Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Vibrant Flavors – A delicious combination of sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and juicy raspberries.
✔️ Customizable – Add vanilla and cinnamon for a cozy, warm taste or keep it simple with just the fruit and sugar.
✔️ Easy to Make – This simple recipe only requires 25 minutes of cooking time.
✔️ Perfect for Gifting – Make a batch and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
✔️ No Preservatives – Made with fresh, whole ingredients, this jam is healthier and tastier than store-bought alternatives.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, for balance)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, for added depth)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm holiday flavor)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Berries
Rinse all the berries under cool water. Hull and quarter the strawberries, then add them to a medium saucepan along with the cranberries and raspberries.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the sugar, water, and lemon juice to the saucepan with the berries. Stir gently to mix everything together, ensuring the sugar starts to dissolve slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the berries from sticking. As the berries begin to break down, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash them slightly, leaving some chunks for texture.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the jam simmer for 20-25 minutes. Continue stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Final Flavor Touches
Once the jam has reached your desired thickness, stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon if using. These ingredients will add a lovely warmth and richness to the jam, which pairs beautifully with the fresh berries.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the jam to cool slightly.
Step 5: Jar and Store
Carefully ladle the warm jam into sterilized jars. Wipe the rims clean with a cloth, then seal the jars tightly with lids. Allow the jars to cool completely before refrigerating. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Calories: 50 per tablespoon
Tips for Success
- Texture: Mash the berries to your preferred consistency—some people like their jam with chunks of fruit, while others prefer a smoother texture.
- Storage: Make sure to sterilize the jars properly before filling them with hot jam to ensure they stay fresh longer.
- Pectin: This recipe doesn’t require added pectin, as the natural pectin from the fruit and the cooking process helps the jam set.
- Canning Option: If you’d like to preserve the jam for a longer period, follow proper canning procedures. This will help keep the jam shelf-stable for several months.
Why This Recipe Works
This Berry Medley Jam works beautifully because of the balance of flavors between the sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and juicy raspberries. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness, while the optional vanilla and cinnamon deepe
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen berries for fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking, and reduce the amount of water in the recipe slightly if the berries release extra liquid.
How can I make this jam less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to your taste. Start by using less sugar and tasting the jam as it cooks, then adjust as needed. You can also use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.
Can I use other fruits in the jam?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even apples for variety. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different fruits have varying water contents.
How do I know when the jam is done?
The jam is done when it reaches a thick consistency and coats the back of a spoon. You can also test it by placing a small amount on a cold plate and running your finger through it. If it wrinkles and doesn’t run, it’s ready.
How long will this jam last?
This jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, follow canning instructions to make it shelf-stable.
Can I freeze the jam?
Yes, this jam freezes well. After cooling, transfer the jam to freezer-safe containers or jars and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Conclusion
This Berry Medley Jam is the perfect blend of fresh berries, citrus, and warm spices, creating a delicious spread that’s perfect for toast, desserts, or simply enjoying on a spoon. Easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor, it’s a great way to preserve the best of seasonal berries. Whether for a gift or for your own enjoyment, this jam is sure to be a hit in your kitchen!
Berry Medley Jam Recipe
This Berry Medley Jam is a sweet and tangy spread made with fresh strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries. The addition of vanilla and cinnamon brings warmth and depth, making it a perfect treat for spreading on toast, pairing with desserts, or enjoying by the spoonful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Jam, Spread, Dessert
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Berries: Rinse the berries, hull and quarter the strawberries. Add them to a saucepan with cranberries and raspberries.
- Combine Ingredients: Add sugar, water, and lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir gently until sugar starts dissolving.
- Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to simmer for 20-25 minutes, mashing the berries slightly for texture.
- Add Final Flavor Touches: Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Jar and Store: Ladle jam into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and allow to cool before refrigerating. The jam lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Notes
Texture: Mash the berries to your preferred consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or follow canning procedures for longer shelf life.
Pectin: No added pectin needed; natural pectin from the fruit will help the jam set.
Canning Option: Follow proper canning procedures to preserve the jam for several months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
