Strawberry freezer jam is a quick, easy, and delicious way to preserve the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries without the hassle of traditional canning. This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe captures the flavor of fresh strawberries in a soft, spreadable jam that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake.
With just a few ingredients and no cooking required, this freezer jam is a great option for those who want to enjoy homemade jam with minimal effort. The best part? You can store it in the freezer for up to a year, keeping that fresh strawberry flavor available whenever you crave it!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No cooking or canning required! Just mix, pour, and freeze.
- Fresh Flavor: The jam captures the bright, sweet taste of fresh strawberries.
- Perfect for Beginners: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment or skills.
- Long Shelf Life: Stored in the freezer, this jam lasts for up to a year, so you can enjoy strawberry season year-round.
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Freezer Jam
1. Fresh Strawberries
- Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of the show. Choose strawberries that are at their peak ripeness for the best flavor and sweetness.
2. Sugar
- Sugar not only sweetens the jam but also helps preserve the strawberries. It’s an essential ingredient for both flavor and texture.
3. Pectin
- Pectin is a natural thickening agent that helps the jam set without cooking. Look for a no-cook or freezer jam pectin for this recipe.
4. Lemon Juice
- Fresh lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, which enhances the flavor of the strawberries and helps the jam set properly.
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam
This strawberry freezer jam is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any cooking or complicated steps. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Hull and wash 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Mash the strawberries using a potato masher or pulse them in a food processor until they reach your desired consistency. You can leave the jam slightly chunky or make it smooth, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Mix the Sugar and Pectin
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of sugar and 1 package of no-cook freezer pectin until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Strawberries and Sugar Mixture
- Add the mashed strawberries to the sugar and pectin mixture. Stir everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This may take a few minutes of stirring.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor.
Step 5: Fill the Jars
- Spoon the jam into clean, freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Secure the lids tightly.
Step 6: Let the Jam Set
- Let the jars sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the jam to thicken and set. After that, you can store the jars in the freezer for up to 12 months or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Freezer Jam
1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
- The quality of the strawberries will greatly affect the flavor of the jam. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best results.
2. Don’t Reduce the Sugar
- Freezer jam relies on a specific ratio of sugar to pectin for proper setting. Reducing the sugar can result in a jam that doesn’t set correctly.
3. Stir Thoroughly
- Be sure to stir the jam mixture thoroughly to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the pectin is evenly distributed.
4. Leave Space in the Jars
- Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top of each jar to allow the jam to expand as it freezes.
5. Store Properly
- Once the jam has set, store it in the freezer for up to 12 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
Recipe Variations
1. Mixed Berry Freezer Jam
- Combine strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry freezer jam.
2. Low-Sugar Freezer Jam
- Use a low-sugar pectin and reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet jam. Be sure to follow the pectin package instructions for the correct sugar-to-fruit ratio.
3. Strawberry Vanilla Freezer Jam
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the jam mixture for a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
4. Strawberry Mint Freezer Jam
- Stir in a few finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist on traditional strawberry jam.
FAQs: Strawberry Freezer Jam
1. Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
- Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries will give you the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before making the jam.
2. How Long Does Freezer Jam Last?
- Freezer jam will last for up to 12 months in the freezer. Once thawed, it will last for about 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
3. Do I Need to Sterilize the Jars?
- For freezer jam, you don’t need to sterilize the jars, but they should be thoroughly cleaned before filling. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers.
4. How Do I Thaw Frozen Jam?
- To thaw frozen jam, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, it’s ready to use.
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