free Jam
Click here to learn how to steam can your jam in an InstantPot!