Fresh Strawberry Freezer Jam
A sweet, fruity freezer jam with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting. Easy to make and preserves the vibrant taste of summer strawberries.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove stems from strawberries and crush them one cup at a time using a potato masher.
- Combine crushed berries and sugar in a bowl. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a saucepan, stir pectin and water together on high heat.
- Stir the pectin mixture into the fruit mixture.
- Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is no longer grainy, about 3 minutes.
- Pour the jam quickly into jars to within 1/2 inch from the top.
- Wipe off the edges of the jars and cover with lids.
- Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours to set.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year.
- To use, thaw in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries. If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar by up to a cup. You can also substitute pectin with a low-sugar alternative if desired. Make sure to sterilize your jars and lids to prevent spoilage. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
This fresh strawberry freezer jam is perfect on toast, pancakes, or waffles. It pairs beautifully with Yogurt Parfaits or can be used as a filling for pastries and cakes. For a refreshing drink, mix it into lemonade for a delightful Strawberry Lemonade Slush. Enjoy it with a side of scones for a lovely brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you freeze it, use airtight containers or freezer-safe jars, leaving space for expansion. When ready to use, thaw the jam in the refrigerator overnight. Do not refreeze thawed jam, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Strawberry Freezer Jam contains roughly 264 calories, with 6g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just ensure they are completely thawed and drained of excess juice before crushing them for the jam.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the jam?
You can reduce the sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that sugar helps the jam set properly. If you prefer it less sweet, consider using a sugar substitute designed for canning, or reduce the sugar by up to a cup without compromising the consistency significantly.
What is the difference between freezer jam and traditional jam?
Freezer jam retains more fresh fruit flavor and a softer texture compared to traditional cooked jam. The quick preparation and the absence of cooking helps preserve the bright color and taste of the strawberries, making it a favorite for summer recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).