The best homemade strawberry jam that’s super easy to make and beats out store bought any day! Fresh, flavorful and so fun to make.
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Small Batch Strawberry Jam
One of our favorite family traditions during the summer is to go strawberry picking. We end up with tons of fresh strawberries and are always looking for delicious ways to use them up. Making homemade strawberry jam is at the top of our list, as well as a strawberry rhubarb crisp or my fresh strawberry pie.
I remember helping my grandma make this homemade strawberry jam as a little girl and it has been a favorite of mine ever since! I only make it once a year because it is definitely a treat, but it brings back wonderful memories from my childhood when I helped my grandma in the kitchen. She always said I was the best “taste tester.” I was always happy to have that job! ;)
This homemade jam is so delicious and is such a fun summer recipe to try out. While you’re at it, consider making this easy freezer peach jam too. Both taste absolutely amazing on a piece of toasted bread and are so much better than store bought! I also love to give this strawberry jam recipe as a gift…it’s thoughtful and is more personalized.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Powdered fruit pectin
- Water
How to Make Strawberry Jam
Homemade jam is actually really easy to make and tastes SO much better than store bought jam. Find the printable recipe below.
- Blend: Place strawberries in a blender with the lemon juice. Pulse the strawberries about 5-10 times.
- Add sugar: Pour strawberries into a large bowl and then stir in sugar. Stir for about 2-3 minutes and then let sit for 15 minutes.
- Boil: Bring fruit pectin and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Stir: Pour mixture into the strawberries, stir and let rest another 2-3 minutes.
- Jar: Next pour the homemade jam into jars (leaving about 1/2 inch from the top) and place lids on.
Cooking Tips
- If you don’t have a blender, you can use a potato masher as well. I use my Blentec for everything! :)
- I have to say my strawberry huller is amazing too. It made prepping the strawberries that much easier!
- Don’t skip out on the lemon juice! The lemon helps set the jam and prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Use the regular powdered fruit pectin, not instant.
Storage
I love to use mason jars to store my strawberry jam. When filling them up, just make sure to leave about 1/2 inch room from the top (this ensures they won’t explode in the freezer). The jam will need to set, so let the jars sit on the counter for 24 hours before storing. Then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer up to a year.
Favorite Ways to Use Homemade Jam
- Spread it on a piece of homemade bread (my favorites are artisan, french or white)
- Add as a topping on breakfast recipes like crepes, pancakes, biscuits or waffles
- On baked desserts like strawberry crumb bars and peanut butter and jelly cookies
- As a topping for vanilla ice cream or a banana split
- Add to a charcuterie board on top of baked brie
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Strawberry Jam Recipe
Equipment
- 5 half-pint containers
Ingredients
- 2 pints fresh strawberries (washed and stems removed)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1.75 ounces powdered fruit pectin (regular, not instant)
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Place strawberries in a blender with the lemon juice. Pulse the strawberries about 5-10 times. Note: You’ll want to still see little pieces of strawberries.
- Pour the crushed strawberries into a large bowl and then stir in sugar. Stir for about 2-3 minutes and then let sit for 15 minutes.
- Combine the fruit pectin and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for one minute. Pour the boiling water into the strawberries, stir and let rest for 3 minutes.
- Next pour the jam into jars (leaving about 1/2 inch from the top) and place lids on. Let the jars sit on the counter for 24 hours so they can set. Then place in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Just made your jam…its delicious can you just leave jam in fridge or do you have to freeze it? Mine is not real tight firm is that the way it should be?
You can store in the fridge! It will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Or to make last longer, it will keep in the freezer for up to 1 year. If freezing, make sure to leave about 1/2 inch room from the top so they don’t explode :)
I tried making freezer jam three times before. Your recipe restored my confidence. Thanks for making a recipe that actually works! I wasted too many strawberries and sugar and time. I was comforted to hear that the company changed their pectin.
So happy to hear it was a success, Sue! Thank you for your comment and review :)
Made this back in April and it was awesome. Love it!
Glad to hear it was a success, Phyllis!
You should say this recipe is for “freezer jam”
Could you maybe use 3 cups strawberries and 1 cup rhubarb?
I haven’t tried, but let me know how it goes if you give it a shot!
Is there any way to make this jam shelf stable?
I haven’t tried canning this recipe (it’s meant to be stored in the freezer), so I can’t say for sure until I test it. I’m going to try testing it this summer :)
Do you use 4 cups of blended strawberries or 4 cups of strawberries before blended
4 cups (2 pints) fresh strawberries before blended :)
Can you use other fruits? Raspberries, cherries, grapes, peaches, apricots?
I haven’t tried, but I think it should work! Some berries have seeds, so you may want to pour the mixture into a sieve or fine mesh strainer to remove them. Let me know if you give it a shot!
Can you use Splenda instead of sugar?
I haven’t tried, but let me know if you give it a shot!
Do you have any sugar free homemade jam recipes?
Unfortunately I do not :(