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French-Style Blueberry Jam with Vanilla & Balsamic

This blueberry jam is a showstopper — sweet, tangy, and layered with flavor. A splash of lemon juice and a hint of balsamic vinegar brighten the mellow blueberries, while vanilla adds a smooth, creamy finish.

Made the traditional French way with no pectin, it’s luxuriously spreadable and bursting with fresh blueberry flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Beginner-friendly — no complicated techniques required.
  • Five simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Naturally thickened — no store-bought pectin.
  • Unforgettable flavor — balsamic and vanilla create a deep, aromatic finish.

At a Glance

  • Skill Level: Easy
  • Method: French-style, 3-day process (or same-day shortcut)
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: ~2 cups

Ingredients

  • Blueberries – fresh or frozen, about 20 oz (567 g)
  • Sugar – 16 oz (454 g)
  • Lemon Juice – freshly squeezed, 3 Tbsp (43 g)
  • Balsamic Vinegar – 1 Tbsp (14 ml)
  • Vanilla Bean – half a bean, split & scraped, or 1 tsp extract (added at the end)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Day 1 – Macerate the Fruit

  1. In a heavy saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and vanilla bean.
  2. Lightly mash berries to release juice.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Day 2 – Slow Heat

  1. Remove from fridge and heat on low for about 1 hour.
  2. Mash berries further as they soften.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
  4. Cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight again.

Day 3 – Finish & Bottle

  1. Heat mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook until temperature reaches 223°F (106°C).
  3. Remove vanilla bean (or stir in extract).
  4. Ladle into clean jars, seal, and refrigerate for up to 3 months.

Quick Version (Same Day)

If you don’t want to wait 3 days, complete the steps back-to-back with at least 4 hours between each stage.

Variations

  • Blueberry Bourbon Jam – swap balsamic for bourbon.
  • Mixed Berry Jam – replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.

Storage

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 months.
  • This is not USDA-approved canning, so keep chilled.

Serving Ideas

  • Spread on fresh baguette or croissants.
  • Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal.
  • Spoon over cheesecake or ice cream.

TIP: For perfect results, use a kitchen scale for measuring — it keeps the flavor balanced and the jam’s consistency just right.