No-Fail, Super Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam
Ingredients
- 4 cgranulated white sugar
- 1 quartfresh strawberries
this will equal approximately the 2 cups of crushed berries necessary for the recipe.
- 3 ozliquid fruit pectin
- 2 tbspfresh lemon juice
bottled lemon juice will also work
- 4 cgranulated sugar
- 1 quartfresh strawberries
this will equal approximately the 2 cups of crushed berries necessary for the recipe.
- 11.75-ounce package powdered pectin )
- ¾ cwater
- 2 tbspfresh lemon juice
bottled lemon juice will also work
Directions
For the prep for liquid or powdered pectin:
- 1
To ensure success, read the post and Café Tips in the NOTES section (below) before starting this recipe.
- 2
Wash and rinse glass jars (or plastic containers) and lids in the dishwasher or with hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
To make this jam with liquid pectin:
- 1
Stem and crush strawberries. I use a potato masher but you can also pulse the berries on and off a few times in a blender or food processor - just be sure you leave it a little chunky. 1 quart fresh strawberries (NOTE: start with a quart of whole strawberries to yield 2 cups of crushed berries.)
- 2
Measure exactly 2 cups of the prepared fruit into a large microwave-safe bowl. (Use a dry measuring up to measure the crushed strawberries and level it off at the top with a flat-edge knife - don't be tempted to use extra berries!)
- 3
Add the 4 cups of sugar and stir well for 1 minute. (Again, measure the sugar precisely, using a dry measuring up and leveling it off. You can also weigh the sugar. It should be 800g ) 4 cups granulated white sugar
- 4
Place the bowl in the microwave on high power for 3 minutes. (Mixture will not cook but will become warm enough for the sugar to dissolve). Remove from microwave and stir well for another minute.
- 5
Allow the strawberry mixture to sit for 2 hours, giving it a good stir about every 30 minutes. Take a taste to make sure the sugar is dissolved. If it still has a bit of a grainy texture, stir for another minute or two until the sugar is well dissolved.(When the sugar is well-dissolved the mixture will actually deepen in color and lose its "cloudiness". That's when you're ready for the next step.)
- 6
Combine the liquid pectin and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add to strawberry mixture; stir for 3 minutes (no cheating, set a timer). 3 ounces liquid fruit pectin, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 7
Fill containers to within ½ inch of the top. Don't fill any higher as the mixture will expand a bit in the freezer.
- 8
Wipe off the top edges of containers and cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the jam to completely thicken.
To make this jam with powdered pectin:
- 1
Stem and crush strawberries. I use a potato masher but you can also pulse the berries on and off a few times in a blender or food processor - just be sure you leave it a little chunky. 1 quart fresh strawberries (NOTE: start with a quart of whole strawberries to yield 2 cups of crushed berries.) 1 quart fresh strawberries
- 2
Add the 4 cups of sugar and stir well for 1 minute. (Again, measure the sugar precisely, using a dry measuring up and leveling it off. You can also weigh the sugar. It should be 800g ) 4 cups granulated white sugar
- 3
Place the bowl in the microwave on high power for 3 minutes. (Mixture will not cook but will become warm enough for the sugar to dissolve). Remove from microwave and stir well for another minute.
- 4
Allow the strawberry mixture to sit for 2 hours, giving it a good stir about every 30 minutes. Take a taste to make sure the sugar is dissolved. If it still has a bit of a grainy texture, stir for another minute or two until the sugar is well dissolved.(When the sugar is well-dissolved the mixture will actually deepen in color and lose its "cloudiness". That's when you're ready for the next step.)
- 5
Mix water and pectin in small saucepan. Bring to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring for 1 minute. ¾ cup water, 1 1.75-ounce package powdered pectin
- 6
Add the lemon juice to the pectin and stir to combine. Pour the pectin/lemon juice into the strawberry mixture; stir for 3 minutes (no cheating, set a timer). 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 7
Fill containers to within ½ inch of the top. Don't fill any higher as the mixture will expand a bit in the freezer.
- 8
Wipe off the top edges of containers and cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the jam to completely thicken.
To store:
- 1
After the 24 hours on the counter, refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator.
No-Fail, Super Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Discover the Secret to the Best Strawberry Freezer Jam
Prepare to have your taste buds spoiled for life with our No-Fail, Super Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam! Imagine capturing the essence of a sun-drenched spring day in every jar – that's exactly what this vibrant, fresh-tasting jam delivers. Unlike traditional canning, this method is remarkably simple, making it the best strawberry freezer jam for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. You'll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create a truly spectacular preserve that shines with the pure flavor of ripe strawberries.
Why You'll Love This Easy Strawberry Jam
What makes this recipe so special? It's the perfect combination of speed and sensational flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick 5 minutes on the stove, you're on your way to enjoying glorious, homemade strawberry freezer jam. We ditch the lengthy processing, which allows the natural, bright flavor of fresh strawberries to truly sing. This isn't just jam; it's easy strawberry jam that captures the very best of berry season, ready to brighten up your breakfast toast, elevate your yogurt, or become a delightful gift. The "no-fail" aspect comes from using the right pectin, ensuring a perfect set every time without complex steps.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Jam
Achieving that "springtime in a jar" perfection is simple with a few pointers:
- Choose Wisely: Start with the ripest, most fragrant fresh strawberries you can find. This is where the majority of your jam's incredible flavor comes from.
- Pectin Power: For a consistent set, we rely on powdered pectin (specifically, SureJell original in the yellow box, not the low-sugar versions). Following the instructions for dissolving it correctly is key to a no-fail strawberry jam.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of fresh lemon juice not only adds a lovely bright note but also helps activate the pectin, contributing to the jam's perfect texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond toast and bagels, try stirring your strawberry freezer jam into oatmeal, swirling it through vanilla ice cream, or dolloping it onto pancakes and waffles for an irresistible treat. It’s also fantastic as a filling for tarts or thumbprint cookies!