Make a batch of no pectin strawberry rhubarb jam with just strawberries, rhubarb, lemon juice, and sugar! This fruit-forward spread is sweet, tart, and perfect for summer.

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Easy Jam Recipe Without Pectin
This homemade strawberry rhubarb jam is made with just fruit, sugar, and lemon juice, no pectin required! The sweet-tart flavor is perfectly balanced and makes a vibrant spread that’s great on toast or gifted in a jar
If you’ve tried my strawberry rhubarb crisp, this recipe transforms those summery flavors into a jam you can enjoy all season long. Love homemade jam? You might also like my blueberry jam, homemade strawberry jam, or freezer peach jam.
Ingredient
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Combine chopped rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a large saucepan over medium heat.
Once it starts to bubble, reduce heat and let the mixture gently simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the temperature reaches 220°F.
Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a bit of space at the top. Secure the lids and let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours to set.
Canning Method
If you’d like to preserve this jam for longer storage, you can process it using a water bath canning method:
- Sterilize jars and lids: Boil jars and lids in water for 10 minutes, then let them dry.
- Fill the jars: Ladle hot jam into jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids and bands.
- Process in a water bath: Place jars in a boiling water bath (ensuring they are fully submerged), and process for 10 minutes.
- Cool and store: Let jars cool undisturbed for 24 hours. Check that seals have formed, then store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Recipe Tips
- Serving ideas: Spread it on on a slice of homemade bread, swirl into yogurt, or spoon over ice cream for a fruity dessert topping.
- Stir regularly: As the jam thickens, especially near the end of cooking, stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
- Skim the foam: Use a spoon to skim off any foam that forms during cooking. This helps keep the jam clear and smooth.
- Wipe the jar rims: Before sealing, wipe any drips from the jar rims to ensure a proper seal during canning.
Looking for more ways to use this jam? Swap raspberry jam for this one in raspberry thumbprint cookies or strawberry crumble bars.
More Summer Fruit Recipes
No Pectin Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Video
Equipment
- 5 half-pint containers with lids, , sterilized
Ingredients
- 5 ½ cups diced (1/2" pieces) rhubarb (about 4 stalks)
- 2 ½ cups hulled and halved strawberries
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
Instructions
- In large saucepan, stir together 5 1/2 cups rhubarb, 2 1/2 cups strawberries, 2 1/2 cups sugar, and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice over medium heat. As soon as it starts to bubble, reduce heat to medium low or low. You will want a few bubbles but not a rolling boil.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour, or until the jam has thickened and a digital thermometer reads 220°F.
- Carefully pour hot jam into 5 half-pint sterilized jars (*see note), leaving 1/4-inch room at the top. Place lids on top and secure the ring bands. Let cool, untouched, 24 hours to set. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
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Sterilize. Boil 5 1-cup mason jars plus their rings and lids in water for 10 minutes. You can also run the rings and jars through the dishwasher and boil the lids, if you prefer. Place sterilized jars, lids, and bands on a clean towel.
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Boil water. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1-inch water. Turn on the heat to medium and bring to a boil.
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Fill. Carefully transfer hot jam to each jar, leaving at least 1/4-inch space at the top. Place lids on jars and secure the ring bands, just tight enough that can easily unscrew.
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Can. Carefully place jars in boiling water and boil 10 minutes. Remove the jars and place at least 1-inch apart on a dish towel. Let cool, undisturbed, 24 hours. The seals on the lids will pop soon after removing from the water.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Just thaw the fruit completely and drain any excess liquid. You may need to simmer the jam a bit longer if there’s extra moisture.
No, this recipe doesn’t require pectin since strawberries and rhubarb contain natural pectin that will work with the sugar to help the jam set.
You could reduce the sugar but remember that sugar helps the jam to set. If you reduce the sugar too much, it can affect the texture.
Check with a thermometer, it should reach 220°F. Or use the freezer plate test: place a spoonful on a cold plate, let it sit for a minute, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles, it’s ready!
Binnie
I added about 12 raspberries and it was so unbelievably awesome!!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Sounds so delicious! What a summery combination!
Linda
great recipe wonderful past time to make your jam during recovery from surgery..Its delicious!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you loved the strawberry rhubarb jam! Sending well wishes for a speedy recovery.
Sharina
This strawberry rhubarb jam is bursting with flavors. A perfect pair for my toast. What a wonderful meal to start my busy day.
Dana
This jam is summer perfection! Every year I have more rhubarb than I know what to do with from the garden and this jam is the best way to use it up. I made a big batch and gave it to neighbors, everyone loved it.
Toni
This was a huge hit at my house! Our new favorite partner for toast!!