Making freezer jam recipe is so easy! One of my favorite freezer jam recipes to make AND eat is raspberry jam! This easy and delicious freezer jam recipe only requires 4 ingredients: fresh raspberries, sugar, water and fruit pectin. We have always been able to count on the SureJell brand.

How do you make raspberry jam?

You will start the jam making process by gathering your supplies needed. I like to have everything on hand and ready to go before I actually start. This makes the process smooth and easy. Be sure to have your fresh raspberries rinsed well and remove any plant parts you might find.

Pour about 3-4 cups of whole raspberries into a mixing bowl. Gently mash the raspberries with a potato masher. (They don’t need to be completely smashed especially if you like a little fruit chunk in your finished jam.

Measure out exactly three (gently-packed) cups of gently mashed raspberries. Add them to a bowl with 1 cup of sugar and stir well to combine. Add the rest of the sugar and then allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes so that the sugar can dissolve.

Meanwhile, add water and pectin package to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir constantly for 1 min and then remove from heat. Stir the pectin into the raspberry mixture. Stir mixture really well, for several minutes, until sugar is well dissolved. You will see the jam start to thicken.

Fill your clean containers so that there is a little room for expansion. Be sure to wipe clean the edges and place the lid securely in place. Let sit on the countertop for 24 hours so it can set.

How long can jam be kept in the refrigerator or freezer?

In the freezer, this jam will last up to 1 year!  Once you take it out of the freezer, be sure to store it in the refrigerator.  This homemade jam will last in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks!

Can you use frozen berries to make freezer jam?

Yes! You can use frozen berries to make freezer jam!  Just be sure that the fruit does not have any extra sugar added to it. Just let the frozen fruit thaw and then substitute an equal amount of frozen fruit for the called for fresh fruit in the recipe. Don’t drain the excess juice that is produced from the thawing process. Use it to make your jam as you would and follow the recipe.

What are the best containers to use for freezer jam?

I love to use these plastic storage containers. I have found that each batch will produce exactly four of these. They are the perfect size for my family and they stack nicely on each other in the freezer. I have also used glass mason jars to freeze jam in but they don’t stack as nicely and can be big to go through unless you have

Tips for making delicious jam:

1. Measure Carefully

Measure the crushed raspberries and the sugar just as the recipe calls for. If you don’t your jam may not set up properly. Nothing is more frustrating that spending time and money on something that doesn’t turn out delicious!

2. Use with real sugar

I have had a few ask if you can substitute real sugar with a sugar substitute like Splenda. Using a sugar substitute will create a different outcome and your jam may not set correctly. I don’t recommend it. Surejell does have a no-sugar pectin jam recipe you could use instead if you prefer to go with a low sugar or sugar free option, just make sure to follow the instructions that come in the box. You don’t want to waste good fresh ingredients on something that won’t turn out. I choose to use the regular recipe as I don’t eat a lot of sugar and prefer to use a little bit of jam and enjoy it as a treat here and there.

3. Use high quality ingredients

I’ve noticed that quality brand sugar (like C&H) makes a difference in helping the jam set up. (Don’t buy store brand, like “great value”.) Also, good quality, ripe strawberries are a must!

I always use these plastic storage containers for my freezer jam. But you can also use glass Ball mason jars when making jam. The half pint (8 oz) size glass jars are perfect. The jars are freezer friendly (I have never had them break on me), and they’re cute! Tie some ribbon to them and they make a great gift!  However, you can use any freezer friendly container.

4. Use the right tools

I am sharing my tried and true jam making tools here: Saucepan, Sink colander strainer, Potato masher, Wooden spoon, Freezer jam containers,, Pint mason jars and SureJell Pectin original.

5. Don’t over do it

Don’t over mash strawberries because you want to keep the jam nice and chunky.

What if my jam is too runny or doesn’t set up?

If your freezer jam doesn’t set up correctly…either its too runny or is too thick, you can fix it. A really easy fix is to just boil another package of pectin and add it to the jam if it is too runny. Add a little of the mixture at a time to get it to the right consistency and then add to your storage containers.

If your jam is too thick you can add a bit more mashed fruit and a little water to thin it out to a good consistency before placing the jam into your containers. No one will ever know!

How to use homemade jam 

Spread on homemade rolls, crepes, aeblskivers, German pancakes, ice cream, milkshakes, as a fresh filling in thumbprint cookies, or in a crumb cake.

Variations of freezer jam

You can make several different types of jams like peach, strawberry, blueberries or apricot. Just be sure to follow the correct directions for each type as the sugar requirements and processing may vary slightly.

Check out our other favorite easy and delicious raspberry recipes!

Lemon Raspberry Bread, Raspberry Pretzel Salad, Raspberry Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade, Lemon Raspberry Cake, Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, and Vanilla Raspberry Cake Roll.