If you have a sweet tooth and love the fresh, vibrant taste of strawberries, this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s vibrant, bursting with natural strawberry flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re slathering it on toast, stirring it into yogurt, or spooning it over ice cream, this jam brings a refreshing burst of sweetness that truly captures the essence of summer all year round. Plus, since it sets up without cooking much, it preserves that fresh strawberry zing that’s oh-so-irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is a breeze, and each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, sweetness, and texture.
- 4 cups fresh strawberries: Hulled and crushed, these are the star of the show, delivering natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This sweetener perfectly balances the tartness of the strawberries and helps with preservation.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to dissolve the pectin and sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth gel formation.
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: Essential for thickening the jam quickly without heat, keeping that fresh-fruit taste intact.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional): Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that lifts the overall flavor and enhances preservation.
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by hulling your fresh strawberries, removing the green tops, and then crush them using a potato masher or fork. You want a nice pulp with some chunks still intact for texture. This step is where the real fresh strawberry flavor shines, so no need to overdo it – a little chunkiness is delightful!
Step 2: Mix Sugar and Pectin
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the fruit pectin. This is a crucial combo because it allows the pectin to distribute evenly when heated and helps your jam set beautifully without a long cooking time.
Step 3: Cook the Sugar-Pectin Mixture
Pour the water into a saucepan and stir in the sugar-pectin mix. Bring this mixture to a steady boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from heat. This activates the pectin while dissolving the sugar perfectly.
Step 4: Combine with Strawberries
Immediately stir the hot sugar-pectin liquid into your crushed strawberries. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes to ensure the pectin distributes evenly and the jam begins its magical setting process.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice (Optional)
This step is optional but highly recommended. A tablespoon of lemon juice adds just the right zing to balance the sweetness and helps maintain a bright color for your jam.
Step 6: Jar the Jam
Pour your luscious jam into clean jars or freezer-safe containers, leaving around half an inch of space at the top. This space is essential to allow for expansion when freezing, preventing spills or breakage.
Step 7: Let It Set
Allow your jars or containers to sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. This gives the jam time to set up nicely, achieving that perfect spreadable consistency that makes this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe a standout.
Step 8: Store Properly
Once set, store your jam in the freezer for up to a year or keep it refrigerated if you plan to use it within three weeks. This flexibility makes it easy to enjoy homemade strawberry jam anytime!
How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped mint or a thin slice of lemon zest on top of your toast or yogurt with this jam for a burst of freshness and an elegant touch. The bright notes complement the sweetness and elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Freezer Jam pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast sides like warm buttermilk pancakes, buttery croissants, or even a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese. It’s an easy way to add a fruity pop to your morning or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling this jam into your homemade cheesecake batter before baking, or dollop it over vanilla ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade. You can even spoon some into yogurt parfaits, layering with granola and fresh berries for a stunning treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after your initial spread, just keep your jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator where it stays fresh for up to three weeks. This makes it easy to enjoy a spoonful on toast or mixed into recipes without worry.
Freezing
This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is designed to be stored in the freezer for long-term use. Keep the jars tightly sealed and store in the freezer for up to one year. When you want a taste of summer, just thaw a jar in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary since it’s a jam, but if you prefer a warmed spread, gently microwave a spoonful for 10-15 seconds or spoon it into warm yogurt or oatmeal for a comforting touch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe because of their natural texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just thaw and drain them well before crushing to avoid excess water diluting the jam.
How can I make a lower-sugar version?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps the jam set and preserve properly. Using a fruit pectin designed for low-sugar recipes will give you better results if cutting down sugar.
What does lemon juice do in this recipe?
Lemon juice brightens the flavor by adding a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. It also helps the pectin work effectively, making the jam set better while maintaining color.
Why is it called freezer jam?
Freezer jams are named because they are designed to be stored in the freezer instead of being canned. This method allows you to enjoy fresh-tasting jam without the heating and sterilizing process traditional canning requires.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep the ratios the same and use appropriately larger containers for freezing. This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe scales beautifully, so you can stock up on your favorite homemade jam.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is one of those delightful kitchen treasures that anyone can master with just a little fresh fruit, sugar, and pectin. It’s perfect for preserving the sweet, sunny taste of strawberries well beyond their season and adds a homemade touch to so many dishes. Give it a try — your toast, yogurt, and taste buds will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Freezer Jam is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh strawberry flavor year-round. Made from fresh crushed strawberries combined with sugar, fruit pectin, and a touch of lemon juice, this no-cook jam requires minimal preparation and sets in just 24 hours without traditional canning. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or gifting, this jam offers a sweet, tangy taste that captures the essence of ripe strawberries.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and crushed
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Hull and Crush Strawberries: Begin by thoroughly hulling the strawberries to remove stems, then use a potato masher or fork to crush them into a pulp. Leave some chunks if you prefer textured jam.
- Mix Sugar and Pectin: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and fruit pectin thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Cook Sugar-Pectin Mixture: In a saucepan, add the water and the sugar-pectin mix. Heat over medium heat and bring to a full boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, maintain for 1-2 minutes to activate the pectin and dissolve sugar, then promptly remove from heat.
- Combine with Strawberries: Immediately pour the hot sugar-pectin mixture into the crushed strawberries. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes to blend well and prevent clumping.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For a subtle tartness that brightens the jam’s flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Transfer to Containers: Pour the jam mixture into clean jars or freezer-safe containers. Leave approximately 1/2 inch headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Allow Jam to Set: Let the jam sit at room temperature for about 24 hours to gel and set properly.
- Store the Jam: After setting, store the jam in the freezer for up to one year or refrigerate for up to three weeks for best quality.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and consistency.
- The jam sets without traditional canning because of the fruit pectin but requires refrigeration or freezing for preservation.
- Lemon juice is optional but helps enhance flavor and acts as a natural preservative.
- Always use clean containers to prevent spoilage.
- This recipe is ideal for those who want fresh jam quickly without the need for boiling jars or seals.
