• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Winding Creek Ranch
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Main Dishes
  • About
    • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Fall
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Fall
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Raspberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe - Low Sugar

    Published: Feb 23, 2021 · Modified: Jun 11, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

    Sharing is Caring!

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe
    Raspberry rhubarb jam in glass jars.

    Looking for a delicious way to use up some of that rhubarb in your garden? Then you have to try this homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe! It contains no added pectin, no preservatives, low sugar, and only 4 ingredients! Unlike traditional jam recipes that call for a lot of sugar, this one only requires a small amount to balance out the tartness of the rhubarb. Serve this delicious jam on homemade dinner rolls, toast, or ice cream. This is a small batch recipe that will fill three small jars.

    PIN the recipe to try it later!

    Raspberry jam in glass jars, with a spoon of jam beside it. this …

    Whether you're a fan of sweet jams, or you're looking for something with a little more tang, this raspberry rhubarb jam is a perfect choice.

    This delicious jam features some of my favorite ingredients, including juicy raspberries and tart rhubarb. With its low sugar content, this jam is not only packed with flavor, but it's also kind to your waistline!

    I have always loved raspberry jam, but the store-bought jam has so much sugar and preservatives I hated buying it for my family. However, by making my own jam I can control the amount of sugar that goes into it.

    The rhubarb gives it a slight tart taste, and the raspberries give it a sweet, fresh taste. I love putting these 2 fruits together! Plus, these ingredients are picked fresh right off our farm, so I know they are organic and have no added chemicals.

    Raspberry rhubarb jam is a staple in my house that we enjoy all year long, not just in raspberry season. It tastes so good on Homemade Dinner Rolls or Oatmeal Apple Muffins right out of the oven.

    To keep a steady supply, I freeze fresh-picked raspberries and rhubarb in Ziploc bags in the summer and then use the frozen fruit to make enough jam as I need it. Amazingly, we cannot even tell that the fruit is frozen. It just tastes so fresh!

    This jam is naturally sweet and tart and full of flavor - and doesn't include any added pectin or preservatives. It is also a great topping on Buttermilk Sheet Pan Pancakes, Crispy Buttermilk Belgian Waffles, and Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you will love this jam
    • 📋 Ingredients
    • 🥄 Instructions
    • 📖 Substitutions
    • 📖 Raspberry jam variations
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • 🌡️ Storage
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 💭 FAQs
    • 💭 What to serve with red raspberry freezer jam?
    • 🍨 More recipes you'll love
    • 💬 Related Posts
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you will love this jam

    • This rhubarb raspberry jam is the perfect sweet treat for taste, muffins, and scones.
    • It uses fresh red raspberries and rhubarb, giving you a lovely jam that is bursting with bright flavors.
    • You will love the sweet-tart flavor.
    • This jam is a very simple recipe. Just toss all your ingredients in the pot and let them simmer until the fruit becomes nice and soft.
    • This is a great way to make my favorite jam. I love that you don't need to use a water bath canner or bother with the whole canning process.
    • The entire cooking process is only about 15 minutes.
    • You control the amount of sugar that goes into the jam.
    • There is no added pectin.
    • No canner required. Just pour into jars and place in the fridge or freezer.
    • It tastes so fresh and delicious!
    • This jam is so versatile and can be used in countless ways, from topping toast and English muffins in the morning to fill up thumbprint cookies for dessert.

    📋 Ingredients

    Only 4 ingredients are needed to make this delightful jam. If you don't have the fruit in your garden, you can easily find it at your grocery store, fresh or frozen, or at your local Farmer's Market!

    Ingredients for raspberry rhubarb jam placed on table.
    • Raspberries, fresh or frozen.
    • Rhubarb, fresh or frozen. Cut the rhubarb into small pieces.
    • Sugar. I used organic cane sugar.
    • Minute tapioca. This is used as the thickener for the jam.

    🥄 Instructions

    Before you begin, make sure to wash jars with hot water.

    Next, place raspberries in a large-sized pot.

    Raspberries in a large pot.

    Next, place rhubarb in the pot.

    Rhubarb placed in the pot.

    Next, add sugar to the pot. (Feel free to add the sugar in steps. Taste as you go so you don't make it too sweet).

    Sugar added to the pot of rhubarb and raspberries.

    Finally, add minute tapioca to the pot.

    Minute tapioca placed into the pot.

    Combine rhubarb, raspberries, sugar, and minute tapioca well.

    A grey spatula mixing the ingredients together in the pot.

    Place saucepan on the stove or burner. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat or medium-high heat. (On my induction cooking surface it needed to be medium-high heat). Boil for 1 to 2 minutes. I use a potato masher to smush up the rhubarb and berries as they cook. Stir often to prevent burning.

    A potato masher crushing the fruit as it cooks in the pot.

    Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer at a low boil for 10-15 minutes, make sure to stir. Continue to simmer until the jam is thickened.

    Next, carefully spoon the hot raspberry rhubarb jam into clean, sterilized glass jars. Leave about 1-inch of headspace (leave 1 inch of the top of the jar free).

    This recipe will fill 3 pint jars.

    An ice cream scoop filling the glass jars with jam.

    Let the jam cool completely, about 2-3 hours. Then place lids on the jar. I store all of my jars in the fridge until they are cold, and then leave 1 jar in the fridge and move the other 2 jars into the freezer.

    That's all there is to it!

    Enjoy!

    The jam in glass jars on a table.

    📖 Substitutions

    • Raspberries: Not a fan of raspberries? Substitute strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or your favorite fruit. I like to use haskap berries (honeyberries) which make a delicious tasting jam.
    • Rhubarb: Not a fan of rhubarb or it's out of season? Try using tart apples. They make a great substitute.
    • Sugar:  I use organic cane sugar, which I find is much sweeter, therefore I only need to use half the amount of sugar called for in a recipe. You could also use Agave Syrup. For every cup of sugar your recipe calls for, try ⅔ cup of Agave Syrup. You could also try white sugar, coconut sugar, or honey.
    • Minute tapioca: I use this as it contains no fat or cholesterol, which makes it a healthier choice. However, you could substitute cornstarch. Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 1 ½ teaspoons of tapioca.

    📖 Raspberry jam variations

    You can change the flavor of this jam by adding a few ingredients. Some fun ones to try are:

    • Ground cinnamon
    • Ginger, ground, or fresh.
    • Chia seeds.
    • A splash of lemon juice to boost the flavor.
    • Vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
    • Fresh mint for added flavor.

    Whatever variation you decide to try, the end result is sure to be absolutely delicious! Be sure to check out my Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam.

    🍽 Equipment

    To make this recipe, you will need a stove or induction burner, a large pot, spoon, potato masher, and glass jars with lids.

    🌡️ Storage

    This raspberry rhubarb freezer jam needs to be stored in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, or you can use plastic containers. We prefer glass jars because we are trying to reduce our use of plastics. I have never had a jar break in the freezer. As long as it is completely cooled before you put it in the freezer, it should be fine.

    Homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam will keep in the fridge in a tightly sealed jar for 2-3 weeks. After that, if mold develops, do not eat!

    Homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    💭 Top tips

    • Choose high-quality ingredients. When making raspberry rhubarb freezer jam, it's especially important to start with the best possible fruit. Look for plump, juicy raspberries that are sweet, and use fresh rhubarb that is crisp and bright red in color. If your fruits are on the tart side, you may want to add a little extra sugar.
    • Add the sugar a little bit at a time, you may need less sugar if your fruit is sweet.
    • Stir the pot often to prevent burning. You don't want to ruin your batch of jam.
    • Be sure to sterilize your jars before filling them with hot jam.
    • Use an ice cream scoop to quickly and easily fill your jars with jam.
    • Wipe the rims of the jars before placing lids on.
    • Place jars on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
    • Cool the jam completely before placing them in the fridge or freezer.

    💭 FAQs

    How can I thicken jam without pectin?

    One way to thicken jam without pectin is to cook it until the water starts to evaporate, leaving behind a thicker consistency, and by adding minute tapioca, a thickening agent.

    How long does homemade jam last without pectin?

    Homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Jam without pectin will keep in the fridge in a tightly sealed jar for 2-3 weeks. It will also keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Do you wash fruit before making jam?

    Yes, you should always wash fruit before making jam. Even if you are only using organic fruit, you should still wash it to remove any dirt. Washing the fruit will also remove any pesticide or herbicide that may be on the fruit.

    Will homemade jam thicken as it cools?

    Yes, the homemade jam will thicken as it cools. This is because the sugar in the jam will crystallize as it cools, causing the jam to thicken.

    When making jam do you put the lids on straight away?

    No, you don't put the lids on straight away. You let the jam cool down to room temperature before you put the lids on.

    Do you need sugar for the jam to set?

    No, you do not need sugar for the jam to set. You can use any sweetener you like or even no sweetener at all.

    💭 What to serve with red raspberry freezer jam?

    There are many things that can be served with red raspberry freezer jam, but some of the most popular options include Air Fryer Toast, Crispy Belgian Waffles, Sheet Pan Pancakes, Raspberry Overnight Oats, and yogurt.

    Additionally, the jam can also be used as a topping for ice cream or other desserts. It also goes perfect as a filling in cakes or in thumbprint cookies.

    🍨 More recipes you'll love

    • Raspberry rhubarb ice cream in a white bowl with fresh raspberries in a cone beside it.
      Homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Ice Cream
    • Strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a baking dish in the background, with two waffle cones filled with the creamy ice cream.
      Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (No Churn)
    • Strawberry peach smoothie in 2 glasses, with a slice of fresh peach on the rim, and fresh peaches in the background.
      Strawberry Peach Smoothie
    • Strawberry rhubarb muffins with cream cheese on a cooling rack and on a white bowl, with strawberries scattered around.
      Strawberry Rhubarb Cream Cheese Muffins

    No matter how you decide to enjoy this Raspberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe, one thing is for sure: you're going to love it! Whether you spread it on warm scones or use it as a delicious filling in cakes and tarts, this versatile jam will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

    💬 Related Posts

    • Raspberry Overnight Oats
    • Crabapple Syrup
    • Homemade Air Buns
    • Soft Whole Wheat Bread
    • Buttermilk Sheet Pan Pancakes

    I hope you enjoyed what I think is the best Raspberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe - Low Sugar. If you try it out and like it, I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a star rating and/or comment below. 🙂

    📋 Recipe

    Raspberry jam in glass jars, with a spoon of jam beside it.

    Homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam

    Looking for a delicious way to use up some of that rhubarb in your garden? Then you have to try this homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe! It contains no added pectin, no preservatives, low sugar, and only 4 ingredients! Unlike traditional jam recipes that call for a lot of sugar, this one only requires a small amount to balance out the tartness of the rhubarb. Serve this delicious jam on homemade dinner rolls, toast, or ice cream. This is a small batch recipe that will fill three small jars.
    5 from 33 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 3 pints
    Calories: 15kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Large pot
    • Potato masher
    • Spoon
    • 3 glass jars pints

    Ingredients

    • 5 cups raspberries fresh or frozen
    • 3 cups rhubarb fresh or frozen
    • 1½ cups sugar
    • 4 tablespoon minute tapioca

    Instructions

    • Place raspberries, rhubarb, sugar, and minute tapioca in a medium to large-size pot. (Feel free to add the sugar in steps.  Taste it as you go so you don't make it too sweet.  Adjust to your own personal taste).
    • Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 1 to 2 minutes.  I use a potato masher to smush up the rhubarb and berries as it cooks.  Stir often to prevent burning.
    • Reduce the heat to medium to medium-low and continue to simmer at a very low boil for 10-15 minutes, make sure to stir. Continue to simmer until the jam is thickened.
    • Carefully spoon the hot raspberry rhubarb jam into clean, sanitized glass jars.  Leave about 1-inch of headspace.  This recipe will fill 3 pint jars.  Let the jam cool completely, about 2-3 hours. Then place on a tight-fitting lid.  I store all of my jars in the fridge until they are cold, and then leave 1 jar in the fridge and move the other 2 jars into the freezer.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Storage:
    This raspberry rhubarb freezer jam needs to be stored in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, or you can use a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
    Homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam will keep in the fridge in a tightly sealed jar for 2-3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    Top Tips:
    • Choose high-quality ingredients. When making raspberry rhubarb freezer jam, it's especially important to start with the best possible fruit. Look for plump, juicy raspberries that are sweet, and use fresh rhubarb that is crisp and bright red in color. If your fruits are on the tart side, you may want to add a little extra sugar.
    • Add the sugar a little bit at a time, you may not need all of the sugar if your fruit is sweet.
    • Stir the pot often to prevent burning. You don't want to ruin your batch of jam.
    • Be sure to sterilize your jars before filling them with hot jam.
    • Use an ice cream scoop to quickly and easily fill your jars with jam.
    • Cool the jam completely before placing them in the fridge or freezer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.7g | Protein: 0.1g | Sodium: 0.2mg | Potassium: 17.3mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2.9g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 4.2mg
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

    More Recipes

    • Jars of homemade canned spaghetti sauce on a wooden table.
      Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes
    • An aluminum tray filled with smoked pork belly burnt ends.
      Best Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends on Pellet Grill
    • Two jars of banana chia pudding on a wooden board, topped with banana and granola.
      Healthy Banana Chia Pudding
    • Pumpkin bread with cream cheese icing sliced on a wooden cutting board.
      Moist Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Frosting

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruth I. Forbes

      July 09, 2023 at 6:54 am

      At the beginning of this recipe you quote Servings: 3 half pints, then in the body of the recipe, the instruction is to fill 3 pint jars.
      What is the correct yield (it's certainly not servings, by the way) ? 3 half pints or 3 whole pints.

      Reply
      • Jeri Walker

        July 09, 2023 at 9:52 am

        Hi Ruth! You're right - so sorry about that - and thanks for pointing it out! It is in fact 3 pint jars - I fixed the recipe card to reflect the change. Thanks!

        Reply
    2. Deb

      September 01, 2022 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is great. Can it be processed to save freezer room?

      Reply
      • Jeri

        September 01, 2022 at 8:47 pm

        Thank you for your kind words about my raspberry rhubarb jam, Deb! I'm so glad to hear that you like it! Yes, this recipe can be processed in a canner to save freezer room. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Deb

      September 01, 2022 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is great! Can it be processed by canning so you don’t have to take up freezer space?

      Reply
    4. Tristan

      April 09, 2021 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing. An easy 5/5 stars for me

      Reply
      • windingcreekranch

        April 09, 2021 at 12:39 pm

        Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    As a full-time food blogger with 40 years of cooking experience, I am passionate about creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families like yours. My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most -- family!

    More about me →

    Fall Recipes

    • Starbucks copycat iced pumpkin spice latte in a large glass and topped with whip cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Two cinnamon sticks beside it with coffee beans.
      Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)
    • A bowl of buttercup squash soup in a white bowl with sliced jalapeno pepper and cream on top.
      Healthy Buttercup Squash Soup Recipe with Carrots
    • A closeup of white chicken chili in a soup bowl.
      Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
    • Crispy sliced squash on a white serving plate.
      Crispy Squash in the Air Fryer
    • Two stacked pumpkin cream cheese muffins, Starbucks copycat recipe.
      Easy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Starbucks Copycat)
    • Smoked venison roast placed on a white table, with a few slices cut off, with wedge fries around it.
      Best Smoked Venison Roast Recipe

    Trending Recipes

    • Homemade iced coffee with cream being added to the glass.
      How To Make Delicious Iced Coffee At Home
    • Perfectly cooked thighs in the air fryer basket.
      Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    • A closeup of pork chops on a platter.
      Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
    • Smoked salmon fillet baked to perfection, placed on a slate board with slices of lemon beside it.
      Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill
    • An overhead picture of smoked corn on the cob on a baking sheet.
      Smoked Corn on the Cob (Traeger)
    • A smoked brisket on a wooden cutting board.
      The Best Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe in Electric Smoker

    As seen in

    A collection of sites where my recipes have been featured.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Reach Out

    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Subscribe

    Let's Connect

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • Web stories

    Disclaimers

    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Statement

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Winding Creek Ranch | All Rights Reserved