Microwave jam takes just 20 minutes of active time!
No way making jam could be that easy.
No way that it could be as good as “real” jam.
Emma Christensen
Consider me a convert.
This jam is just as sweet and spoonable as any other homemade or store-bought jam.
Here’s everything you should probably know.
Emma Christensen
Two to three cups of chopped fruit or berries will give you about a cup of jam.
Regular sugar, honey, brown sugar, agave, and maple syrup all work well.
The microwave is really a perfect tool for making a small batch of jam like this.
Emma Christensen
The jam will bubble up quite a bit as it cooks and nearly quadruple in volume.
Also, use oven mitts when removing the bowl from the microwave since it will become quite hot.
In my experience, 15 minutes of total cooking time is a good average for most fruits.
Emma Christensen
However, the jam will still look a bit syrupy and un-jammy at this point.
So, the temptation is always to cook it a little longer.
My advice is to resist that temptation.
Emma Christensen
Stash this jam in the fridge or the freezer.
It will keep for several weeks in the fridge or for about three months in the freezer.
Use oven mitts when removing the bowl from the microwave.
Emma Christensen
Resist the temptation to cook it for longer.
More Homemade Jam Recipes to Try!
This recipe would fill one to two half-pint jars, or two to four (4-ounce) jars.
Emma Christensen
Peels can be left or removed.
Cut larger fruits like peaches and strawberries into small pieces.
Berries can be left whole, if you wish.
Emma Christensen
If you’re using berries, lightly mash them to release their juices.
Microwave the fruit, uncovered, at full power for 5 minutes.
The fruit juices will bubble up as the fruit cooks, quadrupling in volume.
Emma Christensen
Carefully remove the bowl using oven mitts (the glass will be hot!
), and stir the fruit.
It will look quite loose and liquid at this point.
Emma Christensen
Return to the microwave and cook another 5 minutes.
Remove the fruit from the microwave with oven mitts and stir it again.
The jam will probably still look fairly syrupy at this point.
Emma Christensen
Total cooking time is usually around 15 minutes for most fruits.
Overcooking can cause the jam to crystallize and harden.
Transfer the jam to a canning jar or other storage container.
Emma Christensen
Let it cool, uncovered, on the counter.
Once cool, cover and store in the refrigerator for several weeks or freeze for up to three months.
