Homemade Mixed Fruit Jam is a delicious and colorful jam made using a blend of fresh, seasonal fruits and sugar—without any added pectin. This simple, easy-to-follow jam recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a sweet and fruity spread without artificial preservatives or chemicals.
The best part? You only need two basic ingredients: fresh mixed fruits and sugar. Whether it’s juicy mangoes, crisp apples, tangy oranges, or tropical pineapples—this homemade jam brings out the natural sweetness of each fruit. And because we’re not using any added pectin, it’s a great option for people looking for a more natural preserve.
In many South Asian and Western homes, jam is a staple for breakfast. It goes great on toast, inside parathas, on pancakes, or even as a dessert topping. Making your own homemade mixed fruit jam means you control the ingredients. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors, or thickeners. Just real fruits and sugar cooked slowly into a thick, fruity spread.
This jam is especially popular with kids. Its vibrant color and sweet taste make it perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, and party treats. It spreads beautifully on bread, crackers, or biscuits. And if you’re making a healthy breakfast at home, a spoonful of this jam can turn your simple meal into something exciting.
Another reason this homemade mixed fruit jam is so wonderful is its versatility. You can use whatever fruits are in season. Mango, pineapple, apple, grapes, orange, pear, or peach—any combination works! You can also adjust the sugar based on how sweet your fruits are. If your fruits are naturally sweet, reduce the sugar. If they’re tart, add a bit more. It’s flexible and customizable.
This no pectin jam recipe is beginner-friendly. All you need is a blender, a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan, and a wooden spoon. Even if you’ve never made jam before, you can easily follow these steps. Once cooked, the jam stores well in a clean, sterilized jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
So, if you want to make a healthy and tasty spread at home, try this homemade mixed fruit jam. It’s fresh, vibrant, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
Table of Contents
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use high-pectin fruits like apples, oranges, and pears for natural thickening.
- Choose ripe fruits for better flavor and natural sweetness.
- Avoid aluminum pans—use a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning.
- Always stir the mixture continuously, especially after adding sugar, to avoid sticking.
- Sterilize jars before storing the jam to increase shelf life and prevent spoilage.
- Add lemon zest or juice for a zesty flavor boost and natural preservation.
What Makes This Homemade Mixed Fruit Jam So Special?
This homemade mixed fruit jam is popular because it’s:
- Wholesome & Natural – No pectin, no artificial preservatives.
- Kid-Friendly – Sweet and fruity, perfect for lunchboxes and snacks.
- Customizable – Use any seasonal fruits of your choice.
- Simple to Make – Only two ingredients and one pan needed.
- Budget-Friendly – Save money by making your own jam.
- Perfect for Gifting – Beautiful homemade gift idea in a cute jar.
People love it because it brings back childhood memories of real fruit jams made at home. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce fruit waste and preserve the goodness of seasonal produce.
Step by Step Recipe
Homemade Mixed Fruit Jam Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large non-stick pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sterilized glass jar for storage
Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed Fruit Puree Use apple, mango, grapes, orange, pineapple, peach, pear, or any seasonal fruits of your choice.
- 2.5 cups Sugar You may adjust based on the sweetness of the fruits.
Instructions
Preparing the Fruits
- Select your preferred mix of fruits. Apples, mangoes, grapes, oranges, pineapples, peaches, and pears work well.
- Wash the fruits thoroughly, then peel them if necessary.
- Cut the fruits into small pieces to make them easier to blend.
Making the Fruit Puree
- Place all the chopped fruits into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth to form a thick puree. Ensure no lumps are left.
- Ensure you have 4 cups (1000g) of fruit puree ready.
Cooking the Jam
- Pour the 4 cups of fruit puree into a large, non-stick pan.
- Add 2 and 1/2 cups of sugar to the pan with the puree.
- Turn the stove to medium-high heat.
- Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
Simmering the Jam
- Reduce the heat to medium once the sugar has dissolved.
- Keep cooking the jam, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- After 35 minutes, check the consistency of the jam. It should turn glossy and thick.
- The jam should hold its shape when you drag a spoon through it, and no water trail should appear.
Cooling and Storing
- Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat.
- Let the jam cool down completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, transfer the jam to a sterilized glass container.
- Cover and refrigerate the jam. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Video
Notes
- You can mix and match your favorite seasonal fruits. For beginners, it’s recommended to use high-pectin fruits like apples and oranges to help the jam set more easily.
- Be sure to stir the jam continuously to prevent burning.
- If you want a smoother jam, strain the fruit puree before cooking to remove any fibers or seeds.
- You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness and acidity.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen fruits. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water.
Is it necessary to use sugar?
Yes. Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also acts as a natural preservative.
How do I know when the jam is ready?
Drag a spoon across the mixture. If it leaves a clean path and doesn’t run, it’s ready.
Can I store this jam outside the fridge?
No, since there’s no added preservative or pectin, keep it refrigerated.
Can I add lemon juice?
Yes, adding lemon juice enhances the flavor and helps with thickening.
Explore More
- Try our Homemade Nutella Recipe and Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe
Recommended External Resources
Serious Eats: The Science of Jam-Making – A detailed article about how jam thickens without pectin and how different fruits contribute.
BBC Good Food – How to Sterilize Jars – Helpful guide to sterilizing jars before filling them with homemade jam.
Benefits of Homemade vs. Store-Bought Jam – Compares the health benefits of homemade jams and the potential additives in commercial ones.