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–+ servings
Blackberry preserves in a glass jar being scooped out with a spoon.

Homemade Blackberry Preserves (Without Pectin)

Learn how to make homemade blackberry preserves without pectin using just a handful of simple ingredients. This easy old-fashioned recipe is bursting with fresh blackberry flavor and perfect for biscuits, toast, and more.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Water bath processing: 15 minutes
Yield: 3 half pints

Equipment

  • Heavy bottom pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Potato masher
  • Water bath canner
  • Jar lifter
  • Jars, lids, and rings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

How to Make Blackberry Preserves

  • Wash the Blackberries
    Carefully rinse the fresh blackberries under cool running water. Allow them to drain well before adding them to the saucepan. Remove any stems, leaves, or underripe berries.
  • Combine the Ingredients
    Place the blackberries into a large saucepan. Add the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until the berries are evenly coated.
  • Begin Cooking
    Place the pan over medium heat. As the berries warm, they'll begin releasing their juices. Stir frequently to keep the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan. After several minutes, the mixture will become juicy and fragrant.
  • Mash the Berries
    Using a potato masher, gently mash some of the berries. I like leaving plenty of larger blackberry pieces because that's what makes preserves different from jam. Continue stirring as the mixture gently simmers.
  • Simmer Until Thickened
    Allow the preserves to cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring often. As moisture evaporates, the mixture will naturally become thicker. Don't rush this step. Slow cooking develops the richest blackberry flavor and creates the perfect consistency. The preserves are ready when they coat the back of a spoon and slowly fall off rather than running like syrup. (You can also place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed with your finger after cooling for a minute, it's ready.)

How to Waterbath Blackberry Preserves

  • Disclaimer: Before canning this particular blackberry preserves recipe you should know this is a rebel canning recipe meaning it has not been tested or approved by the USDA.
    Prepare Jars
    Wash and sterlize the jars, lids, and rings.
  • Prepare canner
    Fill a water bath canner with enough water that it will cover your jars at least 1 inch. Heat over high heat until it comes to a boil.
  • Fill Jars
    Fill jars will the blackberry preserves leaving 1 inch head space. Wipe the rims of each jar using vinegar to ensure you get a good seal. Place the lids on and put the rings on until finger tight.
  • Waterbath Jars
    Place the jars into the boiling water. Allow to process for 15 minutes for half pints and pints and 20 minutes for quarts.