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Perfect Hand-Crafted Dandelion Blossom Jelly Recipe with Lemon and Vanilla

dandelion blossom jelly - featured image

A delightful homemade jelly capturing the delicate floral flavor of dandelion blossoms with a bright lemony zing and warm vanilla notes. Easy to make and perfect for spring and summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh dandelion blossoms (yellow petals only, pesticide-free)
  • 4 cups granulated sugar (800g)
  • Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
  • 1 package liquid pectin (1.75 oz or 50g, e.g., Sure-Jell brand)
  • 4 cups water (950 ml)

Instructions

  1. Pick and prep the dandelion blossoms by gently plucking the yellow petals from the green base. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and drain well. (15 minutes)
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the petals with 4 cups of water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until the water turns golden and smells floral. (45 minutes)
  3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or pot, pressing lightly to extract liquid. Discard the petals. (10 minutes)
  4. Return the infused liquid to the saucepan. Add sugar, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla bean seeds plus pod. Stir gently to combine. (10 minutes)
  5. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in the liquid pectin and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring continuously. The jelly should begin to thicken. (15 minutes)
  6. Test the jelly by placing a spoonful on a cold plate; if it wrinkles and holds shape, it is ready. Remove from heat and remove the vanilla pod. Ladle hot jelly into warm sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. (10 minutes)

Notes

Pick petals early in the morning for best fragrance. Remove all green parts to avoid bitterness. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching. Stir constantly when boiling with sugar and pectin. Test jelly thickness before jarring. If jelly doesn’t set, re-boil with extra pectin. Keep jars warm before filling to prevent cracking. Vanilla extract can cause allergies; use pure vanilla bean if sensitive.

Nutrition

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