Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam

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Ready for the ultimate blackberry jam recipe? Try this Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam that is great as a spread, drizzled over pancakes, or even as a topping for ice cream! This jam is a delicious blend of ripe blackberries, rich vanilla, and a hint of bourbon!

Over the last few years I have experimented with whipping up new jams and jellies with fruits and peppers from the garden. I wanted to try something different this year so I made this Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam and let me tell you…delicious. A little sweet, super flavorful, and can use it for breakfast, to grill with, or dessert!

Blackberries, vanilla beans, bourbon, and lemon make for an unconventional and delicious jam spread. It’s perfect to elevate your brunch and pantry. It’s basically having a Bourbon Smash in the form of jam. Feel free to play around with the ingredients and make yourself a new go-to jam flavor.

This Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam would be great on a English Muffin, smothered on top or inside of a grilled burger, or even over some vanilla ice cream as dessert! We had ours on some ham sandwiches and my Mother in Law even made Monte Cristo’s with it!

Super easy to make too with just FIVE ingredients and about 25 minutes of cooking time. I didn’t process the jars but I did freeze some in smaller portions. This only makes about 2 jars of blackberry jam but if you want to preserve them, I have included how to do so later in the post, too!

What you need for this Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam

• Blackberries
• Bourbon of choice ( I used Blanton’s)
• vanilla extract
• lemon (zest and juice)
• sugar

How to Make Blackberry Bourbon Jam

First start by washing and tossing your blackberries in a strainer. Place them in a large sautee pan or pot. Take a wooden spoon or I used my mashed potato masher and begin to mash the blackberries lightly so that they can break open.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the mixture and begin to stir, then leave the mixture for 10 minutes.

After the ten minutes, begin to cook it over medium-high heat until the mixture starts to bubble. Then turn to low and let simmer for about 25 minutes. Check the jam’s consistency by placing some jam on a cold plate, leaving it to cool for 30 seconds. Then, run your finger through the jam to see its consistency. If you would like the jam to be thicker, continue to boil the mixture for longer.

Once the jam is to your liking ladle into jars of choice, freezable containers, or read on on how to process the jars in a water bath.

How to use this Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam

This Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam is not only tasty, it’s versatile as well. You can use the jam to sandwich cookies together, or in combination with cheese, or simply to elevate an otherwise classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a whole new level. Spread over cream cheese for a perfect appetizer or even use as a glaze on some Smoked Meatballs!

How to can jam

Fill a pot with water and place two 8 oz jars in the water with the lids. Set the pot to a boil, making sure that the jars and lids are fully submerged. Let boil to sterilize for about 10 minutes. Ladle hot jam into jars and then remove any access liquid or jam from the top of the jars. Place on the lids and seals and screw until tight. Take a pair of tongs and pick up the jars and put them back in the pot to boil for an additional 5 minutes. 

After 5 minutes, take the jars and place them on a towel. Allow the jars to cool until you hear a sound that’s like a ping- then you will know that the jars are properly sealed. Then when you push down using your finger on the top of the jar, you won’t be able to hear any noise. This is the indicator that the jars are sealed if you didn’t hear the ping sound. 

Frequently asked questions for this blackberry jam recipe no pectin

What thickens jam without pectin?

Fruit has natural pectin and the addition of sugar and lemon juice will help thicken this jam. Also the cooking time, the longer you simmer it, the constancy will thicken.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just grab a couple extra jars and more ingredients!

Can I freeze this blackberry jam?

Yes! Use what you want within a few days or add to a zip-lock bag or freezer friendly container and freeze for later!

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Like this blackberry jam recipe? Check out my:

• Small Batch Raspberry Jalapeño Jam
• How to make Easy Apple Cinnamon Jelly

Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam

5 from 7 votes

This easy homemade blackberry jam is loaded with flavor and great for sandwiches, appetizers, grilling, or even dessert!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 jars

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 5 cups of blackberries (2 large containers)
• 3-4 tablespoons of Bourbon I used 3 but 4 would be good too!
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice from lemon
• 1 lemon zested
• 1 cup cane sugar or regular

Method

 

1. Wash blackberries and strain.
2. In a large Sautee pan add the blackberries and mash a bit with a wooden spoon or masher.
3. Add in the bourbon, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar and stir. Let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the blackberry mixture over medium high heat until it begins to boil.
5. Reduced heat to low and let simmer for about 25 minutes until desired thickness.
6. If using within a few days let cool and refrigerate.
7. If wanting to process to preserve for later, ladle hot mixture into hot sterilized jars and process. (see instructions in post).

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* Post updated 5/14/2025