Introduction

Blueberry Refrigerator Jam is a quick and easy way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavor of blueberries all year round. Made without pectin, this jam thickens naturally on the stove and sets perfectly in the fridge. It’s a delightful spread for toast, yogurt, or desserts.

A clear glass jar shows a parfait with five visible layers on a round white marbled plate; from bottom to top, the first layer is dark purple blueberry jam, the second is light tan granola, the third is white creamy yogurt, the fourth is dark purple blueberry jam again with some texture, and the top layer is white yogurt covered with fresh dark blue blueberries and a small green mint leaf as garnish. Next to the jar, there is a clear glass jar filled with dark purple blueberry jam with some stains on the rim, a silver spoon lays on the plate beside the jars, and some loose blueberries are scattered around on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

454 grams fresh blueberries (about 3 cups), rinsed clean, pat dry
150 grams granulated sugar (¾ cup)
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest (or lemon zest)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the blueberries, sugar, lime juice, and lime zest in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium once boiling.
Step 2: Place a few metal spoons in the freezer while the jam cooks. Continue heating the jam for 15-25 minutes until the blueberries break down and the mixture thickens.
Step 3: To test if the jam is done, dip one frozen spoon into the hot jam. The jam should fall off slowly in one thickened mass. If not, cook for another 5 minutes and test again.
Step 4: Transfer the hot jam into heat-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Leave the jars uncovered until the jam cools to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

Use lemon juice and zest if you prefer a slightly different citrus flavor.
If you want a smoother jam, gently mash the blueberries during cooking.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a flavor twist.
Make sure to use fresh, firm blueberries for best results.

Storage

Store the jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon when serving to avoid contamination. If you want longer storage, consider freezing the jam in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan or microwave.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a dark purple berry jam, slightly messy around the top edge, sits on the left side of a white round plate with a subtle pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the jar, on the right side of the plate, is a clear glass dessert cup with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a dark purple berry jam, the middle layer is light brown granola, and the top and bottom layers are creamy white yogurt. The dessert cup is topped with fresh blueberries and a small green mint leaf. A few loose blueberries are scattered on the plate around the cup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this jam?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery jam.

Do I need to add pectin for this recipe?

No, this jam relies on natural pectin from the berries and the reduction process to thicken, so no added pectin is necessary.

Blueberry Refrigerator Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews

This Blueberry Refrigerator Jam is a simple, fresh, and naturally sweetened preserve made with fresh blueberries, sugar, and lime juice. Prepared on the stovetop with no need for traditional canning, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast, topping yogurt, or mixing into desserts, and can be stored easily in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 1 ½ to 2 cups of jam 1x
Category: Jam & Preserves
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Blueberry Jam Ingredients

454 grams fresh blueberries (about 3 cups), rinsed clean and patted dry
150 grams granulated sugar (¾ cup)
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest (or lemon zest)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepot, combine the fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.
Bring to Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle boil.
Simmer Until Thickened: Place a few metal spoons in the freezer while the jam cooks. Continue heating the mixture on medium for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the blueberries will break down and the mixture will start to thicken.
Test for Doneness: Remove a metal spoon from the freezer and dip it into the hot jam. Lift the spoon and observe how the jam falls off. The jam is done when it falls off slowly in one thickened mass. If it falls off quickly or is too runny, cook the jam for another 5 minutes and test again.
Cool and Store: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, transfer it carefully into heat-proof, airtight containers or jars. Leave the jars uncovered at room temperature until the jam cools completely. Then cover them tightly and store the jam in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Use fully ripe, fresh blueberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Placing metal spoons in the freezer helps accurately test the jam’s thickness as cold spoons facilitate quick setting of the jam on contact.
If you prefer a smoother jam, you can gently mash some of the blueberries during cooking or blend slightly after cooling.
This jam does not require traditional canning methods and should be refrigerated to maintain freshness.
You can substitute lemon juice and lemon zest if lime is unavailable.

Keywords: blueberry jam, refrigerator jam, stovetop jam, fresh blueberry preserves, easy jam recipe, no canning blueberry jam