There's nothing quite like that first sweet-and-slightly-boozy bite of homemade jam to brighten your morning toast or dress up a cheese board. This Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Recipe strikes the perfect balance between fresh fruit and warm vanilla notes, all rounded out with a splash of bourbon that brings a subtle kick. I love making it in late summer when blackberries are at their sweetest-it feels like capturing sunshine in a jar.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Recipe creates a luscious preserve with a rich, layered flavor that's both sophisticated and comforting. It's perfect whether you're gifting jars or saving some for yourself to add a gourmet touch to everyday meals.
- Consistent Texture: The gentle mashing gives a nice balance-chunky but spreadable, never runny or too stiff.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Vanilla and bourbon add warmth to the natural blackberry sweetness without overpowering.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and fresh berries means no fuss, just honest flavor.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: You'll have jam ready in under an hour, with a rich aroma filling your kitchen.
Ingredient Game Plan
Getting the ingredient basics right sets you up for the best Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Recipe. Fresh, ripe blackberries and real vanilla extract really make a difference in flavor, while choosing a bourbon you enjoy will shine through in the final jar.
- Fresh Blackberries: Look for plump, deeply colored berries without mushy spots or stems; they pack the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar works well; for a subtle caramel hint, swap half for brown sugar.
- Bourbon: A smooth bourbon like Blanton's adds rich, mellow notes-don't worry, the alcohol cooks off during simmering.
- Vanilla Extract: Use a good-quality pure vanilla extract; it lifts the jam's aroma and rounds out tartness beautifully.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the jam and balance sweetness perfectly.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Begin by rinsing your blackberries gently, removing any leaves or stems. I find that sorting through the berries beforehand makes sure no unwanted bits sneak in. Next, zest one lemon and squeeze out about a tablespoon of lemon juice-this little acid boost will balance the jam's sweetness beautifully. Measure the sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract, so they're ready to add when the time comes.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Place the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. You'll notice as the berries warm up, they start releasing their juices, creating a rich, vibrant purple liquid with a fresh, fruity aroma. After just a few minutes, gently mash the berries with a potato masher. I like to leave some chunks for texture, but you can go smoother if you prefer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to help the sugar dissolve evenly.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
After about 15 to 20 minutes simmering, the mixture should thicken nicely and bubble steadily. This is when I add the vanilla extract and bourbon, stirring well to blend all the warm, fragrant flavors. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld everything together. To test, drop a small spoonful onto a chilled plate; if it wrinkles slightly when you nudge it, you know it's set and ready. Avoid overcooking at this stage to keep the jam silky and not too stiff.
Pro Moves I Swear By
Over years of making this Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Recipe, I've learned little tricks that keep it tasting just right every time.
- Doneness Cue: Watch for the jam to coat the back of a spoon thickly but still be spreadable-not watery or overly stiff.
- Temperature Trick: Remove the jam from heat just before the set test looks perfect; residual heat will finish thickening.
- Make-Ahead Move: If you have extra jars, freeze some jam before opening; it keeps its flavor better that way.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't rush the simmer-low and slow helps develop flavor and the right texture.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
This jam shines when you let the flavors-blackberry, vanilla, and bourbon-be the star. A simple swipe on a warm biscuit, dollop on yogurt, or layered in a peanut butter sandwich works beautifully. The bourbon's warmth comes through delicately, so it doesn't overwhelm but leaves a memorable depth.
Great Pairings
Try it alongside creamy brie or sharp cheddar, where the jam's sweetness balances tangy cheese. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, soft butter, or even drizzled over vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert twist.
Easy Plating Wins
For informal gatherings, serve your Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam with a rustic wooden board piled with crackers, nuts, and sliced fruit. For something a bit more special, dress your cheeseboard with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the jam to lift the presentation and aroma.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover jam in clean, airtight glass jars or containers in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a month. You'll notice the texture may firm up slightly chilled, so just let it come to room temperature before serving for that silky spreadable goodness.
Freezer Notes
Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. When you're ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge-this helps it keep the best texture and flavor.
Reheating Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Recipe Without Drying Out
To gently warm the jam without losing moisture, microwave it in short bursts at medium power, stirring in between. Alternatively, warm it in a double boiler or low oven, stirring occasionally. Adding a tiny splash of water or lemon juice before warming helps keep it luscious and spreadable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work well if fresh ones aren't available. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess juice before cooking to avoid watery jam.
The bourbon adds a warm, subtle depth-not a strong alcohol punch-because most of the alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving rich flavor notes behind.
No special tools needed! A good saucepan, a potato masher, and clean jars are all you need to create wonderful Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam.
The spoon test is your best friend here: place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilt; if it wrinkles and holds shape when pushed, your jam has set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
PrintComplete Recipe
Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam Recipe
A rich and flavorful Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam combining fresh blackberries with the warmth of bourbon and the sweetness of vanilla, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons bourbon (Blanton's recommended)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (real vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the blackberries thoroughly and remove any stems or soft spots. Zest the lemon and squeeze out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Measure out the sugar, vanilla extract, and bourbon.
- Cook the Berries: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring often as the berries release their juices and soften.
- Mash Berries: Use a potato masher to gently crush the berries to your desired chunkiness, which will help the jam thicken while retaining some texture.
- Simmer the Jam: Continue to simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly until it thickens and reduces.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons bourbon, then simmer for an additional 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Test the Set: Place a small spoonful of the jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed and doesn't run immediately, the jam is ready.
- Jar the Jam: Spoon the hot jam into clean jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal tightly, and allow jars to cool on the counter.
- Store: Once cooled, refrigerate the jam and consume within one month, or process in a water bath if longer shelf life is desired.
Notes
- Use frozen blackberries if fresh are not available, but fresh provide the best flavor.
- For deeper caramel flavor, substitute half the sugar with brown sugar.
- Real vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in taste compared to imitation vanilla.
- Testing the set on a chilled plate is the best way to achieve the perfect jam consistency.
- Always sterilize jars properly if you plan on preserving the jam for longer than one month.
- The bourbon can be adjusted to taste, but avoid adding too much as it can overpower the jam.
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