Making homemade jam is an incredibly satisfying and rewarding experience, and there’s nothing better than creating your own batch of fresh jam to enjoy all year long.

This Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam is the perfect way to take advantage of the season’s berries while adding a hint of luxurious vanilla to the mix.

The sweet-tart flavor combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries blended with the warmth of vanilla creates an irresistible spread that can be used on toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for desserts.

Plus, it’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam

Fresh and Fruity: The combination of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries provides a burst of color and flavor. The balance of sweetness and tartness is perfect for anyone who loves fruity jams.

Natural Ingredients: Unlike store-bought jams, this recipe only requires simple, natural ingredients. There are no preservatives or artificial flavorings, just the pure essence of fresh berries and vanilla.

Perfect for Gifting: The homemade jam makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just to share the love, this mixed berry and vanilla jam will be a hit!

Versatile: This jam can be used in so many ways! Spread it on your morning toast, use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, drizzle it over cheesecake, or even use it as a filling in baked goods like tarts and pastries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup of strawberries (hulled and chopped)
1 cup of raspberries
1 cup of blueberries

1 cup of blackberries
1 ½ cups of sugar
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract)
1 tablespoon of pectin (optional, for thicker jam)
½ teaspoon of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Berries: Begin by washing all the berries thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and chop them into smaller pieces. The raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries can remain whole, but you can mash them lightly with a fork to release some juice. You want to make sure the fruit is broken down enough to create a good jam consistency.
Cook the Berries: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Add the sugar and lemon juice to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the berries sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the fruit to release its juices.
Infuse with Vanilla: If you’re using a vanilla bean, cut it in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the saucepan. Add the vanilla pod to the mixture as well. If you’re using vanilla extract, you can add it once the fruit mixture begins to boil. The vanilla will give the jam a wonderful depth of flavor, complementing the sweetness of the berries.

Cook the Jam: Bring the fruit mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the fruit breaks down and the mixture thickens. If you’d like a thicker jam, add the pectin at this stage, following the package instructions. Keep an eye on the jam and continue to stir to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Test the Consistency: To test if the jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through the jam, and if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s done! If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
Remove from Heat: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you used a vanilla pod, take it out at this stage. Stir in the salt to balance the sweetness of the jam, if using.

Jar the Jam: While the jam is still hot, carefully ladle it into sterilized glass jars. Leave about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal the jars tightly with lids and let them cool at room temperature.
Store the Jam: Once the jars have cooled, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can process the jars in a water bath canning system to preserve them for up to a year.

Variations and Tips

Use Different Berries: Feel free to experiment with other berries like blackberries, elderberries, or raspberries to create your custom berry jam. You can even use a mix of frozen berries if fresh ones aren’t available.

Add Spice: If you love spiced jams, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a few crushed cardamom pods to the cooking process. The spice will bring a warm, comforting touch to the fruit.

Less Sugar: For a healthier version, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey or agave nectar. Just be sure to check the consistency as the sugar helps the jam thicken.

No Pectin Needed: The natural pectin in the fruit combined with sugar and lemon juice is usually enough to thicken the jam. If you prefer a smoother, less chunky texture, feel free to blend the berries with a hand blender before cooking.

How to Serve

This Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam is perfect for spreading on toast, scones, or muffins. You can also serve it alongside cheeses for a sweet-savory pairing or swirl it into plain yogurt for a tangy contrast.

It also works wonderfully as a topping for pancakes or waffles. For a more indulgent treat, layer the jam between cake layers or serve it with whipped cream for a simple dessert.

Conclusion

Making your own jam is an enjoyable process that’s well worth the time. This Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam recipe combines the best of summer’s berries with a rich vanilla twist that will elevate any breakfast or dessert.

Whether you’re new to jam-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and will result in a jam that’s bursting with fruity goodness. Share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself — this jam is guaranteed to be a hit!