“`html
If you are on the hunt for a bright, sweet, and delightfully fresh jam that captures the essence of summer strawberries, look no further than this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavor and a luscious, spreadable texture, this homemade jam brings the true taste of fresh strawberries right to your breakfast table. It’s an easy and rewarding way to enjoy your favorite berry all year long, whether you’re dolloping it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or spooning it over a warm scone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a batch of Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe requires just a handful of simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and jelly-like texture that defines this jam.
- 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries: Freshness is key here—crushing them just enough releases their natural juices and flavor without turning them into mush.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds vibrant acidity to brighten the flavor and helps with natural preservation.
- 4 cups white sugar: Sweetens and helps the jam set properly for that classic jam consistency.
- 3/4 cup water: Required to dissolve the pectin evenly and activate it during cooking.
- 1 (1.75-ounce) box Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin: This ingredient is essential for thickening while keeping the jam freezer-friendly without traditional canning.
How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Strawberries
Begin by hulling your strawberries and placing them in a large bowl. Using a potato masher or cocktail muddler, crush the strawberries thoroughly but avoid pureeing them completely. You want the mixture to have a juicy, chunky texture with plenty of fruit pieces—you will need exactly 2 cups of crushed strawberries for this recipe.
Step 2: Sweeten and Add Lemon
Stir in the fresh lemon juice to the crushed strawberries, which adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness. Next, sprinkle the sugar over the fruit and mix well until mostly dissolved. Let this mixture stand for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally—this resting period helps extract the natural juices from the berries and begins the thickening process.
Step 3: Prepare the Pectin Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the water with the fruit pectin. Heat the mixture over high heat while stirring constantly. It might look lumpy at first, but as the liquid reaches a boil, the pectin will dissolve completely. Boil for 1 full minute while stirring continuously—this step activates the pectin’s thickening power, essential for your jam’s texture.
Step 4: Combine Pectin and Strawberry Mixture
Remove the pectin mixture from heat and pour it into the bowl with your sweetened strawberries. Stir vigorously for around 3 minutes to fully incorporate the pectin and dissolve any remaining sugar crystals. The goal is a smooth, consistent jam without any graininess.
Step 5: Jar and Set the Jam
Carefully spoon the jam into 5 clean, 8-ounce freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. This gap allows the jam to expand when frozen, preventing cracks or spills. Loosely cover each jar and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set properly. After this time, seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a thin slice of fresh strawberry on top for that added touch of elegance and freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar over a jam-topped scone or biscuit also adds a lovely visual contrast and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, or warm buttered toast. You can also spread it over cream cheese on crackers for a quick snack or dollop it on top of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling your Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe into plain Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a natural fruity sweetness that brightens breakfast. It also works beautifully as a glaze for roasted meats like ham or chicken, giving savory dishes a sweet and tangy kick. For a fun dessert, layer the jam with whipped cream and crushed cookies in a parfait glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once sealed tightly, your Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. Keep it chilled to maintain its fresh taste and perfect texture. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
Freezing
The beauty of this freezer jam is that it’s made specifically for chilling or freezing without traditional canning methods. Store your jam in the freezer to keep it fresh for up to a year. When properly sealed in freezer-safe containers, the flavor and texture will remain vibrant until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Reheating
Since this jam is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t generally necessary and can alter the texture. If you prefer it warmed, gently heat a small portion in a microwave-safe bowl for a few seconds, stirring carefully to maintain its luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before crushing to avoid a watery jam.
Why does the jam need lemon juice?
Lemon juice adds acidity, which balances the sweetness and helps activate the pectin for proper setting. It also aids in preserving the jam by slowing bacterial growth.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
This recipe depends on the sugar for both sweetness and proper gel formation alongside pectin. Reducing sugar significantly may affect the jam’s texture and preservation properties, so it’s best to follow the measurements for guaranteed results.
How thick will the Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe be?
The jam sets to a spreadable consistency—not as firm as canned jams. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or mixing into other dishes, with a slightly soft, luscious texture that’s easy to scoop.
What type of containers are best for freezing the jam?
Use clean, freezer-safe jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Leave some headspace for expansion to avoid cracking during freezing.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves savoring the pure, sun-kissed sweetness of strawberries year-round. It’s simple to make, wonderfully versatile, and lets you share homemade goodness with family and friends without the fuss of traditional canning. Give it a try—you might just find yourself hooked on spreading this fresh, fruity joy on everything you eat!
“`
Print
Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 80 servings (5 jars of 8 ounces each)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam is a quick and easy way to capture the fresh flavor of ripe strawberries. Using simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and fruit pectin, this freezer jam sets perfectly without boiling the fruit mixture extensively. The jam requires minimal cooking by boiling only the pectin mixture, then combining it with the sweetened strawberries. It’s ideal for those who want a fresh, sweet, and spreadable jam that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for months, perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or using in desserts.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 2 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups white sugar
Pectin Mixture
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 (1.75-ounce) box Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries and place them in a large bowl. Use a potato masher or similar tool such as a cocktail muddler to crush the strawberries thoroughly but not to a puree. Measure out exactly 2 cups of crushed strawberries to ensure proper jam consistency.
- Add Lemon Juice and Sugar: Stir 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the crushed strawberries, mixing well. Then add 4 cups of white sugar and stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar completely.
- Cook the Pectin Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of water and one box (1.75 ounces) of Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin. Stir constantly over high heat to break up any lumps in the pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil and then boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly to activate the pectin.
- Combine and Stir: Remove the pectin mixture from heat and pour it into the strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved. A few sugar crystals are acceptable, but avoid graininess in the jam.
- Jar the Jam: Spoon the jam into five clean, freezer-safe jars or containers (each 8 ounces) leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top for expansion during freezing. Loosely cover the jars and allow them to sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set.
- Seal and Store: After the jam has set, seal the jars with tight-fitting lids. Store the jam in the refrigerator where it will keep for 3 to 4 weeks, or in the freezer for up to about one year.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are fresh and ripe for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Measure crushed strawberries carefully to maintain proper jam texture.
- Do not over-boil the fruit mixture; only the pectin-water mixture requires boiling.
- Leaving some sugar crystals is fine as long as the jam is not grainy.
- For longer storage, freezing the jam is recommended; it keeps about one year in the freezer.
- Use freezer-safe jars or containers with half-inch headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Allow jam to set 24 hours at room temperature before sealing jars tightly.
