Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
If you have fresh strawberries craving to be transformed into something delightful, this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you get a luscious, spreadable jam that bursts with the natural sweetness of strawberries and a perfect balance of tangy pectin. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a slice of toast, yet simple enough to whip up anytime you want a taste of summer year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe plays an essential role, making the final jam rich in flavor, texture, and freshness. From the vibrant, freshly crushed strawberries to the gentle sweetness of sugar, each component is simple but powerful in creating that irresistible spread.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best natural flavor and color; they provide the heart of the jam’s fruity goodness.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and helps the jam set perfectly, so don’t skip or reduce this!
- Water: Needed to dissolve the pectin and aid in the cooking process of the fruit pectin.
- Powdered Fruit Pectin: This secret ingredient gives the jam its gel-like consistency without excessive cooking, maintaining fresh fruit flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Crush the Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries, then crush them with a potato masher or pulse briefly in a food processor. You want to keep some of the chunks for a delightful texture but enough crushed to release that juicy flavor. Measure out exactly 2 cups for the best jam consistency.
Step 2: Mix Strawberries with Sugar
In a large bowl, combine your crushed strawberries with 4 cups of granulated sugar. Stir this mixture well and let it sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This resting period allows the sugar to start dissolving into the fruit, beginning to draw out the natural juices and create that luscious syrupy base.
Step 3: Cook the Pectin Mixture
While the strawberry and sugar mix rests, bring together the water and powdered fruit pectin in a small saucepan. Heat this over high heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a full boil. Maintain that boil for exactly 1 minute to activate the pectin’s setting power, then remove from heat immediately.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Pour the hot pectin liquid quickly into the strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir continuously for 3 minutes. This step ensures the sugar dissolves completely and the pectin is evenly distributed for a perfect set without cooking the jam down, preserving the fresh flavor.
Step 5: Jar and Set the Jam
Transfer your jam into clean, freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch at the top to allow for expansion as the jam freezes. Seal with airtight lids and let the containers sit at room temperature for 24 hours to fully set. After that, your vibrant homemade jam is ready to be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.
How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves can elevate the strawberry jam beautifully, adding a fresh contrast and making your serving feel special. Even a simple dusting of powdered sugar over your toast and jam combo can add a touch of magic.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Freezer Jam works wonders paired with anything from classic warm buttermilk biscuits to creamy vegan yogurt or even swirled into oatmeal. It brightens up breakfast and adds a lovely fruity note to any cheese board or savory charcuterie.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning it into small glass jars as party favors or gifts for neighbors and friends. You can also swirl it into cheesecake batter or sandwich it between layers of sponge cake for an impromptu dessert upgrade. The versatility of this jam invites endless tasty adventures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Freezer Jam stored in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and spreadable for up to 3 weeks. Remember to use clean utensils to avoid introducing contaminants that could shorten its shelf life.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this jam long after strawberry season ends, freezing is your friend. It can be frozen for up to one year in properly sealed containers, making it a convenient way to savor summer’s sweetness any time.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook freezer jam, reheating isn’t necessary. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and it will return to its perfect spreadable texture, ready to brighten up your breakfast or snacks.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this jam?
Fresh strawberries are best for this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe to ensure the right texture and flavor. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before crushing to avoid overly watery jam.
Is it okay to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Reducing sugar is not recommended because it affects how the jam sets and its preservation. The sugar works with pectin to create the perfect gel and helps keep the jam safe for storage.
What if I don’t have powdered fruit pectin?
You can substitute liquid pectin, but make sure to follow the package instructions carefully. The timing and approach to mixing differ, so adjusting for that is important for proper setting.
How long does it take for the jam to set?
After mixing, the jam sets at room temperature for about 24 hours. This waiting time is crucial and gives that perfect gel texture before you refrigerate or freeze it.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe scales easily. Just make sure to keep the ratios consistent and use larger containers for setting and storage.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is such a joyful and rewarding experience. It captures the true essence of fresh strawberries with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, spooning it into yogurt, or gifting it to loved ones, this homemade jam is a little jar of happiness worth every minute you spend making it. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the sweet, tangy aroma of fresh strawberries!
Print
Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade jam without traditional canning. Made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and powdered fruit pectin, this no-cook method preserves the natural flavors and texture of strawberries, creating a sweet, spreadable jam perfect for breakfast or snacks. The jam sets quickly at room temperature and can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator for convenient use.
Ingredients
Jam Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 1 1/2 pounds whole strawberries)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 (1.75 oz) package powdered fruit pectin
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries thoroughly. Crush them using a potato masher or food processor, leaving some small chunks to maintain texture. Measure exactly 2 cups of crushed strawberries and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Sugar: Add 4 cups of granulated sugar to the crushed strawberries and stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve some of the sugar and release the strawberry juices.
- Cook Pectin Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup water and the entire package of powdered fruit pectin. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat while stirring constantly. Once boiling, continue to boil for 1 minute then remove from heat immediately.
- Combine and Stir: Pour the hot pectin mixture into the strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir continuously for 3 minutes to ensure the sugar completely dissolves and the pectin is fully integrated.
- Package the Jam: Pour the jam into clean, freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion during freezing. Seal the containers with lids.
- Set the Jam: Let the jam stand at room temperature for 24 hours to allow it to set properly.
- Store Jam: Refrigerate the jam for up to 3 weeks or freeze it for up to 1 year. Before using frozen jam, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best consistency.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not reduce the quantity of sugar, as it is essential for the jam to set correctly.
- Liquid pectin can be substituted, but follow the package instructions carefully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American