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.

Strawberry rhubarb jam in jars on counter.

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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

Strawberry rhubarb jam ingredients on counter.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Combine chopped rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a large saucepan over medium heat.

Strawberries, rhubarb and sugar in a pot.

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.

Strawberry rhubarb jam after simmering on stove.

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:

    1. Sterilize jars and lids: Boil jars and lids in water for 10 minutes, then let them dry.
    2. Fill the jars: Ladle hot jam into jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids and bands.
    3. Process in a water bath: Place jars in a boiling water bath (ensuring they are fully submerged), and process for 10 minutes.
    4. 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.
    Strawberry rhubarb jam in a jar.

    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.
    Strawberry rhubarb jam spread on bread.

    Looking for more ways to use this jam? Swap raspberry jam for this one in raspberry thumbprint cookies or strawberry crumble bars.

    Strawberry rhubarb jam spread on bread.

    No Pectin Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

    5 from 8 votes
    Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Set Time: 1 day
    Total Time: 1 day 1 hour 20 minutes
    Servings: 36
    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.

    Video

    Equipment

    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

    Note: This recipes makes 4 1/2 pint jars. Prep 5 jars just in case .
    Lemon juice: Don’t skip out on the lemon juice! The lemon helps set the jam and prevents the growth of bacteria.
    Storage: Store the jam in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. If you can the jam, the unopened jam will last at room temperature up to 1 year.
    Canning: The jam will last up to 1 year at room temperature if canned properly.
    • 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.
    • 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. 
    • 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.
    • 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

    Serving: 2TB, Calories: 57kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 54mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 19IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 0.05mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb to make jam?

    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.

    Do I need to use pectin to make jam?

    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.

    Can I reduce the sweetness of my jam?

    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.

    How do I know when my jam is done?

    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!