How to Make Preserves from Frozen Berries

Have you ever wondered how to make preserves? It’s easier than you think! Keep reading to find out how.

Hi! Let me just cut right to the chase. Actually, wait just one second before we get to the business of berry preserves. Why do people say, “cut to the chase”?? I know it means to get to the point, but where did it come from? I checked Wikipedia and some other sources, and it turns out that it came from the silent film industry! Apparently most silent movies featured an exciting car chase, and studio executives wanted to skip the boring stuff and “cut to the chase.” Now you know!

Let’s talk about how to make preserves. This recipe seems like a million miles away from what I would usually bring you. For one thing, making homemade preserves sounds way too fussy for a weary chef. For another thing, any sort of canning or preserving usually gives me a panic attack. I don’t want the words sterilization or botulism to be involved with my cooking. That’s waaaaaay too much pressure! Don’t worry. These are “ready to eat” preserves that don’t require canning, and they couldn’t be much easier, even for weary people like me.

All you need are frozen berries, a little water, and a little agave nectar to make these easy preserves that are just right for drizzling over waffles or ice cream or spreading on a sandwich. They are ready to eat immediately, so no actual preserving is necessary, but they will keep in your fridge for a couple weeks. Check out the recipe below!

Print Recipe

Homemade Preserves with Frozen Berries

These super easy preserves are perfect for PBJ sandwiches, drizzling on waffles or ice cream, or even adding to smoothies!

Votes: 1
Rating: 5
You:

Rate this recipe!

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Servings

MetricUS Imperial

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen berries (I used blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.)
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 2 tablespoons water (or more for saucier preserves)

Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Servings MetricUS Imperial Ingredients 4 cups frozen berries (I used blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.) 1/4 cup agave nectar 2 tablespoons water (or more for saucier preserves)

Votes: 1 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe!

Instructions

1. Place berries, agave nectar, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer an additional 10 minutes or until berries have softened and mostly burst.
2. Very carefully (it's hot!) pour the berry mixture into a blender, and pulse a few times until smooth.
3. Pour blended mixture through a mesh strainer to remove seeds if desired. (I left the seeds in.) Serve immediately warm as a topping for waffles or pancakes. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator up to two weeks for other uses.