Easy 3-Ingredient Homemade Jam (No Pectin!) Posted on October 29, 2025 by Mom It
Makes: 1 small jar (about 1 cup) | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 15 min
No pectin, no fuss, no fancy equipment — just 3 ingredients and 20 minutes to the freshest, fruitiest jam you’ve ever tasted!
Perfect for using up ripe fruit, controlling sugar, or making small batches so nothing goes to waste. My kids fight over the last spoonful — even the one who’s team chocolate spread sneaks a taste!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, etc.)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste — less for sweet fruit, more for tart)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (reduce if fruit is already tart)
Method
- Prep the fruit: Wash and chop into small pieces. Mash with a fork for chunky jam, or purée in a blender for smooth.
- Cook the base: Combine fruit, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar fully dissolves.
- Boil to set: Increase to medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil (big bubbles you can’t stir down). Stir often!
- Test for doneness:
- With thermometer: Cook until 105°C
- No thermometer? Drop a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate (chill it in the freezer first). Wait 1 minute. Push with your finger — if it wrinkles and holds shape, it’s ready!
- Jar it: Carefully spoon hot jam into a clean, dry jar. Let cool completely at room temp, then seal and refrigerate.
Mom Tip: Always use a clean spoon when scooping — crumbs or moisture = mold! This jam lasts 2–3 weeks in the fridge.
Pro Tips
- Too runny? Boil 2–3 more minutes.
- Too thick? Stir in 1 tsp water before jarring.
- Double batch? Use a wider pan for faster cooking.
- Gift it: Tie a ribbon + label with fruit type and date.