Simple Small Batch Refrigerator Jam
This simple, small batch, refrigerator jam recipe is so delicious even though it is SO EASY.
We all have good intentions when we buy a big container of berries, but how often are they left to rot in the back of the fridge? Let’s take those leftovers and make this scrumptious treat. Small batches make it easy to gift or finish yourself. Simple, delicious, and no waste…what’s not to like?
(THIS POST PROBABLY CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY IS LONG & BORING BUT, YOU CAN FIND IT HERE.)
Why Make a Small Batch Refrigerator Jam?
This simple small batch refrigerator jam recipe is smaller than most, and that is on purpose. This jam does not require going through the canning process.
It is called refrigerator jam because it requires refrigeration. Once it is made, it will stay in your fridge and can remain there for up to 3 weeks.
Since it is made with natural ingredients, and will need to be used within 3 weeks, the small batches make it more likely you have ingredients on hand, but also easy to gift and use within that time frame.
*If you don’t want to use your jam right away, you can process it (10 minutes in a boiling water canner). We just wanted a simple recipe to share with everyone, if they are familiar with canning, or not.
What You Will Need for Your Small Batch Refrigerator Jam
You will need:
- Potato Masher
- Saucepan
- 3 cups of berries (blueberries were used in the batch in the picture, but you could use your favorite)
- 1/2 a 1.75 oz package of Fruit Pectin
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- Dash of Lemon Zest (optional, but I prefer my jam not overly sweet and the zest creates that balance)
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- Glass jars with lids to store the finished jam (You don’t want to put anything this hot in plastic, that is why I suggest glass. Blueberry recipe made enough to fill 4 wide mouth 1/2 pint jars.)
Let’s Start Making Simple, Small Batch, Refrigerator Jam!
- Add blueberries to saucepan and smoosh with potato masher until well mashed.
- Stir in Pectin, Lemon Juice, and add your dash of Zest.
- Bring to a boil.
- Stir in your sugar, and bring back to boil.
- Hard boil for a full minute while stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, and pour into your desired airtight, glass containers.
- Refrigerate and use within 3 weeks. (It’s dang delicious on top of buttered toast!)
And that’s it, it really is that simple to make delicious small batch, refrigerator jam! You can use up those berries just wasting away in your refrigerator, but it taste like you slaved away, using only the best homegrown ingredients.
Which type of small batch refrigerator jam will you try first? Will your family use up your first delicious small batch of jam, or will you share your new talent of jam making with a friend? Let us know in the comments! We can’t wait to hear from you.
Small Batch Refrigerator Jam
Equipment
- potato masher
- pan
- measuring spoons
- zester
- 4 – 1/2 pint glass jars
Ingredients
- 3 cups berries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 1.75 oz package of pectin
- 1 dash lemon zest optional but delicious
Instructions
- Add blueberries to saucepan and smoosh with potato masher until well mashed and then bring to a boil.
- Stir in Pectin, Lemon Juice, and add your dash of Zest and bring to a boil.
- Stir in your sugar, and bring back to boil.
- Hard boil for a full minute while stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, and pour into your desired airtight, glass containers.
- Refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.