If you’re craving a burst of fresh, sweet, and tangy flavors that you can enjoy any time of year, this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s incredibly simple to make, uses just a handful of wholesome ingredients, and preserves the vibrant color and juicy taste of ripe strawberries perfectly. Whether slathered on morning toast, dolloped on yogurt, or stirred into desserts, this jam captures the essence of summer in every spoonful, ready whenever you are.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating a jam that’s sweet, smooth, and perfectly spreadable. From the succulent strawberries to the pectin that helps it set, every component enhances the final taste and texture.
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and crushed: Using fresh, ripe strawberries ensures vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This sweetens the jam and balances the tartness of the fruit.
- 1/4 cup water: Provides the perfect base to dissolve the pectin and sugar mixture evenly.
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell): Helps the jam thicken without any cooking time required.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional): Adds a refreshing zing that brightens the jam’s flavor and helps preserve the color.
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries
Start by hulling your fresh strawberries and crushing them with a potato masher or fork. If you love the texture of chunky jam, pause before mashing completely to keep some delightful strawberry pieces.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Pectin
In a separate bowl, blend your sugar and fruit pectin together thoroughly. This step is crucial for that perfect gel consistency without cooking.
Step 3: Boil Sugar-Pectin Mixture
Next, pour the water and combined sugar-pectin into a saucepan. Stir constantly and bring it just to a boil over medium heat. Maintain the boil for 1-2 minutes to activate the pectin, then immediately remove it from heat.
Step 4: Mix with Strawberries
Quickly add the hot sugar-pectin mixture to your crushed strawberries. Stir energetically for about 3 minutes so the mixture sets properly and combines all those juicy flavors.
Step 5: Add a Hint of Lemon
This step is optional but highly recommended. Mixing in one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice brightens your jam’s flavor, lends a subtle tang, and helps keep that gorgeous red color locked in.
Step 6: Jar Your Jam
Pour your freshly made jam into clean half-pint jars or any freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Step 7: Let It Set
Allow your jars of jam to rest at room temperature for 24 hours, which helps the jam fully gel and develop that luscious spreadable texture.
Step 8: Store and Enjoy
Once set, store your jam in the freezer to keep it fresh for up to a year or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. This flexibility makes it perfect for enjoying fresh strawberry goodness all year long.
How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of your jam toast or dollop it on desserts to add a pretty and flavorful finishing touch that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with buttery biscuits, warm scones, or crisp waffles — turning any simple breakfast into a special occasion that your whole family will look forward to.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not layer the jam into parfaits with yogurt and granola, swirl it into cupcakes as a surprise filling, or even use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork? The possibilities are endless with this versatile Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover jam after the first few uses, simply cover the jars tightly and stash them in your refrigerator. Use within three weeks to keep the freshest flavor and texture.
Freezing
Your freezer is a strawberry lover’s paradise when stocked with this jam. Store your sealed jars in the freezer for up to a year, and thaw as needed for a quick sweet treat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use frozen jam, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. Stir gently before serving to revive its perfect spreadable texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and consistency, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before crushing.
Do I need to sterilize the jars before filling with jam?
Since this jam is meant for freezing or short-term refrigeration, thorough cleaning is sufficient. However, if you want maximum shelf life or to gift the jam, sterilizing jars is a good precaution.
Why does my jam remain runny after setting?
It could be due to insufficient pectin activation, under-boiling the sugar mixture, or inaccurate measurements. Be sure to follow the heating and stirring instructions closely.
Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet jam?
Reducing sugar changes how the jam sets because sugar interacts with pectin. For best results, stick to the recipe or use pectin products designed for low-sugar jams.
How long does the jam need to set before freezing?
The jam should be left at room temperature for about 24 hours to fully gel before freezing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor after thawing.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like homemade jam to brighten your day, and this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is one of the most rewarding and easy recipes you can whip up. It’s fresh, natural, and bursting with strawberry goodness in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and start preserving your own taste of summer all year long!
Print
Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 24 hours setting time
- Yield: 4 (4 to 5 half-pint jars) 1x
Description
This Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh strawberry flavor year-round. Made with simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, sugar, and fruit pectin, this no-cook freezer jam requires minimal cooking and sets at room temperature before storing in the freezer or refrigerator. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or using in desserts.
Ingredients
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and crushed
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Begin by hulling and crushing the strawberries using a potato masher or fork, mashing them into a pulp while leaving some chunks if a chunkier texture is preferred.
- Mix Sugar and Pectin: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and fruit pectin thoroughly to prepare the dry mix.
- Cook Sugar-Pectin Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water with the sugar-pectin mix. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Maintain boiling and stirring for 1-2 minutes before removing from heat.
- Combine with Strawberries: Immediately add the hot sugar-pectin mixture to the crushed strawberries. Stir well for about 3 minutes to ensure even distribution.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance flavor and acidity if desired.
- Fill Containers: Pour the jam into clean, freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Set Jam: Allow the jam to sit at room temperature for approximately 24 hours to fully set and thicken.
- Store Jam: Once set, store the jam in the freezer for up to one year or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure jars or containers are clean and dry before filling to avoid spoilage.
- Leaving some strawberry chunks adds a pleasant texture to the jam.
- Adjust sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet jam, but note that sugar also helps with preservation.
- Lemon juice is optional but helps enhance flavor and acts as a natural preservative.
- Always leave headspace in containers for safe freezing expansion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
