Homemade Mulberry Jam with Vanilla Bean Easy Small Batch Recipe
A simple and delicious small batch mulberry jam infused with real vanilla bean, perfect for beginners and quick to make. This jam balances natural tartness with a mellow vanilla warmth, ideal for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 oz) jam, approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh mulberries (about 300 grams)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1 whole vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean pod lengthwise and scrape out the tiny seeds with the back of the knife. Set seeds and pod aside.
- Rinse mulberries gently under cold water, then drain well. Remove any stems or leaves.
- In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the mulberries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla seeds, vanilla pod, and water. Stir gently to combine.
- Place the pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves and the berries start breaking down, about 10 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your liking, about 25-30 minutes. The jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and bubbling slows down.
- Remove the vanilla pod and discard it.
- Test the jam by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilting it. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed with your finger, it’s set. If not, cook a few more minutes and test again.
- Carefully spoon the hot jam into clean small glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch (6 mm) headspace. Allow to cool at room temperature before sealing.
- Refrigerate the jam and enjoy within 2-3 weeks for best freshness.
Notes
Stir gently to avoid smashing berries for chunkier texture. Skim off foam during cooking for clearer jam. Use the chilled plate test to check jam set. Vanilla bean pods add more depth than extract; if using extract, add at the end of cooking. Jam can be frozen for longer storage. Try adding cinnamon stick or fresh mint for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (about
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.3
Keywords: mulberry jam, homemade jam, vanilla bean jam, small batch jam, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves, vegan jam, gluten-free jam