Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe
If you have a craving for something sweet, fresh, and utterly delightful, this Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe will become your new kitchen obsession. It’s a wonderfully simple way to capture the bright, fruity essence of ripe strawberries without any complicated steps or added pectin. With just three ingredients—strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice—you’ll create a luscious jam bursting with natural flavor that’s perfect for everything from breakfast to baking treats. It’s the kind of homemade goodness that feels like a warm hug in a jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring the jam has the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and that vibrant red color you expect from a classic strawberry preserve.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the berries and helps the jam set to the right consistency.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity that enhances the strawberry flavor while aiding preservation.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing your chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice into a medium saucepan. This trio of ingredients will soon transform into a luscious, homemade jam, so it’s important to get them all in the pot before heating up.
Step 2: Heat and Stir
Turn your stove to medium heat and gently warm the mixture. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar completely and encourage the strawberries to release their natural juices. As the mixture heats up, you’ll notice the berries becoming soft and joyful juices bubbling up.
Step 3: Boil and Thicken
Bring your strawberry mixture to a gentle boil. Maintain this for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often and mashing the berries slightly with a spoon or potato masher to help break them down. This cooks off excess liquid and helps the jam thicken to that perfect spreadable texture you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Test for Doneness
To check if your jam is ready, carefully spoon a bit onto a chilled plate. Once cooled, push the jam with your finger; if it wrinkles and holds its form, congratulations, your jam is perfectly set!
Step 5: Cool and Store
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let your jam cool completely. Transfer it to a clean jar, seal it tight, and store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delightful for up to two weeks.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, add a sprig of fresh mint or a few whole strawberries on top of your jam toast or yogurt bowl. These little green pops of color add freshness and make your serving look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm, buttery toast, flaky croissants, or even a creamy spread like ricotta or cream cheese. It also makes a delicious filling for pancakes or waffles when you want a fruity twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling this jam into vanilla yogurt for a colorful parfait, folding it into oatmeal for a sweet surprise, or spooning it over plain cheesecake for a quick dessert upgrade. The vibrant color and fresh flavor will brighten any dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your jam has cooled and been transferred to a sterilized jar, it can be refrigerated safely for up to two weeks. Keep the lid tightly closed to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent any spoilage.
Freezing
If you want to keep your jam for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Place it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen jam, a quick reheat on low heat in a small saucepan will bring it back to a spreadable consistency. Stir gently and avoid boiling to preserve the fresh strawberry flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work well if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery jam.
Do I need to add pectin to this recipe?
No pectin is necessary! The natural pectin in strawberries combined with sugar and lemon juice helps the jam set beautifully.
How can I make the jam smoother?
If you prefer a silky texture, blend the cooked jam with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before cooling.
What’s the best way to sweeten the jam if my strawberries aren’t very sweet?
You can simply add a bit more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, during cooking. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
How long does the jam keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in a clean jar, your strawberry jam will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe is truly a little jar of sunshine that brightens any meal. Its simplicity makes it accessible for beginner cooks, and the fresh flavor will impress everyone who tastes it. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy all the tasty possibilities this homemade jam opens up. Grab those strawberries and get ready to spread a little happiness on everything you eat!
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Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Strawberry Jam recipe is a quick and straightforward way to enjoy fresh, fruity homemade jam with only three simple ingredients—fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or enhancing your baked goods, it requires no pectin and uses a stovetop cooking method to develop a rich, thick texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to start the jam base.
- Cook Strawberry Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir often until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries release their juices.
- Boil and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and continue cooking for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently. Mash the berries slightly with the back of a spoon or potato masher as they soften to help the jam thicken.
- Test for Doneness: To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. If it sets and wrinkles when pushed, the jam is done.
- Cool and Store: Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool completely. Transfer the jam to a clean jar and refrigerate. It keeps for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the jam after cooking.
- You can freeze the jam in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
