Strawberry Freezer Spread
A vibrant, sweet strawberry spread perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts. Bright lemon flavor and natural fruitiness make it a delightful, versatile treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine half of the crushed strawberries, lemon juice, pectin, and salt in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a full boil and boil hard for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the remaining strawberries.
- Add gelatin to cold water in a small saucepan and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Dissolve the gelatin over low heat.
- Mix the dissolved gelatin and Sugar Twin into the strawberry mixture; let cool slightly.
- Put the mixture into freezer containers, leaving 3/4-inch space at the top for expansion; cover.
- Store in the freezer.
- To thaw, place containers in the fridge for 24 hours before using.
- Use within 10 days of thawing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker spread, you can increase the amount of pectin slightly. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a bit of honey or agave syrup to the mixture. Remember to thoroughly crush the strawberries for an even consistency. If you're out of gelatin, agar-agar can be a suitable vegan substitute, but adjust the amount as needed for gelling.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry freezer spread is perfect on toast, pancakes, or as a topping for yogurt and ice cream. Consider pairing it with fresh whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It also complements savory dishes like cheese platters or can be used in recipes like the Cranberry Apple Freeze for a fruity twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store the strawberry freezer spread in airtight containers, ensuring you leave a 3/4-inch space at the top for expansion. It can be kept in the freezer for several months. Once thawed, consume the spread within 10 days for the best flavor and texture. Always thaw in the fridge to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Freezer Spread contains roughly 2 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1745mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but keep in mind that you'll need to crush them and possibly add a little more lemon juice for acidity. Fresh strawberries may also require a longer cooking time to reach the desired consistency.
How can I make this spread less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar or use unsweetened fruit pectin. Additionally, adding a bit more lemon juice can help balance the flavors without adding sweetness.
Is it possible to can this spread instead of freezing?
This recipe is intended for freezing due to the use of gelatin and pectin, which may not hold up well in traditional canning. If you prefer canning, look for a tested canning recipe to ensure safety and proper preservation.
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).