10+ Water Bath Canning Jam Recipes for Perfect Homemade Preserves

Water bath canning is a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of your favorite fruits in homemade jams. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced canner, this method allows you to create delicious spreads that you can enjoy all year long.

Making jam at home not only brings a sense of accomplishment but also fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. You can choose from a variety of fruits, adapting recipes to your taste and preferences. By mastering a few simple techniques, you’ll be able to share your homemade jams with family and friends, making every meal a little more special.

1) Strawberry Jam with Lemon Zest

Making strawberry jam with lemon zest is a fun and rewarding project. It adds a bright flavor to your jam. Plus, it’s perfect for toast or mixing into yogurt.

Start by gathering your fresh strawberries. You’ll want to wash and hull them. Then, mash them in a bowl for a smoother texture.

In a large saucepan, combine the mashed strawberries, sugar, and the zest of one lemon. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves fully.

Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, let it cook for 10-15 minutes.

To test if your jam is ready, use a spoon to drop some on a plate. If it sets up, you’re good to go!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and hull strawberries, then mash them.
2. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon zest in a saucepan.
3. Heat on low until sugar dissolves.
4. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
5. Boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Check for readiness and jar your jam.

2) Peach Jam with No Pectin

Making peach jam without pectin is simple and rewarding. You only need a few ingredients to create a delicious sweet spread. This method lets the natural flavors of the peaches shine through.

For this recipe, gather ripe peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. The peaches should be peeled, pitted, and chopped. It’s best to choose fruit that is at its peak ripeness for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) ripe peaches
• 1½ cups sugar (reduce to 1¼ cups for less sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chopped peaches and lemon juice.
2. Add sugar to the pot and stir well.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C) until it starts to boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
5. Pour into prepared jars and seal.

3) Mixed Berry Jam Delight

Making mixed berry jam is a fun and rewarding process. You can use fresh or frozen berries for this recipe. Combine blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries for a delicious blend.

To start, prepare your canning jars and lids. Sterilize the jars in boiling water. Then, in a large pot, mix the berries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice for flavor.

You will need to cook the mixture until it reaches 220°F (about 104°C). Stir frequently to avoid sticking. Once it thickens, fill your jars with the hot jam and seal them tightly.

Allow your jars to cool completely before storing them. Enjoy your homemade mixed berry jam on toast or as a filling for pastries!

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon frozen blueberries
• 1/2 gallon frozen blackberries
• 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Sterilize jars in boiling water.
2. Combine all berries in a large pot with sugar and lemon juice.
3. Cook until the mixture reaches 220°F (104°C).
4. Pour the jam into jars and seal.
5. Let jars cool completely.

4) Classic Raspberry Jam

Making classic raspberry jam is simple and fun. You only need two ingredients: ripe raspberries and sugar. This jam is perfect for adding a taste of summer to your breakfast or desserts.

Start by rinsing your raspberries gently to keep them intact. Then, mix the berries with sugar in a pot. Let it sit for a while so the sugar can draw out the juice from the raspberries.

Cook the mixture over medium heat until it boils. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking. Once it reaches 220°F (104°C), it’s ready for canning.

Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving some space at the top. Seal the jars with lids and process them in a water bath canner for about 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of fresh raspberries
• 4 cups of granulated sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse raspberries gently.
2. Combine raspberries and sugar in a large pot.
3. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 hours.
4. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it boils.
5. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
6. Boil until it reaches 220°F (104°C).
7. Pour jam into sterilized jars.
8. Seal and process in a water bath for 10-15 minutes.

5) Apricot Jam with Honey

Making apricot jam with honey is a sweet and easy way to enjoy this delicious fruit. You’ll love the natural sweetness that honey brings to the table.

Start by gathering fresh apricots. You should wash and chop them before cooking. This will help release their juices and flavor.

You can mix the chopped apricots with honey and a splash of lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but helps with preserving the jam, too.

Once the mixture is ready, you’ll need to process it in a boiling water bath canner. A good rule of thumb is to boil for about 10 minutes.

This simple method results in a tasty jam that you can enjoy on toast or in desserts.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped apricots
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and chop the apricots.
2. Combine apricots, honey, and lemon juice in a pot.
3. Cook on medium heat until the mixture bubbles.
4. Pour into prepared jars.
5. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

6) Blueberry Vanilla Jam

Making blueberry vanilla jam is a delightful way to preserve the fresh taste of berries. The combination of blueberries and vanilla creates a sweet and aromatic spread.

Start with ripe blueberries. You can use frozen ones if fresh berries are not available. The vanilla adds a unique flavor that sets this jam apart.

This jam is perfect for toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries. It’s simple to make and fun to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 4 cups blueberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your jars by washing them with hot soapy water.
2. In a large pot, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it boils.
4. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Test the jam for thickness. It should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Pour the hot jam into your prepared jars, leaving some space at the top.
7. Seal the jars and process them in a water bath for 10 minutes.
8. Let the jam cool completely before storing it.

7) Spiced Pear Jam

Making spiced pear jam is a delightful way to preserve the sweet taste of ripe pears. This recipe adds a warm touch with cinnamon and cloves. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or giving as a gift.

You will need about 8 cups of chopped, peeled pears. Combine these with 4 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves. Cook all the ingredients in a large pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring often. Check for the right consistency and then prepare your jars for canning.

Ingredients

• 8 cups peeled, chopped ripe pears (about 5 1/2 lbs)
• 4 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your canning jars and pot.
2. Combine pears, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves in a large pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Check the jam for thickness, then transfer to jars.

8) Blackberry Lime Jam

Making blackberry lime jam is a fun and tasty project. You will enjoy the sweet and tart flavors combined in this delightful spread.

First, gather your ingredients. You will need fresh blackberries, lime juice, pectin, and sugar. Using ripe blackberries will make a big difference in flavor.

Start by crushing the blackberries in a bowl. Mix in the lime juice and pectin, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.

Next, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars. Make sure to leave about a 1/4-inch headspace at the top. Seal the jars with lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Let your jars cool down. You’ll see them seal as they cool, ensuring your jam will stay fresh.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed blackberries
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 package pectin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Crush blackberries in a bowl.
2. Mix in lime juice and pectin; bring to a boil.
3. Stir in sugar until dissolved.
4. Fill sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
5. Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
6. Cool down and check for seal.

9) Cherry Almond Jam

Cherry almond jam is a delightful treat that adds a fruity flavor to your breakfast. The sweet taste of cherries pairs perfectly with the rich essence of almonds. Making it at home is a great way to enjoy seasonal fruit.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need fresh sweet cherries, almond liqueur, lemon juice, and pectin for the right texture.

Ingredients

• 1 quart chopped pitted sweet cherries
• 1/4 cup almond liqueur (optional)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 package dry pectin

Cooking Instructions

1. Begin by washing your jars and lids in hot, soapy water.
2. In a large pot, combine the chopped cherries and lemon juice.
3. Stir in the pectin, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4. Add the almond liqueur and continue to boil for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into prepared jars, leaving a little space at the top.
6. Process in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes (212°F / 100°C).

10) Cran-Raspberry Holiday Jam

Cran-Raspberry Holiday Jam is a delightful treat for any festive occasion. It’s bright and flavorful, combining cranberries and raspberries, making it perfect for gifts or your holiday table.

To make this jam, you will need fresh cranberries and raspberries, along with sugar and some apple juice. The sweetness balances the tartness of the fruits nicely.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 4 ounces raspberries
• 1 cup apple juice (8 ounces)
• 3 cups granulated sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your water bath canner and heat the jars and lids.

2. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, raspberries, and apple juice. Heat over medium until the mixture bubbles.

3. Stir in sugar until it fully dissolves.

4. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes while stirring frequently.

5. Pour the jam into prepared jars and seal them.

6. Process in the water bath for 10 minutes (212°F or 100°C).