Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Jam a Spoonful of Sunshine

Mixed Berry Vanilla Jam Recipe Spoonful of Sunshine

By Emily CollinsSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to bottle sunshine? This Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam does the trick! It’s bursting with fruity goodness and a hint of vanilla, honestly, it's like summer in a jar.

Brief Overview

This Berries Jam Recipe has been a family favourite for generations. It's an easy recipe, taking about 45- 55 minutes to whip up.

The recipe yields about 4 x 8oz jars, perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

This Homemade jam recipes is packed with antioxidants from all those lovely berries. It's perfect for gifting around the holidays.

What makes this recipe special? The delicate vanilla note elevates it beyond your average Strawberry Blueberry Jam Recipe .

**Why You'll Love This Jam**

Growing up, my nan always had a jar of Mixed Fruit Jam on the table. I remember the feeling of having Fruit preserves , spreading it on warm toast.

I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years. Adding the vanilla bean brings such a warmth and depth.

Let's talk ingredients!

Key Ingredients for Jamming Success

2 lbs Mixed Berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries.
4 cups Granulated Sugar.
1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice.
One Vanilla Bean.
1/4 cup Water

Remember to prepare your Small batch jam recipe . I learned the hard way that not having everything prepped can lead to a sticky situation!

Easy Guide: How To Make Jams And Jellies

Alright, let's talk about the process. First, you'll wash and chop the berries. After that, combine the ingredients in a heavy bottomed pot.

You can use my Vanilla bean jam recipe and bring it to a boil, and then simmer away. Testing the Mixed Berry Jam Recipe is the secret to success.

Ingredients & Equipment for Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam

Let's talk ingredients! The key to awesome Mixed Berry Jam Recipe is quality. Think ripe, juicy berries bursting with flavour.

You know, the kind you snag at the farmer's market. I always sneak a couple while I'm prepping. Don't tell anyone!

Main Ingredients: The Berry Best

For our Strawberry Blueberry Jam Recipe , here's what you need.

2 lbs ( 900g ) Mixed Berries. I like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. But feel free to mix it up!
4 cups ( 800g ) Granulated Sugar.
1/4 cup ( 60ml ) Fresh Lemon Juice. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is best, honestly.
1 Vanilla Bean, split and scraped. Don't toss the pod!
1/4 cup ( 60ml ) Water.

Quality matters! Look for plump, fragrant berries. Avoid anything mushy. It really makes a difference in the final Berries Jam Recipe !

Seasoning Notes: Vanilla Magic

Vanilla is the star here. The vanilla bean adds warmth. It elevates this Vanilla bean jam recipe beyond your average Fruit preserves .

Don't have a vanilla bean? Vanilla extract is fine. Use 1 teaspoon . It won't be quite the same, but it'll do.

A pinch of cinnamon is lovely too. You can also substitute the lemon with lime. Now, that is a tasty Mixed Fruit Jam .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for How To Make Jams And Jellies .

A big, heavy bottomed pot is key. Prevents sticking.
A wooden spoon is a must. Silicone spatulas work too.
Sterilized jars. I use 4 x 8oz ( 225g ) jars. Safety first, you know?
A candy thermometer is optional. Aim for 220° F (104° C ).
Chilled plates. An essential for testing the jam set.
A jar lifter if you are going to process the Homemade jam recipes .

No candy thermometer? No worries. The chilled plate test works great for this Small batch jam recipe . Just a couple of the Jam making tips I can share.

Now lets get to the yummy bit.

Cooking Up a Storm: Mixed Berry & Vanilla Bean Jam Magic!

Honestly, folks, I never thought making my own jam would be so darn easy. I used to buy fruit preserves all the time! Now? Nah, it's all about homemade jam recipes in my kitchen.

Let’s dive into this Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam Recipe . I tell you, a vanilla bean jam recipe is something special.

Prep Like a Pro (Even If You're Not!)

First things first: get your mise en place sorted. It sounds fancy, but it just means having everything prepped and ready to go.

Wash your mixed berries , hulled the strawberries, and chop the big ones. Trust me, this saves a ton of time later.

And a quick reminder: sterilize those jars! Nobody wants a mouldy Berries Jam Recipe .

step-by-step to Jammy Perfection

Berries in! Combine 2 lbs (900g) Mixed Berries , 4 cups (800g) Granulated Sugar , 1/4 cup (60ml) Fresh Lemon Juice , 1 Vanilla Bean (seeds and pod), and 1/4 cup (60ml) Water in your pot.
Bring to a boil, stirring like crazy, until sugar dissolves.
Reduce heat to a gentle boil. Cook, stirring every now and then, until it thickens.
Test for set: Put a spoonful on a chilled plate. It's ready if it wrinkles when you push it.
Take out the vanilla pod.
Carefully ladle into sterilized jars.
Seal the jars.
Cool and wait for the 'pop'!

We’re aiming for 220° F / 104° C if you’re using a candy thermometer. You want a nice consistency for this Strawberry Blueberry Jam Recipe .

Pro Tips That’ll Make You a Jam Star

Don't overcook it. Seriously. Overcooked jam is a nightmare. Also, stir often to prevent sticking, especially when it starts to thicken.

Now that it is ready, you will enjoy this wonderful Mixed Fruit Jam !.

You can also make it ahead. Just store it in the fridge for a few days before jarring. And that's it! Enjoy your Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam on everything.

You know? I tried this "How To Make Jams And Jellies" technique and felt like it was super easy.

Alright, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom for your Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam adventure! This Mixed Berry Jam Recipe is pretty straightforward, but these tips will take it to the next level.

Let's make some Homemade jam recipes !

Recipe Notes for your Berries Jam Recipe

These are my personal experiences and what I've learned over the years! Honestly, they can be game changers. It is one of the best Jam making tips I have!

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Jam On!

Presentation matters, right? For plating, think simple. A dollop of this gorgeous jam on a rustic piece of toast. You know? Or swirl it into your morning porridge for a fancy start.

Consider pairing your Strawberry Blueberry Jam Recipe with a cheese board. Brie or a sharp cheddar work wonders. As for drinks, a simple iced tea or even a glass of prosecco is perfect.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

Once opened, keep that Mixed Fruit Jam in the fridge. It will happily sit there for about two weeks. Make sure the jars are sealed.

Want to keep this sunshine in a jar for longer? This is a great Small batch jam recipe , but even small batches need to be stored well! You can freeze it! I have never done it.

Pop it into freezer safe containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before using. To reheat, simply give it a gentle stir!

Variations: Spice it Up!

Want to play around with this recipe? A little cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cosy warmth. Honestly, it's magical. If you are looking for How To Make Jams And Jellies , this is your best try.

To make it vegan, ensure your sugar is vegan friendly. Swap out granulated sugar for an equal amount of caster sugar. The vanilla bean remains the star.

Feeling autumnal? Use blackberries and plums! Use apples in winter, to make Fruit preserves . The possibilities are endless.

Nutrition Basics: A Spoonful of Goodness

Let's be real, this Vanilla bean jam recipe is not a health food. I mean, there's sugar in it. But! Berries are packed with antioxidants.

Think of it as a treat with a tiny boost.

Each tablespoon is roughly 50 calories. Carbs will be around 13g. Sugar around 12g. So, moderation is key.

This Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam is a delightful addition to your pantry. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Now go on, get jamming!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam is ready? I don't want a "Great British Bake Off" soggy bottom situation!

Knowing when your jam is ready is key! The best way to test for set is the chilled plate method. Place a spoonful of hot jam on a plate that's been chilling in the freezer for a few minutes. If, after a minute, it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it's good to go!

If not, keep cooking and testing every couple of minutes. A candy thermometer is also your friend here; aim for 220°F (104°C).

Can I use frozen berries for this Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam recipe, or do I need to use fresh ones?

While fresh berries are lovely, frozen berries work just fine! Just be sure to thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the pot. This prevents your jam from being too watery and taking forever to thicken.

Frozen berries can be a great option, especially when your favourite berries aren't in season.

My Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam didn't set properly. What did I do wrong, and can I fix it?

Don't panic! A runny jam happens to the best of us. It usually means the jam didn't reach a high enough temperature or didn't cook long enough. You can try re-cooking the jam. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and return it to a boil, testing for set every few minutes.

If it still won't set, you can use it as a delicious syrup for pancakes or ice cream instead - nobody needs to know!

How long does this Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam last, and how should I store it?

Properly processed and sealed jars of Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place. If you didn't process the jars, store them in the refrigerator, where they'll last for several weeks.

Once opened, always refrigerate your jam and use it within a couple of weeks for the best flavour and quality.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the Mixed Berry & Vanilla Jam recipe?

Sugar is essential for both the flavour and preservation of jam. Reducing the sugar can affect the set and shelf life. If you want to reduce the sugar, consider using a jam sugar that contains added pectin, and follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Be aware that the shelf life may be shorter, so refrigeration is definitely recommended!

I'm allergic to strawberries! Can I still make this jam, and what berries can I substitute?

Absolutely! You can definitely make this jam without strawberries. Simply replace the strawberries with an equal amount of other berries like blackberries, more raspberries, or even mixed forest fruits like elderberries or blackcurrants (if you're feeling adventurous).

The key is to maintain the total weight of berries in the recipe. The flavour profile will be slightly different, but just as delicious!