Introduction
Let’s be honest—freezer jam is the secret weapon of summer fruit season. It’s fast, foolproof, and ridiculously flavorful. This Raspberry Orange Freezer Jam is my go-to when I want something sweet, tangy, and completely homemade without spending hours over the stove. The fresh raspberries bring that classic, vibrant berry flavor, and the orange zest takes it to the next level. It’s perfect on toast, stirred into yogurt, or even spooned over cheesecake. No canning gear required—just mix, pour, freeze, and boom. You’re officially the jam queen.
Detailed Ingredients 🍓🍊🧂🍯
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fruity freezer jam magic:
- 🍓 6 cups fresh raspberries (you’ll mash them to make 3 cups)
- 🍬 5¼ cups granulated white sugar
- 🍊 ½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 🧂 One 1.75 oz package powdered fruit pectin (or 6 tablespoons classic pectin)
- 💧 ¾ cup water
- 🫙 6 half-pint freezer-safe containers (with lids)
Direction
- In a large bowl, mash raspberries with a potato masher until you have 3 cups of mashed berries. Discard any extra.
- Add the sugar and orange zest to the mashed raspberries. Stir to combine and let sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small saucepan, combine the pectin and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Stir the hot pectin mixture into the raspberry mixture for about 3 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the texture is smooth—not grainy.
- Ladle the jam into half-pint freezer containers, leaving about ½ inch headspace.
- Seal, label, and let the containers stand at room temperature for 24 hours until set.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 1 year.
My Story
Okay, so freezer jam was one of those things I didn’t grow up making, but once I discovered how easy it is, I never looked back. I had a giant haul of raspberries from the farmer’s market, and I didn’t want to waste a single one. I tossed in some orange zest on a whim, and the flavor combo was just… chef’s kiss. Now, I make this jam every summer and stash it in my freezer like edible treasure. It’s a little sunshine in a jar when winter rolls around. My son loves it on waffles, and I love it straight off the spoon (no shame). If you’ve never made jam before, this is the one to start with. Seriously—it’s that easy.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Q: Do I need to sterilize the jars?
Not for freezer jam. Just make sure they’re clean and freezer-safe with tight-fitting lids.
Q: What if I don’t have pectin?
Unfortunately, pectin is a must for this recipe to set properly. You can find it in most grocery stores.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
Freezer jam relies on the sugar to help preserve and set. If you want less sugar, look for low-sugar pectin and follow that specific formula.
Q: How long does it take to set?
Leave it at room temp for 24 hours. After that, it’s good to refrigerate or freeze!
Suggestion
- Spread it on warm toast or English muffins for a dreamy breakfast.
- Stir into plain Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a fruity punch.
- Layer it in parfaits with granola and whipped cream.
- Top cheesecakes, pound cake, or vanilla ice cream with a spoonful.
- Use it as a sweet-savory glaze for pork or chicken (trust me!).
Conclusion
This Raspberry Orange Freezer Jam is one of those joyful recipes that checks every box—it’s easy, super flavorful, and perfect for gifting or hoarding (no judgment). I love that it skips the stress of traditional canning while still delivering that fresh, homemade taste. The combo of sweet raspberries and bright orange zest is a total crowd-pleaser, and you can whip it up in less than an hour. Just mix, pour, and wait for the magic to set. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought jam in a jar. And the best part? You’ll have a freezer full of sunshine ready whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Go ahead and give it a try—I promise it’s jam-tastic.
— Sarah Cooper
Gotubbe.com 🍓✨🫙
