Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam — It is not winter yet, but I’m already looking forward to breakfasts by the fire with a hot cup of tea and homemade jam on toast. The best part about making your jams is that you can experiment with different flavors to suit your mood – in this case, mixed berry! If you have an Instant Pot, it will take just minutes to pay off all the hard work. Please keep reading for my recipe that uses only a few ingredients.
My son Jason is completely spoiled, when we were living in Vermont, I splurged and bought this really fancy breadmaker, you know, moving to Vermont, I was going to be all-natural and make everything from scratch, LOL. But, I did buy this amazing breadmaker, that not only made homemade bread, cakes and bread it also did an amazing job making JAMS, yes, but my breadmaker also made jam.
As the appliances in our house change, I soon adapted all of my jam recipes to my Instant Pot, at first, I was not adventurous, I stayed with the strawberry, raspberry and blueberry jams, which are easy enough for anyone to make. Now, that I am more confident in using my Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) I am branching out, especially with all of this nice produce in season.
About Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
This recipe is so simple and easy, that you will be amazed that you haven’t done this your whole life and the best part is that you don’t need to watch it while it’s cooking in the Instant Pot. I am not sure about canning this, as I have never attempted, but I’m sure you can find some canning expert on this, that can help you, make sure it’s safe. I know that there is an issue sometimes with sugar content and cornstarch, so be careful.
This usually makes two mason jars for me, and since we eat it through the week, it usually lasts about 2 weeks. It’s really up to you. the recipe can be doubled or even tripled. I do not use pectin, as I do try to give my kids fewer chemicals, but it does come out thinner, so if you want it thicker, just add the pectin, found in your canning supply store or aisle, follow the directions on the bottle.
If you love a great and easy Instant Po Jam Recipe, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT HOMEMADE GHEE, INSTANT POT PUMPKIN BUTTER, INSTANT POT STRAWBERRY JAM, and NINJA FOODI EASY RASPBERRY JAM.
Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
- Frozen Mixed Berries
- Granulated Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Cornstarch
- Water
How To Make Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
Start by adding the berries, sugar, and lemon juice to the Instant Pot. (Don’t worry about the non-liquid, remember the berries are frozen, the water will melt as the Instant Pot heats up)
Add your lid to your Instant Pot, and ensure that the vent is in the sealing position. Set the time for 1 minute, allow for a natural release. After the time is up. Use an immersion blender to blend the jam into a smooth consistency.
Then make the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and water in a small cup, and then pour it in. This will help your jam firm up.
Push the saute button, and allow the jam and the cornstarch slurry to heat up, which will help firm up your jam.
Pro Tips For Making Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
Creating jam in an Instant Pot can be a quick and straightforward process. Here are some pro tips to help you make your mixed berry jam:
- Choose Fresh Berries: The quality of your ingredients makes a huge difference. Use fresh, ripe, and seasonal berries for the best flavor whenever possible.
- Add a Natural Thickener: Pectin is often used to thicken jams, but if you prefer not to use it or don’t have it on hand, you can use chia seeds or apple slices, which are high in natural pectin.
- Use the Right Amount of Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your berries. It’s better to start with less; you can always add more to taste.
- Add a Twist of Flavor: Add a little lemon juice to balance the sweetness and to help bring out the flavors. You can also experiment with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Saute Before Pressure Cooking: Use the saute function on your Instant Pot to heat your berries until they break down before adding sugar and starting the pressure-cooking process. This can help enhance the flavors.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally after cooking. This allows the jam to continue cooking and thickening without becoming overcooked.
- Patience is Key: Remember, the jam will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny while it’s still hot.
What kind of berries can I use for my jam?
A1: You can use any kind of berries you like for mixed berry jam. Some popular options are strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. You can use one type or a combination of multiple types.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, you can use frozen berries if fresh ones are not available. Just remember to thaw them before use and account for the extra liquid they may produce.
How much sugar should I add?
The amount of sugar can vary depending on the sweetness of your berries and your personal preference. A good starting point is equal parts fruit and sugar by weight, but you can reduce the sugar if your berries are very sweet or if you prefer a less sweet jam.
Why do I need to add lemon juice?
A4: Lemon juice not only adds a touch of brightness to balance the sweetness, but it also helps to activate pectin, which helps the jam set.
Can I make this jam without pectin?
A5: Yes, the jam can be made without pectin, though it might have a looser set. Some fruits contain more natural pectin than others. Apples, for instance, are high in pectin, so you could add a few slices to help your jam set.
How long can I store my homemade jam?
A6: Your homemade jam will last about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. If you’ve canned it properly in sterilized jars and created a good seal, it can last up to a year in a cool, dark place.
My jam didn’t set properly. What can I do?
A7: If your jam didn’t set, you can try recooking it with some added pectin. Alternatively, you can simply use it as a syrup or sauce.
How can I use this mixed berry jam?
A8: This mixed berry jam can be used in many ways – spread it on toast, stir it into yogurt, use it as a filling for cakes or cookies, or even as a topping for pancakes and waffles. The possibilities are endless!
How To Store:
No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find some jam or jelly that is loved by many. People use it on toast, as a sauce for meatballs and other dishes, or dip their cookies. For those who love making jams themselves at home, you can safely store it in the refrigerator, and it will last for about 2 to 3 weeks.
Discard if you see any mold growing.
Best Way To Store Homemade Jam:
Since this jam has no pectin, please keep it in an airtight container or mason jar. Keep in the refrigerator.
Canning Using The Instant Pot
This is a scorching topic, and using your Instant Pot for canning is not advisable. Read the article here:
More Instant Pot Jam Recipes:
- INSTANT POT PUMPKIN BUTTER
- INSTANT POT STRAWBERRY JAM
- NINJA FOODI EASY RASPBERRY JAM
- INSTANT POT HOMEMADE BLUEBERRY JAM
Don’t Forget To Pin:
Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
Description
Ingredients
- 32 ounces mixed berries, frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Start by adding the berries, sugar, and lemon juice to the Instant Pot. (Don't worry about the non-liquid, remember the berries are frozen, and the water will melt as the Instant Pot heats up)
- Add your lid to your Instant Pot, and ensure that the vent is in the sealing position.
- Set the time for 1 minute, and allow for a natural release. After the time is up.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the jam into a smooth consistency.
- Then make the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and water in a small cup and then pouring it in; this will help your jam firm up.
- Push the saute button, and allow the jam and the cornstarch slurry to heat up, which will help firm up your jam.
- Plate, serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Instant Pot, or Pressure Cooker
Nutrition
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