This Strawberry Freezer Jam captures the taste of fresh strawberries in a quick and easy jam you can make without canning. With only a few ingredients, this recipe keeps the natural flavor and color of the strawberries intact, making it a delicious spread for toast, pancakes, and desserts. The best part? It freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy that sweet strawberry taste long after berry season is over.
Strawberry Freezer Jam
I love making this strawberry freezer jam because it’s so easy and keeps the strawberry flavor bright and fresh. Unlike traditional jam, there’s no need to boil or can – just mix, let it set, and freeze! It’s the perfect solution when you want a sweet, homemade treat with minimal effort. This jam is a staple in my freezer, and it’s so versatile – great on toast, mixed into yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.
Serve this jam with Homemade Angel Biscuits Recipe for a perfect breakfast or enjoy it over Classic Waffle Recipe for a sweet brunch pairing.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: Keeps the fresh strawberry taste vibrant and sweet.
- No Canning Required: No need for complicated canning; just mix, set, and freeze.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it an easy recipe for anyone.
- Versatile and Long-Lasting: Freezes well, so you can enjoy it anytime you like.
Main Ingredients for Strawberry Freezer Jam
- Fresh Strawberries – Sweet, ripe strawberries give the jam its natural flavor and color.
- Sugar – Balances the tartness of the strawberries and acts as a natural preservative.
- Pectin – Helps the jam set while maintaining a softer, spreadable texture.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and helps preserve the color of the strawberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Here’s how to make this easy and delicious strawberry freezer jam step by step:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash, hull, and mash 2 cups of fresh strawberries until smooth but still slightly chunky. You can use a fork, potato masher, or pulse lightly in a food processor.
- Tip: For a chunkier jam, leave some strawberry pieces intact for extra texture.
- Mix the Sugar and Strawberries: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed strawberries with 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Stir well and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve.
- Pro Tip: Stir the mixture occasionally to help the sugar dissolve evenly.
- Add Pectin and Lemon Juice: In a separate bowl, mix 1 packet (1.5 oz) of pectin with 3/4 cup water and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, cook for 1 minute and remove from heat. Pour the pectin mixture and 1 tablespoon lemon juice into the strawberry mixture, stirring well until fully combined.
- Variation: Adjust sugar to your preference, or use a low-sugar pectin for a lighter version.
- Let the Jam Set: Allow the jam mixture to sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, then stir again to ensure even consistency.
- Serving Idea: For a twist, mix in a few mint leaves or a bit of vanilla extract to complement the strawberries.
- Pour into Jars and Freeze: Divide the jam into clean, freezer-safe jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Seal the jars and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before placing them in the freezer.
- Pro Tip: For smaller portions, use smaller jars so you can thaw just what you need.
- Enjoy and Store: Thaw the jam in the refrigerator before using. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 year or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Serving Idea: Serve on toast, over pancakes, or mix into yogurt for a delicious treat.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Add Extra Flavor: Stir in a hint of vanilla extract or almond extract for a subtle twist.
- Make it Low-Sugar: Use low-sugar pectin and reduce the sugar by half for a lighter version.
- How to Store: Store jam in the freezer for long-term use or refrigerate after thawing.
- How to Use: Thaw only the portion you’ll use within a few weeks to keep it fresh.
Health Benefits of Strawberry Freezer Jam
This homemade jam is lower in preservatives compared to store-bought varieties. Strawberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C, making this a delicious and nutritious treat.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Strawberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health.
- Lower Preservatives: Homemade means you control the ingredients, so it’s fresher than store-bought.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: Reduce sugar or use a low-sugar pectin for a lighter option.
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