Yummy Boysenberry Jam Recipe | How to Make Jam without Pectin

Ready to buckle up for another flavor-filled journey inspired by the incredible Boysenberry Festival of Knotts Berry Farm? Today, we are making our very own Boysenberry jam! – and here’s the twist: we’re doing it without pectin! This delightful jam recipe is fresh and tart, and works perfectly as a filling for sweet rolls or spread on some Pym Particle Bread as part of a PB&J.


Ingredients for No-Pectin Boysenberry Jam

Here’s your checklist of the essential ingredients for your delightful Boysenberry Jam:

  • 6 cups of fresh boysenberries
  • 2.5 cups of granulated sugar
  • Juice of two medium lemons
  • Zest of two lemons (optional)

The berries and sugar come together to make a delightfully delicious boysenberry jam. Keep in mind that because we are not using pectin it won’t be quite as thick as regular pectin jam, but will still come to a thick spreadable consistency.

Essential Equipment

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1. A Good Pot

Having a good pot is going to be essential for making your boysenberry jam. Personally we love the Tasty Ceramic Titanium-Reinforced Cookware Set available at Walmart! This set is inexpensive for its high quality, and offers a ceramic non stick coating that makes clean up a breeze. Just make sure you use silicone and plastic utensils with this set so you don’t scratch the ceramic coating. Either way, this is a great starter pan set, and the large pot will work perfectly for our jam!

2. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

For stirring, mixing and macerating the berries you’ll need a silicone coated spatula or a wooden spoon or spatula. The Riveira Wooden Spoons 6-Piece Bamboo Utensil Set has great reviews on Amazon and is an inexpensive addition to your kitchen. Alternatively, the Cooptop Silicone Spatula Set offers up a mold and heat resistant option for stirring up your jam.

3. Blender

Optionally you can also use a blender to completely smooth out the jam. While it is a little more pricy than what we normally like to recommend, we have used our Nutribullet Combo Blender for over 3 years and it is still going strong! It is great for smoothies, soups, jams, and even making your own nut milks or alternative flours!

4. Mason Jars for Storage

Finally, you’ll need a quart mason jar to store the jam in. These Ball Quart Wide Mouth Jars are available on Amazon, and are definitely a fan favorite.


Let’s Get Jammin’! – How to make Jam without Pectin

  1. Initiate Flavor Expedition: Rinse your boysenberries thoroughly and pop them into your saucepan. Use your wooden spoon to gently crush them and release their juice.
  2. Sweet Excitement: Pour in your sugar, then stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
  3. Add Some Zest: Once the sugar has dissolved, add in the juice of two medium lemons. This not only brings a balance to the sweetness but also acts as a natural pectin. You can also add the zest of those lemons if desired.
  4. Reach Boiling Point: Increase the heat to high and bring your mixture to a rapid boil. Allow it to boil for around 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy. To test if it’s done, put a spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
  5. Bottling the Adventure: Carefully ladle your hot boysenberry jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4 inch of space at the top for expansion. Seal them tight!
  6. Chill Out: Allow your jars to cool at room temperature. You’ll hear a satisfying “pop” as they cool – a perfect seal!

And voila! You’ve just conjured up a batch of delectable “Yummy Boysenberry Jam” without using pectin. This homemade treasure is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. With it, you’re all set to whip up our upcoming “Super Soft Boysenberry Rolls”, sure to be a hit at breakfast or tea time.

Need a bread recipe to go with your jam? Check out our Pym Particle Bread Recipe from Avenger’s Campus!

Don’t forget to join us at Roller Coaster Kitchen for more exciting theme park-inspired recipes, and do share your Boysenberry Jam experience in the comments below. Until our next culinary adventure, happy jam-making and enjoy the ride!