Easy Homemade Raspberry Preserves (No Pectin, Just 3 Ingredients!)
Whip up fresh, homemade raspberry preserves in just 15 minutes with 3 simple ingredients—no pectin, no fuss, just pure berry goodness!
👩🍳 Sweet red raspberry preserves are a summer must-have!
With just three simple ingredients and less than 15 minutes, you can whip up a fresh batch of homemade Raspberry Preserves right in your own kitchen. Why settle for store-bought jam that’s mass-produced, packed with preservatives, and sometimes even hiding sneaky additives on the label?
Raspberry preserves are a mouthwatering mix of fresh or frozen raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice, slowly simmered until the berries break down, the sugar dissolves, and the mixture thickens into a rich, fruity spread. If you’re wondering about the difference between raspberry jam vs preserves, preserves are chunkier with whole pieces of fruit—and trust me, that’s part of the magic.
The best part? Making small-batch raspberry preserves is even easier than crafting homemade raspberry jam or raspberry jelly—no pectin, no fancy equipment, and no need to stress over candy thermometers or exact temperatures. It’s truly the perfect beginner-friendly recipe if you’re learning how to make jam without pectin.
Here’s how simple it is: simmer your preserves for just 7 minutes, then test by dropping a spoonful onto a cold saucer. Pop it in the freezer for a minute; if the surface wrinkles when you nudge it, you’re good to go. If not, return the pan to the heat for another 1-2 minutes. The entire process—start to finish—takes about 15 minutes. It’s an easy, delicious way to capture that burst of fresh raspberry flavor anytime you crave it.
🛒 Ingredients for Homemade Raspberry Preserves
🥣 How to Make Raspberry Preserves Without Pectin
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, toss your raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice together. Stir gently to combine everything. The sugar will start to draw out the juices from the raspberries, creating a beautiful, fragrant mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. You’ll want to cook this for about 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the raspberries to break down.
Step 3: Test for Consistency
After about 7 minutes of cooking, grab a cold saucer (you can pop it in the freezer beforehand). Spoon a small amount of the preserves onto the plate and let it cool for a minute. Then, tilt the saucer. If the preserves hold their shape and have a nice, crinkly surface, they’re ready! If not, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes and test again.
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Easy Homemade Raspberry Preserves (No Pectin, Just 3 Ingredients!)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups red raspberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (one lemon worth)
Instructions
- Place 1½ cups red raspberries, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp lemon juice in a saucepan. Gently heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar crystals dissolve. Bring the pan to a boil for 7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Take a teaspoon of the jam and place it on a cold saucer in the freezer for 1 minute. If it does not crinkle up like it's setting, boil for 1-2 more minutes at a time until it does.
- Store in a sealed jar in the fridge and use within a couple of weeks, or can in a boiling water bath for longer storage.
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Do I need pectin to make raspberry preserves?
Nope! This recipe doesn’t require any added pectin. Raspberries naturally have enough pectin, especially when combined with a little lemon juice. As the mixture simmers and reduces, it thickens up beautifully all on its own.
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work just as well. No need to thaw them first—just toss them straight into the pot. It might take an extra minute or two for them to cook down, but the end result will still be rich, fruity, and delicious.
How do I know when the preserves are ready?
After simmering for about 7 minutes, do a quick freezer test: drop a spoonful onto a cold plate, freeze it for a minute, and then nudge it with your finger. If the surface wrinkles, your preserves are ready! If not, simmer for another 1-2 minutes and test again.
What’s the difference between jam, jelly, and preserves?
Jam is made from crushed fruit, jelly is made from fruit juice, and preserves have whole or large pieces of fruit. Raspberry preserves give you those juicy, chunky bites of real berry goodness that are so satisfying.
How to Use Raspberry Preserves
These homemade raspberry preserves aren’t just for toast—although let’s be honest, a thick smear on a warm, buttery slice of sourdough is pretty heavenly. You can also swirl them into yogurt or layer them into a parfait with granola for an easy, fruity breakfast. They’re perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, or French toast when you want a simple brunch upgrade without any extra work.
For dessert, spoon a little over cheesecake, pound cake, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick, no-fuss treat. Spread them on biscuits, English muffins, or buttermilk scones for the ultimate cozy snack. You can even use these preserves as a filling for thumbprint cookies, homemade pop tarts, or a small batch raspberry crumble when you’re in a baking mood.
Feeling a little fancy? Warm the preserves slightly and drizzle over a brie wheel before wrapping it in puff pastry for a next-level party appetizer. Or add a dollop to your next grilled cheese (yes, seriously!)—raspberry and brie are a match made in heaven. However you use them, a jar of these sweet-tart preserves turns breakfast, dessert, and everything in between into something special.