How to make homemade huckleberry jam without pectin on the stove or Instant Pot is here! With chia seeds and agave nectar, this is great treat on toast or bagels. One of our favorite huckleberry recipes yet.
Huckleberry jam is amazing. If you’re wondering how to make homemade jam it is literally the easiest thing in the world. You may never buy jarred ever again after this. Using fresh or frozen fruit you can make this on the stove or in a pressure cooker. (affiliate links present)
Huckleberry Jam without Pectin Recipe
If you want to make this in a pot on your stovetop, follow along here. BUT if you are looking to make pressure cooker jam <—— go to this post and follow those directions instead. Either way you only need a few ingredients and it thickens up nicely in the fridge.
Then you can enjoy immediately or this is how to can so it will last for years. Served on top of a piece of toast, bagel or dollop on top of a bowl of oatmeal it’s our favorite flavor.
If you wanted to use other fruits you could with this same process essentially. Now our plum jelly we used pectin instead of seeds which is a quick way to thicken.
Homemade Jam Ingredients
- Fresh berries or frozen can be used
- Agave nectar used here, could use pure maple sugar instead
- Chia seeds are great
- Vanilla, just a tad for flavor
- You can add a bit of sugar, Stevia or liquid sugar to sweeten
- If you want it smoother, use a masher
If you have only used pectin to thicken homemade jam you are in for a treat. There is a lot of nutrition in chia seeds and is an alternative to that that works really well.
How to Make Sugar Free Huckleberry Jam
Use regular or liquid aspertame (Sweet n Low) to sweeten this to your liking. There is a lot of variance to this depending on how sweet you want it. Agave for us isn’t really sweet so it will be subtle. If you want it above and beyond that you should make, let it cool, add liquid sweetener and then store in fridge.
How long does it take to make homemade jam on the stove?
Making this on your stove only takes about 20 minutes total. Cooling it to room temperature takes a while though so don’t be in a hurry. With this basic recipe you can make just about any fruit flavor you like.
How long does homemade jam last?
If you can it properly it will last up to 2 years. Other than that if it is just put into jars in your fridge you can use it for up to 3 months. Then you can use it on your homemade white bread with toast.
You’ll want frozen or fresh berries to start. Add some sweetener then boil to let fruit break down. Add in a way to thicken it like chia seeds or pectin and cool. Store in the refrigerator in jars.
You can use cornstarch, chia seeds or even lemon juice. Surprisingly enough lemons will actually “set” your jam. For each quart of jelly, add approximately 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice. It will continue to thicken in the fridge too so allow it to sit for 24 hours before using.
How to Make Wild Huckleberry Jam
- Over medium heat add berries and agave. Stir intermittently allow it to come to a rolling boil where fruit will pop, then add chia seeds.
- Stir consistently for about 5 minutes until sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Allow homemade huckleberry jam to come to room temperature, then taste. If you want it sweeter add a bit of liquid sugar or Stevia.
Pour into jars with lids. If you can jam it can be stored up to 3 years, or just keep in fridge for up to 3 months in sealed air tight containers. Once you have the hang of this you can make savory versions too like our green pepper jelly and more.
Could you add other berries?
Yes you could easily use this same recipe with fresh blueberries, blackberries, raspberries as well as these. A combination of a few of these makes a great wild berry combination too.
What is the difference between jam and jelly?
Jelly you would make the same way but strain the chunks out and get rid of them. I don’t understand why you would get rid of those bits of deliciousness but an option. I leave it as is and don’t smash at the end because I like more texture in the end result. For more of a jelly without straining you could do this with a masher.
What crackers go best with jam?
That is totally up to you, I personally like this or our homemade pumpkin jam on toast. If I had to choose one though I might say Ritz or saltines are pretty great.
Do you put butter on toast before jam?
I don’t use both but yes it is better to put this on top. Butter is thicker and will prevent jelly from soaking into bread, instead creating layers of flavors.
Other easy huckleberry recipes
- Love this?? Now try our huckleberry muffins for breakfast tomorrow!
- And a batch of huckleberry cobbler needs to come next.
Huckleberry Jam
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 c huckleberries, rinsed and dried
- 1/4 c agave nectar, or maple syrup
- 1/4 c chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp sugar, use if you want it sweeter
Instructions
- Over medium heat put berries and agave in a pot. Heat until berries soften and start to break down.
- Add chia seeds and sugar, continue stirring slowly until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. The longer you allow it to cook on a slow rolling boil the thicker it will get. Taste, if you want it sweeter you could add some sugar or stevia.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla, stir. Allow to cool completely and taste. If you want it sweeter add a bit of liquid sugar. Then transfer to glass jars to refrigerate. It will continue to thicken as it gets colder.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I freeze the Huckleberry Jam recipe?
I haven’t tried it, but I imagine you could.