Is there anything better than the combination of sweet and spicy? This Blackberry Jalapeño Jam is the perfect balance of the two, with just a subtle spice that will add loads of flavor to everything you slather it on.
The sweetness of ripe blackberries pairs perfectly with the sharp heat of jalapeños, creating a subtle kick that doesn't overwhelm the fruit's flavor. It's a great choice for everything from pairing with cheese to your breakfast toast!
If you’ve never made jam before, this is a great recipe to start with. It's super simple—no fancy equipment, just a pot and some stirring. There are only 4 ingredients, and the most difficult part of the process is that you have to stir it frequently while it's cooking, which isn't difficult at all!
It makes a wonderful homemade gift, and you'll get about three 8 oz jars with this recipes. A few different jams in a small basket with accoutrements is so thoughtful and pretty! Our list of jams to serve with charcuterie is a great place to get ideas.
Ingredients
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are, by far, the best choice for this recipe. However, if you can’t find fresh ones, frozen blackberries will work—just thaw them completely and drain the excess liquid before adding them to the recipe.
Jalapeños: You can make this Blackberry Jalapeño Jam as spicy as you like! If you want to tone down the spice level, remove the seeds and membranes. For even more spice, just add a bit more jalapeño.
Sugar: Sugar isn’t just for sweetness; it helps the jam set and gives it that classic jam texture. If you want a less sweet treat, reduce the sugar slightly, but keep enough for the jam to thicken properly.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps balance the jam's sweetness. We don't recommend substituting bottled lemon juice, although it won't ruin the recipe if that's all you have on hand.
A Pinch of Salt: Salt=Flavor, and that's true for jams as well. A little pinch will simply help to bring out the flavors and you'll never taste it!
Tips for the Best Blackberry Jalapeño Jam
Use ripe but firm blackberries: Choose berries that are ripe and juicy but still hold their shape so your jam has a nice texture instead of turning into mush. If you want extra texture, mash some berries gently instead of fully crushing them.
Adjust the heat: Start with one jalapeño and taste the jam to test the heat level. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back if it’s too hot.
Stir consistently and gently: Keep stirring gently but consistently to prevent burning or sticking to the pot’s bottom.
Let the jam cool in the jar before putting on the lid: Pour your hot jam into jars and let it cool uncovered before closing it with the lid. This avoids condensation inside the jar, which can make your jam watery or spoil faster.
Variations
We encourage you to make this Blackberry Jalapeño Jam recipe as written the first time - it's delicious as is! Sometimes it's nice to switch things up a bit, however, so here are a few additions you may want to try:
Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking for an herby flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet berries and spice.
A Touch of Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract at the end of cooking adds rounds out the spicy sweetness.
Cinnamon and/or Clove: A small pinch of cinnamon or clove can deepen the jam’s flavor with subtle autumnal notes, perfect if you're making this in the cooler months.
Mix in Other Berries: Try substituting some of the blackberries for blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries.
Roast or Grill the Jalapeño: To add a smoky flavor, quickly roast or char the jalapeño before adding it to the jam.
Ways to Use Blackberry Jalapeño Jam
Cheese Boards: A tangy cheese like goat cheese or a sharp cheddar will make a great pairing with some crostini or crackers. Try serving another flavor of jam for cheese boards alongside it, or go for a savory caramelized onion spread to round things out.
Cream Cheese Spread: Soften a block of cream cheese, place it on plate or small serving platter, and spread the jam over the top and sides. Add chopped nuts to the top if you like, then serve it with crackers or crostini.
Grilled Meats: Use as a glaze or condiment for grilled chicken, pork, or even burgers.
Make a glaze for meats, but with a twist: Mix leftover jam with a little balsamic vinegar before adding it as a glaze.
Breakfast: Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. You can also stir a spoonful into your morning yogurt.
Sandwich Spread: Use as a spread on lunch sandwiches, especially with sliced turkey and cheddar. This homemade bacon fig jam is also delicious!
Salad Dressing: Whisk some jam with olive oil and vinegar and drizzle it over a salad.
Cocktail Mixer: Add a spoonful of your jam to cocktails or mocktails - so good!
Dessert Topping: Heat the jam briefly (10-15 seconds in the microwave, then stir and heat in 5-second increments until it's warm and smooth) and pour over ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake for a super easy, delicious dessert sauce.
Troubleshooting
Jam Is Too Runny: If your jam isn’t setting well, try cooking it a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid or add a little pectin. Also, ensure you’re measuring your sugar correctly because it affects the thickness.
Jam Is Too Thick: Reheating the jam with a splash of water can soften it if it's too thick after cooling.
Seeds in Jam Are Too Noticeable: Strain your jam through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds if their texture bothers you. It takes a bit of extra effort but gives a smoother final jam.
Jam Burns or Sticks to the Pot: Make sure to stir frequently and use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning. If sticking happens, lowering the heat slightly can help while still cooking down the jam.
Freezing & Storing
Freezing: You can freeze homemade jam by transferring it to freezer-safe containers and leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Storing: Refrigerate your jam and use within 3 weeks for the best flavor and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers? Absolutely, you can switch jalapeños for milder or hotter peppers depending on your spice tolerance. Just adjust the amounts as necessary and be careful with the heat level.
How long does homemade jam last? It’s best to keep your jam refrigerated and use it within a few weeks.
Do I need to use pectin? This jam relies on a longer cooking time to allow liquid to evaporate until it's thickened. Pectin will help the jam set faster and firmer, so feel free to add some if you like, but we prefer to skip it for a naturally thickened jam.
Can I make this jam without fresh fruit? You can use frozen berries, just thaw and drain the extra juice before cooking. It might take a bit longer to cook down, but it works just fine.
Is there a way to reduce sugar in the recipe? You can reduce sugar slightly, but because it affects the jam’s ability to set and its shelf life, we can't guarantee the same result. If you're going for more of a sauce, it will definitely work!
This Blackberry Jalapeño Jam turns simple ingredients into something incredibly tasty and versatile. It’s sweet, a bit spicy, and has so much flavor! It's perfect on a charcuterie board - especially next to a small dish of homemade whipped honey - but leftovers are delicious on toast, grilled meats, or for desserts. this jam has a way of making everyday flavors pop. This easy, delicious jam might just become your new favorite!
📖 Recipe
Blackberry Jalapeño Jam
This easy jam is perfect for a charcuterie board, as a condiment, or even a dessert topping. No pectin necessary!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blackberries, washed and dried thoroughly
- 1-3 jalapeños, minced (seeds and membranes removed)
- 3-4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large, heavy-bottomed pot (it should be at least twice the size of the ingredients to prevent boiling over), then stir until it's fully combined.
- Heat the jam mixture over medium-high heat, stirring very frequently. Once it's at a strong simmer/low boil, stir it constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the berries begin to break down (about 5 minutes).
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the jam from the heat and allow it to cool until it's just warm, then pour it into jars. Allow it to cool completely before adding the lids.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 142Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 35gProtein: 0g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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