Oh my goodness, if you’ve never tried making strawberry freezer jam, you’re in for a treat! It’s one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can whip up in your kitchen. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh strawberries captured in a jar, ready to spread on warm toast or dollop on pancakes. I’ve been making jam for years, and this strawberry freezer jam recipe stands out because it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any fancy canning equipment. You’ll love how versatile it is—perfect for gifts or just keeping your pantry stocked with summer’s sweetness all year round!
Ingredients for Strawberry Freezer Jam
Gathering the right ingredients is super important for making the best strawberry freezer jam. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed: Make sure to use ripe, juicy strawberries for that fresh flavor. I love to crush them with a fork or a potato masher—just enough to break them down but still leave some nice texture!
- 2 cups granulated sugar: This sweetener helps preserve the jam and brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Don’t skimp on this—trust me, it makes all the difference!
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best! The acidity not only brightens up the flavor but also helps with the jam’s setting.
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: This is what gives your jam that lovely, spreadable consistency. You can find it in the baking aisle. Make sure it’s the right size, as different brands might vary!
How to Prepare Strawberry Freezer Jam
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making your strawberry freezer jam! It’s really straightforward and honestly, you’ll be surprised at just how easy it is. I promise, if you follow these steps, you’ll have a delicious jam ready to go in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries: Start by giving those strawberries a good rinse under cold water. Then, hull them by removing the green tops. You want them nice and clean for the best flavor!
- Crush the strawberries: Once they’re prepped, place the strawberries in a large bowl and crush them using a fork or a potato masher. You want about 2 cups of crushed strawberries—some small chunks are totally okay; it adds texture!
- Add sugar and lemon juice: Now, sprinkle the 2 cups of granulated sugar and the 1/4 cup of lemon juice over the crushed strawberries. Stir everything together and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to start dissolving.
- Prepare the pectin: While your strawberry mixture is resting, grab a separate pot. Mix your pectin with the required amount of water (check the package for specifics) and bring it to a rolling boil. Keep stirring to prevent any clumping!
- Combine the mixtures: Once the pectin is boiling, quickly stir it into the strawberry mixture. You want to do this right away so the pectin activates. Mix it well until everything is combined and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour into containers: Carefully pour your jam into clean containers. I like using plastic freezer-safe jars, but glass jars work too—just make sure they’re freezer-friendly! Leave a little space at the top for expansion.
- Seal and freeze: Seal the containers tightly and pop them into the freezer. You’ll want to let them set for about 24 hours before digging in, but trust me, the wait is worth it!
And there you have it! Making strawberry freezer jam is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be thrilled with the fresh, fruity flavor that you just can’t get from store-bought options. Enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: You can whip up this delicious strawberry freezer jam in just 15 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking! It’s perfect for those with busy schedules.
- Fresh flavor: Using ripe strawberries means you get that vibrant, fruity taste that’s just bursting with summer goodness—way better than anything store-bought!
- No canning required: This recipe skips the complicated canning process, making it accessible for everyone. Just mix, pour, and freeze!
- Versatile uses: Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a topping for desserts. The possibilities are endless!
- Great for gifting: Put it in cute jars and give them as gifts. Who wouldn’t love a jar of homemade strawberry jam?
- Long shelf life: Store it in the freezer for up to a year. You can enjoy the taste of summer whenever you want!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your strawberry freezer jam, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results every single time!
- Choose the ripest strawberries: The flavor of your jam is only as good as the strawberries you use! Look for berries that are deep red, plump, and fragrant. They should be sweet and juicy—this is key for that fresh taste!
- Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the crushed strawberries to sit with the sugar and lemon juice for 10 minutes is crucial. This step helps the sugar dissolve and draws out more juice from the strawberries, enhancing the flavor.
- Stir gently: When combining your pectin with the strawberry mixture, be careful not to over-stir. You want to mix just enough to incorporate everything without breaking down the fruit too much!
- Use clean containers: Make sure your jars or containers are clean and dry before pouring in the jam. This helps prevent any unwanted bacteria and ensures your jam stays fresh and delicious.
- Label and date: Don’t forget to label your containers with the date! This way, you’ll know how long it’s been in the freezer. Trust me, you’ll want to keep track of your homemade treasures!
- Experiment with flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! You can add a splash of vanilla extract or mix in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a strawberry freezer jam pro in no time! Happy jamming!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your strawberry freezer jam is super simple, and it’s all about keeping that fresh flavor intact! Once you’ve poured your jam into clean containers, seal them tightly and pop them into the freezer. Make sure to leave a little room at the top since the jam will expand as it freezes—trust me, you don’t want any messy surprises!
As for how long it lasts, you can keep your strawberry freezer jam in the freezer for up to a year. Yup, that’s right! Just imagine having that delicious taste of summer available even in the middle of winter!
When you’re ready to enjoy your jam, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor, which is just what you want. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get too warm.
Once thawed, use your jam within 2-3 weeks for the best taste. I find that keeping it stored in the fridge in a clean jar works beautifully! Just remember to always use a clean spoon when scooping out your jam to keep it fresh and delicious every time. Enjoy every spoonful of your homemade goodness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this strawberry freezer jam: the values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I do my best to provide estimates, I can’t guarantee they’re 100% accurate.
On average, each tablespoon of this delicious jam contains around 50 calories, with about 12 grams of sugar and 13 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these numbers can change based on how you make your jam, especially if you decide to add any extra ingredients or toppings.
Always feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs or preferences, and remember to enjoy this sweet treat in moderation! Happy jamming!
FAQ About Strawberry Freezer Jam
Got questions about making strawberry freezer jam? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my go-to answers.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can work well too, just make sure they’re thawed and drained of excess liquid before crushing them. They might not be quite as vibrant as fresh, but they’ll still taste great!
- How long does the jam last in the freezer? Your strawberry freezer jam can last up to a year in the freezer, so you can enjoy that fresh flavor long after the strawberries are out of season!
- Can I substitute the sugar with something else? You can try using alternatives like honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind that it might change the texture and sweetness level. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, look for pectin specifically designed for low-sugar jams!
If you have more questions or need tips, just drop a comment below! I love chatting about all things jam!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear all about your strawberry freezer jam adventures! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Did you add any special twists or flavors? Your feedback not only makes my day but helps others in our little cooking community, too!
And if you enjoyed this recipe, consider rating it! It’s super helpful and encourages me to keep sharing my kitchen experiments with you. Let’s spread the jam love together! 🍓
Happy jamming, and don’t forget to share your own strawberry freezer jam experiences—every spoonful is a story waiting to be told!
Print
Strawberry Freezer Jam: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy strawberry freezer jam recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries.
- Crush the strawberries in a bowl.
- Add sugar and lemon juice to the crushed strawberries.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- In a separate pot, mix pectin with water and bring to a boil.
- Stir the boiling pectin into the strawberry mixture.
- Pour the jam into clean containers.
- Seal and freeze the jam.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Store in freezer for up to 1 year.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry freezer jam, easy jam, homemade jam
