Description
Discover my easy mulberry jam recipe, packed with fresh berries and just the right amount of sugar for a luscious, spreadable treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh mulberries, rinsed and stems removed (about 4 cups)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for a warm finish)
Instructions
- Prep the berries. Place the cleaned mulberries in a large, heavy‑bottomed saucepan. If any berries are larger, give them a quick quarter‑cut so they break down evenly.
- Combine sugar and liquid. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and water to the pan. Stir gently to coat the fruit.
- Bring to a boil. Over medium‑high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium‑low.
- Simmer and mash. Let the jam simmer for 15–20 minutes. As it cooks, the berries will burst and the liquid will thicken. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently crush the berries, aiming for a slightly chunky texture.
- Test the set. After 20 minutes, dip a chilled spoon into the jam; if the surface wrinkles when you push it through, the jam is ready. If it’s still runny, continue simmering 2‑minute increments, testing each time.
- Finish with vanilla. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using. This adds a subtle depth that complements the berry’s natural earthiness.
- Jar it up. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving ¼‑inch headspace. Wipe rims, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if you plan to store long‑term.
Notes
- Use ripe mulberries. Over‑ripe berries become mushy and may produce a thinner jam; under‑ripe ones are tart.
- Don’t skip the lemon. The acidity balances the sweetness and helps the pectin in the fruit set the jam.
- Watch the heat. A gentle simmer prevents scorching and keeps the jam clear rather than cloudy.
- Sterilize jars properly. Boil jars and lids for at least 10 minutes; this ensures a safe seal and longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mulberry recipe jam