10 Jam and Jelly Recipes for Preserving

As the seasons change and fresh fruits come into abundance, there’s no better way to capture their vibrant flavors than by making jam and jelly recipes. Even if you are a novice in the kitchen, preserving fruit is a delightful and rewarding experience that extends the joy of harvest time throughout the year.

In this collection, I’ve gathered some of the best canning and freezing recipes to help you savor the sweetness of summer and the crispness of fall. From classic strawberry jam to unique combinations like blueberry raspberry freezer jam, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with your preserves.

Canning and freezing are tried-and-true methods for preserving fruits, each with its own set of advantages. Canning offers a long shelf life and the convenience of having homemade preserves ready at a moment’s notice. Freezing, on the other hand, is a quicker method that retains the fresh taste and texture of the fruit.

No matter which method you choose, the process is straightforward and the results are simply delicious. Gather your fresh fruits, sugar, and pectin, and let’s take on this flavorful journey together. Enjoy the sweetness of the seasons with these delightful jam and jelly recipes!

Canning Recipes

Strawberry Jam Canning Recipe

Strawberry jam canning has been a beloved tradition in many households for generations. Preserving strawberries in a sweet, spreadable form dates back centuries and remains popular today. Making strawberry jam at home allows you to savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of strawberries year-round, whether spread on toast, mixed into yogurt, or used in baking. This guide provides a detailed process for making homemade strawberry jam through canning, ensuring you have delicious jam to enjoy whenever you want.

Cinnamon Pear Jam Recipe

As the seasons shift and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning fresh produce into homemade treasures. Water Bath Canning Pear Jam perfectly balances the sweetness of pears with the comforting spice of cinnamon, making it an ideal spread for bread, bagels with cream cheese, or even cheese platters. This quick and rewarding recipe, sourced from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving, yields about 6 half-pint jars of delicious jam.

The step-by-step guide simplifies the canning process, making it accessible even for beginners. With essential equipment and clear instructions, you can effortlessly preserve the flavors of the season.

Apple Pie Jam Canning Recipe with Pectin

Looking for a unique jam to add to your pantry? This Apple Pie Jam recipe combines the sweet, spiced flavors of a classic apple pie with the convenience of a spreadable preserve. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this jam captures the essence of fall in every jar. It’s perfect for canning, and the post includes helpful tips on preserving, storing, and creative ways to use it—from spreading it on toast to serving it with cheese or even using it as a glaze for meats. Ideal for gifting or enjoying year-round! This recipe comes from the All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving and will yield about 5 half-pint jars of Apple Pie Jam.

Cranberry Raspberry Jam Recipe

Capture the flavors of fall with this Cranberry Raspberry Jam recipe! A delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet raspberries, this jam is perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifting, or enjoying year-round. With the addition of apple, honey, and a touch of liquid pectin, this recipe delivers a perfectly textured spread that’s versatile enough for toast, desserts, or even as a glaze for meats. This recipe will yield about 6 half-pint jars of delicious cranberry raspberry jam. If you’re a seasoned canner or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try for your preserving collection!

Zesty Watermelon Jelly Recipe

Watermelon jelly is a delightful and refreshing spread made from the juice of ripe watermelons. Bursting with sweet, fruity flavor, this jelly is perfect for spreading on toast, or biscuits, or using as a glaze for meats. This recipe, featured in Ball Canning’s Complete Book of Home Preserving, provides step-by-step instructions for making and water bath or steam canning watermelon jelly, resulting in a vibrant, gel-like consistency.

With ingredients like watermelon juice, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, lemongrass, and liquid pectin, this jelly is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants like lycopene. The process is straightforward, involving chopping and mashing the watermelon, cooking with other ingredients, and then canning. Whether enjoyed on breakfast items or as a glaze, watermelon jelly is a versatile and tasty addition to your pantry.

Apple Jelly

Apple jelly is a delightful and easy-to-make spread that uses the juice from fresh apples, resulting in a delicious jelly perfect for toast, crackers with cream cheese, or even as a glaze for meats. This simple recipe, found in Ball Canning’s Back to Basics book, yields about 4 half-pint jars and requires basic canning equipment and a few ingredients like apples, water, pectin, and sugar. The process involves cooking the apples to extract their juice, mixing it with pectin and sugar, and then canning it using a water bath method.

This homemade apple jelly is not only tasty but also versatile, making it a great addition to your pantry. By following the detailed step-by-step instructions, even beginners can successfully create this jelly. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to use different types of apples. Adding this apple jelly to your repertoire will provide a refreshing alternative to traditional spreads and a unique twist to your family’s favorite dishes.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly

Strawberry rhubarb jelly is a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, made easily with liquid pectin. This recipe uses a water bath canner or a steam canner and yields about 7 half-pint jars of vibrant jelly, perfect for both seasoned canners and beginners. The pairing of ripe strawberries and tangy rhubarb creates a refreshing, complex flavor that is beloved by many. Liquid pectin ensures a consistent set, reducing cooking time while preserving fresh fruit flavors. Enjoy this versatile jelly on toast, as a pastry filling, or as a meat glaze.

Spicy Apple Jalapeno Jelly

Spicy Apple Jalapeno Jelly combines the sweetness of ripe apples with the bold kick of fresh jalapenos for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. This gourmet canning recipe yields about 5 half-pint jars and uses fresh apples, jalapenos, sugar, and lemon juice. It can be processed using a water bath or steam canner. Ideal for cheese boards, grilled meats, or as a unique sandwich spread, it’s a versatile treat that’s easy to customize with your preferred level of heat or added spices like cinnamon or ginger. A standout addition to any pantry!

Freezer Recipes

Blueberry Raspberry Freezer Jam

Blueberry Raspberry Freezer Jam is a delightful and easy-to-make preserve that captures the fresh flavors of summer berries. Made with ripe blueberries and raspberries, this jam is bursting with fruity goodness and is perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or scones. Unlike traditional jam recipes that require cooking, this freezer jam is made by simply mixing the ingredients and allowing them to set in the refrigerator or freezer, resulting in a fresher and more vibrant flavor.

This recipe, from the All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving, is not only quick to prepare but also convenient, as it can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Rich in antioxidants and high in fiber, blueberries and raspberries make this jam a healthy addition to your diet.

Granny Smith Apple Freezer Jam

Granny Smith Apple Freezer Jam is a delightful and easy-to-make spread that captures the fresh, tart flavors of Granny Smith apples. This freezer jam, made by simply mixing apples with sugar, apple juice, lemon juice, and pectin, offers a vibrant color and fresh taste without the need for cooking. Unlike traditional jams, it’s quick to prepare and retains the crisp, juicy essence of the apples.

This recipe, from the All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving, yields four half-pint jars of jam. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought jams, free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, and allows you to control the sugar content. Perfect for spreading on toast or using it as a dessert topping, Granny Smith Apple Freezer Jam is a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of fresh apples all year round.

Canning and freezing are both fantastic methods for preserving fruits, each offering distinct advantages. Canning provides a long shelf life and the convenience of having homemade preserves ready at a moment’s notice while freezing retains the fresh taste and texture of the fruit with minimal effort. So gather your fresh fruits, sugar, and pectin, and join this flavorful journey. Enjoy the sweetness of the seasons with these delightful jam and jelly recipes!