Easy Blueberry Jam Recipe – Sweet, Simple & Perfect for Preserving Summer

Blueberry Jam Recipe (Small Batch, Canning-Friendly)
I recently shared a Substack post about making blueberry jam — a little story about how cooking can spark creativity and connect me to the seasons. You can read that here if you’d like the full reflection, but I also wanted to bring the recipe itself to my blog. This space doubles as my digital recipe box, a place where I keep the dishes I return to again and again. And blueberry jam? It’s one of my forever favourites.

If you are new to canning, make sure you fully understand proper canning procedures, as I’m not including them in this recipe. I recommend a trusted guide or book — I personally use the Bernardin Canning Cookbook, and their website is also a great resource.
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This recipe makes 6 x 250 ml jars of jam. While you might be tempted to double or triple the batch, most canning experts recommend sticking with single batches for best results. If you want more, simply repeat the process.

​Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Jam

• Bursting with fresh summer blueberry flavor
• Simple, classic ingredients 
• Perfect for toast, yogurt, pancakes, or gifting
• Shelf-stable when properly canned

​Tips for Success

• Stick with small batches — jam sets better this way.
• Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh.
• Use bottled lemon juice for reliable acidity.
• Test for doneness with the plate test: place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.

​Serving Suggestions

• Spread on warm toast or scones
• Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
• Pair with soft cheeses on a charcuterie board
• Use as filling for cakes or thumbprint cookies

Storage & Shelf Life

• Official guidelines say: up to 12 months for sealed jars; 3–4 weeks refrigerated after opening.
• Personally? I often keep mine much longer. Jam is high in sugar and acid, so it stays good well past a year in the pantry and months in the fridge. Use your judgment — if it looks and smells right, it usually is.

Blueberry Jam - Step by Step Instructions

1.  Crush Blueberries in an even layer. A potato masher works great. Meanwhile, sterilize your jars, lids, tongs- all necessary tools. 

2. Add blueberries to a large pot and stir in sugar and bottled lemon. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute.

3. Remove from heat and stir in Pectin. You'll need two standard pouches of liquid pectin for one recipe. 

4. Keep stirring for 5 minutes, skimming any foamy bits from the top. 

5. Ladle the jam into sterilized jars. Secure flat lid and screw band. Then use the boiling water method to process jars for 10 minutes. 

6. Cool and store your jars of shelf stable blueberry jam to enjoy as you please!