Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe
If you’re looking for that homemade touch to breakfast, brunch, or even desserts, Easy Strawberry Jam is the sweet, sun-kissed answer. This jam recipe packs all the essence of ripe strawberries into a glossy, intensely fruity spread that comes together with just a handful of ingredients. There’s no need for store-bought jars when you can whip up this vibrant, jewel-red jam in under an hour, no fancy equipment or pectin required! Whether you slather it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as the secret layer in your favorite baked goods, this Easy Strawberry Jam brings out smiles and a little taste of summer any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberries:
- 2 pounds, hulled and chopped
Granulated Sugar:
- 1 ½ cups
Lemon Juice:
- 2 tablespoons
Lemon Zest (optional):
- 1 tablespoon
How to Make Easy Strawberry Jam
Step 1: Combine Everything in the Saucepan
Start by tossing your chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) into a large saucepan. Give them a gentle stir so the sugar coats the berries. Setting things up this way means the flavors begin melding immediately and nothing sticks to the pan as you heat it up.
Step 2: Dissolve Sugar and Start Simmering
Turn the heat to medium, stirring regularly. You’ll see the strawberries start to release their luscious juices as the sugar dissolves completely. Once things get juicy and there’s no visible sugar left, increase the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step encourages the juices to cook down, drawing out all the best flavors.
Step 3: Simmer and Mash for Perfect Texture
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the jam gently simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. Every few minutes, stir and skim off any pale foam that rises to the top; this keeps your jam glossy and beautiful. Use a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spoon to break down the strawberries to your preferred consistency—some like it chunky, others silky smooth. The jam will thicken as it bubbles away.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
To see if your Easy Strawberry Jam is ready, grab a chilled plate and drop a spoonful of hot jam onto it. Let it sit for a minute, then gently push it with your finger; if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s set! If not, keep simmering for several more minutes and test again.
Step 5: Cool and Jar
Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the warm jam into clean jars (a funnel helps here) and allow them to cool completely before sealing. The jam will continue to gel a bit as it cools down. Store your freshly made Easy Strawberry Jam in the refrigerator or freezer, and get ready to spread it on everything!
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Jam
Garnishes
Try topping your jam-swirled toast with a thin slice of fresh strawberry or a twist of lemon zest for that extra-special look. Even a little dusting of powdered sugar over a jam-topped scone feels delightfully indulgent.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats a dollop of Easy Strawberry Jam alongside warm croissants, fluffy pancakes, or a generous slice of banana bread. It’s also sublime stirred into Greek yogurt or on top of cottage cheese for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond toast! Layer Easy Strawberry Jam between cake layers, spoon it over cheesecake, or swirl it into muffin or blondie batter before baking. Mini jars make lovely homemade gifts that brighten anyone’s day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy Strawberry Jam is completely cooled and sealed, keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three weeks—plenty of time to enjoy with your favorite meals and snacks.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Pop them into the freezer, and your Easy Strawberry Jam will be ready for up to six months, still bursting with summery flavor whenever you need it.
Reheating
To loosen chilled or frozen jam, simply let it sit at room temperature for a bit, or place the jar in a bowl of warm (not hot) water until it softens. Stir gently, and it’ll be ready to spread, swirl, or dollop as you please.
FAQs
Do I need to use pectin in this jam?
Nope! Easy Strawberry Jam gets its texture from the fruit itself and a bit of help from lemon juice, which naturally encourages the jam to set without any commercial pectin.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries before using. The flavor remains bright, and you’ll still have a spreadable, delicious jam, though the texture might be a touch softer.
Can I cut down on the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar for a less sweet jam, but keep in mind that sugar helps preserve the jam and contributes to its thick texture. Lower sugar might result in a looser set and shorter shelf life.
Why do I need to skim foam from the top?
Foam can make your Easy Strawberry Jam look cloudy or pale once it’s jarred, so skimming it off during simmering keeps your jam beautifully clear and bright in the jars.
How do I know if my jam has set properly?
The plate test is your best friend! Drop a spoonful on a cold plate, let it cool, and push it gently—if it wrinkles, it’s ready. If it just runs, simmer a bit longer and test again after a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a spoonful of homemade Easy Strawberry Jam—sweet, tangy, and packed with berry flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a total beginner, this recipe brings a taste of nostalgia and summer sunshine to your kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how simple and satisfying making your own jam can be!
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Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 2 ½ cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make a quick and delicious Easy Strawberry Jam at home with just a few simple ingredients. This homemade jam is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and is perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using in your favorite recipes.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries:
- 2 pounds, hulled and chopped
Granulated Sugar:
- 1 ½ cups
Lemon Juice:
- 2 tablespoons
Lemon Zest (optional):
- 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mash and Test: Mash strawberries to desired consistency. Test jam by chilling a spoonful on a plate—should wrinkle when pushed.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat, cool slightly, then pour into jars. Seal and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- You can reduce sugar for a less sweet jam, but it may affect thickness and shelf life.
- No pectin needed—lemon juice naturally helps it set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
