Homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam
- Capture summer’s sweetness with this easy strawberry freezer jam recipe.
- No complicated canning process required for this vibrant, fresh preserve.
- Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts year-round.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups (16 servings) 1x
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (preferably in-season)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch of salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, for natural thickening)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Wash strawberries thoroughly under cold running water.
- Remove stems and hulls completely, then slice into uniform 1/4-inch pieces.
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
- Let mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow berries to release their juices.
- Place saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently until sugar completely dissolves (3-5 minutes).
- Bring to a gentle simmer and use a potato masher to crush berries to desired consistency.
- Maintain a gentle simmer for 8-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Test for doneness by placing a small amount on a cold plate – it should wrinkle slightly when pushed.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer to clean freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Seal containers, label with date, and cool completely at room temperature before freezing.
Notes
- Choose firm, ripe strawberries with vibrant red color for best flavor.
- Include a few slightly underripe berries for better natural pectin content.
- For smoother jam, use an immersion blender briefly after cooking.
- Jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Stores in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks or in the freezer for up to 12 months.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 62
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: make strawberry freezer jam, strawberry jam recipe, freezer jam method, preserve strawberries, quick jam making