There’s something magical about the bright, sweet flavor of homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no cooking, this recipe captures the pure, vibrant taste of ripe strawberries at their peak. It’s my go-to for preserving summer’s bounty in a way that’s fresh, fruity, and impossibly easy. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a total jam novice, you’ll adore how this simple treat brings a burst of sunshine to your breakfast table, toast, desserts, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fruit
- 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 1½ pounds whole)
Sugar
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Liquids & Add-ins
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam
Step 1: Prep and Crush the Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling your strawberries, making sure to remove any green tops and leaves. Place the berries in a large bowl and crush them using a potato masher or pulse gently in a food processor. Don’t overdo it—you want some small pieces left for a lovely jammy texture. Measure exactly 2 cups of the crushed strawberries into a mixing bowl for the most reliable results.
Step 2: Combine with Sugar
Pour the granulated sugar over your crushed strawberries and stir well to combine. The sugar not only sweetens the jam but also helps pull out the strawberries’ juices and preserves their bright red color. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes, stirring every so often to help the sugar dissolve and the fruit macerate.
Step 3: Prepare the Pectin Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the water and fruit pectin. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly so nothing sticks to the bottom. Once it reaches a rolling boil, time it for exactly 1 minute, then remove the pan from the heat. This step activates the pectin, which is crucial for the jam to set properly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the hot pectin mixture into your bowl of strawberries and sugar. Stir continuously for 3 minutes, making sure the sugar and pectin are completely dissolved and the mixture is glossy and well combined. If you’re using lemon juice, add it at this stage and give everything a final stir.
Step 5: Fill the Containers
Ladle or pour your jam into clean, dry containers, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. This extra room allows the jam to expand as it freezes. Wipe the rims clean, then cover tightly with lids. Let the jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours so it can set up properly.
Step 6: Freeze or Refrigerate
After the jam has set, move the containers to the freezer for long-term storage, or keep one in the fridge if you plan to use it soon. Your Strawberry Freezer Jam is now ready to enjoy all year long!
How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam
Garnishes
For a pretty touch, garnish your jam with a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint when serving in a bowl or on a cheese platter. The pop of color not only looks inviting but also hints at the fresh flavor inside each jar.
Side Dishes
This jam is a breakfast superstar. Spread it onto warm toast, flaky biscuits, or fresh scones. It’s also fantastic spooned over pancakes, waffles, or swirled into Greek yogurt for a bright, fruity burst.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with how you use and present your Strawberry Freezer Jam. Layer it in parfaits, drizzle it over ice cream, or add a dollop to thumbprint cookies. It also makes a charming homemade gift—just tie a ribbon around the jar and include a handwritten label for a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your Strawberry Freezer Jam in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three weeks—if it lasts that long! Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing any contaminants.
Freezing
One of the best things about this jam is how beautifully it freezes. Store sealed containers in the freezer for up to a year. When you’re ready to enjoy more, just transfer a jar to the fridge to thaw overnight.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Strawberry Freezer Jam, since it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it thickens a bit too much in the fridge, give it a good stir before serving. For an extra treat, try warming a spoonful and drizzling it over vanilla ice cream or pancakes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Thaw the frozen strawberries completely and drain off any excess liquid before crushing and measuring. The jam will still have fantastic flavor, though you might notice a slightly softer set.
Why can’t I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
The sugar in Strawberry Freezer Jam isn’t just for sweetness—it’s essential for helping the jam set and for preserving it safely. If you want to cut back on sugar, use a pectin specifically designed for low-sugar recipes and follow the package instructions closely.
Do I have to sterilize the containers?
For freezer jam, there’s no need to sterilize like with traditional canning. Just make sure your containers are thoroughly clean and dry before filling. This helps keep your jam fresh and safe.
How do I know if my jam has set properly?
After sitting at room temperature for 24 hours, your jam should be thick but still spreadable. If it seems too runny, don’t worry—it will firm up a bit more in the fridge or freezer, and it still tastes wonderful as a sauce or topping.
Can I double the recipe?
It’s best to make Strawberry Freezer Jam in single batches to ensure it sets properly. Larger quantities can have trouble setting evenly, so if you want more jam, prepare multiple batches instead of doubling the ingredients all at once.
Final Thoughts
Making Strawberry Freezer Jam is truly one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to savor summer’s sweetest fruit. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or gifting it to a friend, this jam brings a burst of homemade joy to every bite. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 24 hours resting time)
- Yield: About 5 cups (or five 8-ounce containers)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook (after pectin preparation)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and delicious Strawberry Freezer Jam captures the fresh flavor of ripe strawberries with minimal cooking. Using fruit pectin for quick setting, this no-cook jam is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts. With just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you can enjoy homemade jam that’s freezer-stable for up to a year.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 1½ pounds whole)
Sugar
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Liquids & Add-ins
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then crush them using a potato masher or pulse gently in a food processor, leaving some small chunks for texture. Measure exactly 2 cups of crushed fruit into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix with sugar: Add 4 cups of granulated sugar to the crushed strawberries and stir thoroughly. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve into the fruit.
- Cook the pectin: In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup water with the fruit pectin. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Let it boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Combine pectin and fruit mixture: Pour the hot pectin mixture into the strawberry and sugar mixture, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Add lemon juice: If using, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice now to brighten the flavor of the jam.
- Jar the jam: Pour the jam into clean, dry containers (such as jars or plastic containers), leaving approximately ½ inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
- Set and store: Cover the containers with lids and let the jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow it to set properly. After setting, store the jam in the freezer for up to 1 year or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- You can use low-sugar fruit pectin and reduce the sugar accordingly, but do not reduce the sugar unless using pectin designed for low-sugar recipes, as the sugar content affects the jam’s ability to set.
- Keeping some small chunks in the crushed strawberries adds nice texture to the jam.
- Make sure containers are clean and dry to prevent spoilage.
- If you want a slightly tangier jam, adding the optional lemon juice enhances brightness and helps preservation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
