A jar of vibrant homemade strawberry jam, ready to spread on your favorite treats. Discover the perfect homemade strawberry jam recipe to elevate your breakfasts and snacks.
Is there anything better than a jar of homemade strawberry jam sitting in your fridge, ready to spread on warm toast or drizzle over ice cream? I don’t think so! This strawberry jam recipe is one of those simple, satisfying kitchen projects that anyone can do—no canning skills required.
We’re talking freezer jam, friends. That means no hot water bath, no special equipment, and no worrying about sealing jars. Just fresh strawberries, sugar, pectin, and a little stirring. It’s the easiest way to make jam at home, and the flavor? Pure strawberry sunshine.
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This is the same homemade strawberry jam recipe I make with my grandsons, Easton and Grady. We love spending the afternoon mashing berries and making memories. And trust me, when you taste this jam, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought stuff!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No cooking the fruit! The only part that goes on the stove is boiling the pectin.
- Bright, Fresh Flavor: Freezer jam tastes like fresh strawberries in a jar—because that’s exactly what it is.
- Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to jam-making, this is a great place to start.
- Versatile Use: Spread it on toast, pancakes, waffles, or spoon it over yogurt and ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Strawberry Jam
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade strawberry jam recipe:
- 8 quarts of fresh strawberries – hulled, washed, and crushed. This will yield enough for a big batch (perfect for gifting or freezing).
- Sugar – yes, you need the full amount! Don’t cut back or substitute, or the jam won’t set properly.
- Pectin – powdered pectin works great here
- Water – this is for dissolving the pectin.
How To Make Homemade Strawberry Jam
Step 1: Wash & Hull Your Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling 8 quarts of fresh strawberries. This is a fun step to do with kids! We always end up sneaking a few berries while we work.
Step 2: Crush the Strawberries
Pulse the hulled berries in a food processor. You want small pieces but don’t turn them into a purée. Leave a little texture!
Step 3: Stir in Sugar
Pour your crushed strawberries into a big bowl. Add the sugar (no skimping here!) and stir well. Let this mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the sugar can dissolve into the fruit.
Step 4: Boil the Pectin
In a small saucepan, combine your powdered pectin with water. Bring it to a full rolling boil and stir constantly for 1 minute. This is the only cooking step!
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Pour the hot pectin mixture into your strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir for about 3 minutes to combine everything evenly.
Step 6: Pour you homemade strawberry jam into Jars
Pour the jam into clean jelly jars or freezer-safe containers. Leave about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.
Step 7: Let It Set
Leave the jam at room temperature for 24 hours to set. After that, pop the jars into the freezer (or keep one in the fridge to enjoy right away). You should get 8 – 8 oz jars.
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Jam
- In the Fridge: Keeps for about 3 weeks.
- In the Freezer: Keeps for up to 6 months
- After Opening: Use within 2–3 weeks for best quality.
What If My Jam Doesn’t Set?
Don’t worry—it happens! Freezer jam is usually a little softer than cooked jam. If your jam seems too runny after 24 hours:
- Give it another day in the fridge. Sometimes it just needs a little extra time.
- Use it as a strawberry sauce! It’s perfect for pancakes, waffles, or drizzling over vanilla ice cream.
- If you really want it thicker, you can reheat it with more pectin and a bit of sugar following package instructions. But honestly? We love it just the way it is.
Ways to Use Homemade Strawberry Jam
Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this strawberry jam recipe:
- On pancakes and waffles
- Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
- As a filling for thumbprint cookies
- Spooned over cheesecake
- Or just spread on buttered toast—the classic way!
Final Thoughts
Making homemade strawberry jam is one of those kitchen projects that’s just plain fun. It’s a great way to use up fresh berries, and it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together. Whether you’re making jam with your kids, grandkids, or just for yourself, you’ll love having jars of sweet strawberry goodness waiting in your freezer.
If you try this recipe, let me know! Drop a comment, share your kitchen memories, or tag me on social media—I love hearing from you.
More Delicious Berry Recipes To Try!
Raspberry Cream Sandwich Cookies
Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
Strawberry Cream Cheese Truffles
Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe (Easy Freezer Jam)
Equipment
- jelly jars or freezer containers
Ingredients
- 8 quarts fresh strawberries – hulled and washed
- 4 cups granulated sugar – no substitutions!
- 6 tablespoons powdered pectin
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups crushed strawberries with 4 cups sugar. Stir well, then let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the sugar dissolves into the berries.
- In a small saucepan, stir 6 tablespoons pectin into ¾ cup water. Bring it to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 1 full minute.
- Pour the hot pectin mixture into the strawberry and sugar mixture. Stir for 3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Ladle the jam into clean jelly jars or freezer-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
- Leave the jars at room temperature for 24 hours so the jam can set.
- After 24 hours, place the jars in the freezer or refrigerator. Jam will keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Notes
- Don’t reduce the sugar! Cutting the sugar will prevent the jam from setting properly.
- Runny jam? Use it as a strawberry syrup for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream!
- Make it a family project! This is a great recipe to make with kids or grandkids.
- Gift it! These jars make the perfect homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
- When it comes to the nutrition information provided for recipes, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s just an estimate. The actual nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Be mindful that any nutritional information provided is intended as a general guideline rather than exact values.