easy blueberry preserves recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy blueberry preserves recipe

I’ve been making blueberry preserves for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion. I remember my grandmother used to make it all the time when I was a kid.

She’d spend hours in the kitchen, stirring the pot and tasting the preserves until they were just right. I’ve since adapted her recipe to make it even easier and faster to prepare. Now, I make it all the time for my own family, and they devour it in minutes.

The best part is that you can use fresh or frozen blueberries, so it’s a great way to use up any berries you have on hand. Plus, the preserves are packed with antioxidants and are a great way to get your daily dose of fruit. My kids love helping me make the preserves, too – they’re so easy to follow and require minimal supervision.

We always have a blast making it together as a family. When we’re done, we store the preserves in the fridge for up to 6 months or freeze them for up to a year. Either way, they’re always delicious and ready to go whenever we need them.

I like to serve them on toast or yogurt, but you can also use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles. The possibilities are endless! And the best part is that this recipe is so versatile – you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste and add other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a unique twist.

Easy Blueberry Preserves

4.7 from 1387 votes

This simple blueberry preserves recipe uses fresh or frozen blueberries and a touch of lemon for brightness. It comes together in under an hour with just a few ingredients.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 50 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Preserves

4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place 4 cups of blueberries, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large heavy-bottomed pot.
2Stir gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the preserves simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
4You will know they are done when the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, and the liquid reduces by about half.
5To test the set, place a small spoonful of preserves on a chilled plate and let it sit for 30 seconds.
6If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, the preserves are ready; if it remains runny, continue simmering for another 2 to 3 minutes and test again.
7Remove the pot from heat and let the preserves cool for 5 minutes.
8Skim off any foam that has risen to the surface with a spoon, then transfer the preserves to sterilized jars or a clean container.
9Let cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl (optional, for testing set)
Sterilized jars with lids (optional, for canning)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 50 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 38mg🌾Total Carbs: 13g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 11g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a lower-sugar version, use a no-sugar-needed pectin and reduce sugar to 1/2 cup. These preserves will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or can be canned using a water bath method for longer storage.

Watch Video Of How Easy Blueberry Preserves Works

This easy blueberry preserves recipe is always a good idea because it turns a simple fruit into something special that you can enjoy for months. It works perfectly for family gatherings, whether you serve it alongside a cheese board, on fresh biscuits for brunch, or as a topping for vanilla ice cream.

The flavor is bright and honest, and it makes any meal feel a little more homemade. For storage, keep the preserves in a clean jar in the fridge for up to a month, or process them in a water bath canner for shelf stability.

To reheat, just scoop out what you need and let it come to room temperature, or warm it gently in a small saucepan. It is wonderful spread on toast, swirled into yogurt, or used as a filling for thumbprint cookies.

This recipe is a keeper that I turn to again and again, and I think you will love it too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Preserves

1.

What type of sugar should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, I recommend using granulated sugar as it dissolves easily into the preserves and gives them a nice texture.

2.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just thaw them first by leaving them at room temperature overnight or by microwaving them according to package instructions.

3.

How long does this recipe take to prepare?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

4.

Can I add other fruits like raspberries or strawberries?
You can definitely add other fruits like raspberries or strawberries! In fact, this recipe is perfect for using up any leftover berries you have on hand.

5.

How long do these preserves last?
The preserves will last for up to 6 months in the fridge or up to 12 months in the freezer.

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