Homemade Sugar Free Blueberry Jam Recipe (no pectin added)
Savor the sweetness without the guilt! -A homemade Sugar Free Blueberry Jam recipe, with only 4 ingredients and no pectin added!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about spreading a dollop of jam on your morning toast or incorporating it into your favorite dessert. However, store-bought jams often come with an overload of sugar, making it a not-so-healthy addition to your daily routine.
But fear not, because this recipe is the perfect solution!
In this simple and fuss-free recipe, you’ll have the natural goodness of ripe blueberries without drowning them in sugar.
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to whip up a batch of this delicious jam, perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients for this Sugar-free homemade blueberry jam
This homemade jam has an ingredient list of just 4 simple and natural ingredients, found in any grocery store.
- Blueberries. Wild Blueberries take center stage as the main ingredient, with their sweet and slightly tart flavor
- Apple. Apples are rich in fruit pectin, a natural thickening agent. Using apples instead of commercial pectin powder gives you a more wholesome approach to thickening your jam.
- Vanilla extract. Vanilla extract adds a layer of aromatic depth to the jam, balancing the sweetness of the blueberries and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Monk fruit sweetener. Monk fruit sweetener acts as a great alternative to traditional sugar. With a 1:1 ratio, you maintain the desired level of sweetness without the added calories.
Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
How to make this sugar-free blueberry jam
This jam is the easiest thing to make! With just a single step and a straightforward 30-minute process, you’ll have a delicious homemade treat in no time.
Place blueberries, monk fruit, vanilla extract, and apple together in a small saucepan, and mix.
Begin by combining all your ingredients in a medium heavy-bottomed pot. Set the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring it constantly. The sugar will start to dissolve, and the blueberries will start to burst and release their juice.
Whether you prefer to keep your jam with whole blueberries or opt for a smoother texture by mashing them with a potato masher, the choice is yours. As the jam cools, you’ll notice it gradually thickening to a spreadable consistency.
Ladle the jam into a clean jar (or any other clean container). Let the jam cool completely at room temperature before moving it to the fridge. Once cooled, store the mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Expert tips for this sugar-free jam
- Although you can use frozen blueberries, I suggest using fresh berries instead. Frozen blueberries contain more water compared to fresh ones, and your jam could end up more liquid than expected.
- Use ripe, fresh blueberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness. The quality of your berries directly impacts the taste of the jam.
- Simmer the jam over low heat to prevent it from burning. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking and to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired jam consistency. Keep in mind that the jam will continue to thicken as it cools in the refrigerator.
- Let the jam cool to room temperature before sealing the jars. This prevents condensation inside the jars, which can affect the quality of the jam.
- If you prefer a completely smooth jam, use a food processor or immersion blender to liquify all of the fruit.
- Label your jars with the date of preparation. Refrigerator jams have a shorter lifespan, and knowing when it was made helps ensure freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you thicken jam without sugar?
You can thicken your sugar-free jam in various ways. The method I employed for thickening this jam involved using natural pectin, specifically from shredded apples.
Other fruits naturally rich in pectin, such as pear, quince, or guavas, can also be utilized for thickening.
Alternatively, there are additional methods for achieving the desired thickness, such as using cornstarch, unflavored gelatin, xanthan gum, or ground chia seeds.
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples to naturally thicken the jam?
Absolutely! While shredded apples are a great natural source of pectin, you can experiment with other fruits rich in pectin, such as pears, quinces, or guavas, to achieve the desired thickness. Each fruit will bring its unique flavor, so feel free to explore and find the combination that suits your taste preferences best.
How long does homemade sugar free homemade jam last?
This sugar-free homemade jam will last refrigerated for up to 2-3 weeks.
Can I substitute monk fruit sweetener with another sugar substitute?
Yes, you can experiment with other sugar substitutes, but make sure to check their sweetness equivalence to regular sugar. Monk fruit sweetener is used in a 1:1 ratio, so choose a substitute that matches this ratio to maintain the intended sweetness level in your jam. Keep in mind that different substitutes may have varying tastes, so it’s advisable to taste and adjust as needed during the cooking process.
What is a good substitute for sugar in jam?
Swap out the regular sugar for an artificial sweetener if you’re into that: use your favorite sweetener for a sugar-free version; any sweetener of your choice works.
A natural sweetener is also a good option for a low sugar blueberry jam recipe, like maple syrup or honey. These alternatives not only bring a different kind of sweetness but also add a hint of distinct flavor to your homemade jam. They’re a great way to add a twist and customize your easy blueberry jam recipe to your liking.
Do I need to sterilize my jar to store my sugar-free jam?
For fridge-stored sugar-free jams, skipping sterilization works because the cool environment slows bacterial growth. Cleaning the jars with hot, soapy water is enough to keep things fresh for a few weeks. It’s simpler and fits the short-term storage plan in the fridge without the need for airtight sealing. Easy and effective!
Click the links below for some jam recipes and similar desserts you might like:
Simple Cranberry Jam Recipe (3 ingredients)
Easy Puff Pastry Braid Recipe with Jam
Raspberry Shortbread Cookie Recipe
If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!
Homemade Sugar Free Blueberry Jam Recipe (no pectin added)
Equipment
- 1 heavy-bottomed pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries washed and dried
- 1/4 cup apple peeled and shredded
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons monkfruit sweetener 1:1 ratio with regular sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- Place blueberries, monk fruit, vanilla extract, and apple together in a small saucepan, and mix.2 cups fresh blueberries, 1/4 cup apple, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons monkfruit sweetener
- Begin by combining all your ingredients in a medium heavy-bottomed pot. Set the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring it constantly. The sugar will start to dissolve, and the blueberries will start to burst and release their juice.
- Whether you prefer to keep your jam with whole blueberries or opt for a smoother texture by mashing them with a potato masher, the choice is yours. As the jam cools, you'll notice it gradually thickening to a spreadable consistency.
- Ladle the jam into a clean jar (or any other clean container). Let the jam cool completely at room temperature before moving it to the fridge. Once cooled, store the mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Notes
Expert tips
- Although you can use frozen blueberries, I suggest using fresh berries instead. Frozen blueberries contain more water compared to fresh ones, and your jam could end up more liquid than expected.
- Use ripe, fresh blueberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness. The quality of your berries directly impacts the taste of the jam.
- Simmer the jam over low heat to prevent it from burning. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking and to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired jam consistency. Keep in mind that the jam will continue to thicken as it cools in the refrigerator.
- Let the jam cool to room temperature before sealing the jars. This prevents condensation inside the jars, which can affect the quality of the jam.
- If you prefer a completely smooth jam, use a food processor or immersion blender to liquify all of the fruit.
- Label your jars with the date of preparation. Refrigerator jams have a shorter lifespan, and knowing when it was made helps ensure freshness.