The Easiest Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe

There is no better way to preserve those perfectly sweet strawberries during summer than making preserves. However, making traditional jams can be a tedious process.

Fortunately, there are easier ways to make strawberry preserve – you can make freezer jam that will last an entire year.

Here is the easiest recipe for homemade strawberry freezer jam you are guaranteed to enjoy.

What You Need to Make Strawberry Jam

For this homemade jam, you will need:

  • Two cups of ripe strawberries (or frozen strawberries)
  • 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 ounces liquid gelatin
  • One tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Glass jars or plastic containers

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing your storage containers or canning jars by rinsing them with soapy water. Cut the fresh berries into quarters.

Step 2

In a large bowl, crush your diced ingredients with a potato masher to your desired size. Avoid using a food processor to retain the texture of the berries.

Step 3

Combine the crushed strawberries with sugar in a small saucepan, place on the stove, and stir. Bring to a boil on high heat by stirring constantly. It should reach about 220 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4

After just a few minutes, when the sugar has completely dissolved, stir in lemon juice and gelatin, stirring occasionally. Remove it from the stove, and with a spoon, fill containers, leaving about ½ inch at the top as the liquid will expand.

Step 5

Stand at room temperature for 24 hours until the jam begins to set. You can store the finished product in the freezer for a year; thaw it in the fridge before using it.

The Benefits of Using a Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe

  • You will save a great amount of time making freezer jam instead of traditional jam. Instead of cooking crushed berries until the jam thickens and waiting another two days for it to set properly, you let your freezer do this for you in less than half the time.
  • With this recipe, your strawberry jam will taste better and require less sugar, even if you are using fresh or frozen fruit. Plus, it will retain most of its fiber and vitamin content.
  • Most recipes require sterilizing jars. However, this product is meant to be kept frozen, eliminating contamination. Mistakes to Avoid With Recipes When Making Jam From Fresh Strawberries

To avoid your freezer jam getting a grainy texture, mix the sugar and strawberry mixture well before and after adding the lemon juice and gelatin.

If your strawberry freezer jam remains liquid even after it comes out of the cold, you have probably used too little or an expired fruit pectin box.

Tips for the Best Homemade Strawberry Jam

If you melt the sugar onto the diced strawberries in a microwave for your strawberry freezer jam, you won’t need to let the jam cool, but you will need to wait an additional 2 hours for the jam to set.

While the recipe notes the liquid pectin mixture, you can use powdered pectin instead if you find it easier to measure the exact amount and help the jam set correctly.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the easiest way to make homemade strawberry freezer jam try it out on toast, ice cream, or anything you like.

You can even get the recipe adapted and use a couple of cups of crushed raspberries or use other ingredients to create delicious rhubarb jam or blackberry jam.

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Hi there! My name is Caroline Stevens, and I am an American mom of three wonderful children. I started this blog to help everyday families be more sustainable and save money by preventing food waste. I currently live in Wisconsin, and enjoy crafting, cooking at home, and traveling. I have a degree in art and previously worked in the restaurant business.