Easy 3-Ingredient Jam (No Pectin Needed)

If you’ve ever thought jam making sounded complicated or intimidating, I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be. Jam is one of the most beginner-friendly canning projects you can start with, and you don’t even need store-bought pectin to make it work.

If you’re new to canning, this is a great place to start. Jam is forgiving, the process is straightforward, and the results are rewarding.

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Why Skip Store-Bought Pectin?

Making jam without commercial pectin:

• Lets the fruit shine in flavor

• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients

• Works well for small batches

• Is perfect for traditional or old-fashioned jam making

Easy 3-Ingredient Jam (No Pectin Needed)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fruit (fresh or frozen)

• 1 lb sugar

• ¼ cup bottled lemon juice or ½ tablespoon citric acid

Note: If using citrus fruits, it’s best to use a 3:2 fruit-to-sugar ratio instead.

Instructions

1. Prepare the jam

   Place the fruit, sugar, and lemon juice (or citric acid) into a large stock pot.

   Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the fruit to warm while the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.

   
   

2. Bring to a boil

   Once the sugar has fully dissolved, increase the heat to medium.

   Stir regularly and maintain a gentle boil for 20–25 minutes, or until the jam reaches 217°–222°F (103°–106°C).

   
   

3. Fill the jars

   Ladle the hot jam into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.

   Wipe the rims, apply lids and rings, and tighten finger-tip tight.

   
   

4. Water bath can

   Place jars into a water bath canner, ensuring they’re covered by at least 1 inch of water.

   Bring to a full rolling boil, cover, and process for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude as needed.

   
   

5. Cool & check seals

   Once timer is done, Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes.

   Remove jars and allow them to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.

   Check seals, remove rings, label, and store.

Best Fruits for Jam Without Pectin

Because this recipe relies on a fruit’s natural pectin, some fruits will set more easily than others. That doesn’t mean low-pectin fruits won’t work — they just may produce a softer, spoonable jam (which is still delicious).

High-Pectin Fruits (Set the Easiest)

These are great choices if you’re new to no-pectin jam making:

• Apples (especially slightly under-ripe)

• Crabapples

• Quince

• Cranberries

• Gooseberries

• Currants

• Citrus peels (when used properly)

Medium-Pectin Fruits (Reliable with Proper Cooking)

These usually set well with the 2:1 ratio and a full boil:

• Blackberries

• Raspberries

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Plums

• Apricots

• Cherries

• Grapes

Low-Pectin Fruits (Softer Set)

These fruits benefit from longer cooking time or being paired with higher-pectin fruit:

• Peaches

• Pears

• Pineapple

• Mango

• Figs

• Nectarines

• Rhubarb

Tips for Better Set Without Pectin

• Use slightly under-ripe fruit when possible

• Don’t skip the lemon juice or citric acid

• Cook low-pectin fruits a little longer

• Combine low-pectin fruit with apple, cranberry, or citrus peel

• Remember: jam thickens more as it cools

Notes & Tips

• Gel set may vary depending on the fruit’s natural pectin level

• Jam will continue to thicken as it cools

• Stir often to prevent scorching

• This method works well for berries, stone fruit, and many mixed fruit combinations

Whether you’re filling your pantry shelves, gifting jars to friends, or simply learning a new kitchen skill, making jam without pectin is one of those simple pleasures that feels both practical and nostalgic, a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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The Recipe:

Did you try making this Easy 3-Ingredient Jam (No Pectin Needed)? We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram at Thesproutinghomestead or leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out. Happy snacking!