Imagine capturing the essence of summer's most beloved fruit in a jar that bursts with pure, vibrant flavor – without spending hours in a hot kitchen! This Easy Strawberry Freezer Jam is your ticket to preserving those perfect, sun-ripened strawberries with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned kitchen pro, this no-cook recipe will transform ordinary strawberries into a spreadable treasure that'll have your family and friends begging for more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
Instructions
- Wash and hull fresh strawberries, removing stems and green tops completely.
- Using a potato masher or food processor, crush strawberries until they reach a slightly chunky consistency. Avoid over-processing to maintain some fruit texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed strawberries with granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to ensure sugar begins to dissolve.
- Let the strawberry mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to help sugar incorporate and release fruit juices.
- Open the fruit pectin package and quickly stir it into the strawberry mixture, mixing continuously for 3 minutes to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping.
- Prepare clean glass jars or plastic freezer-safe containers by washing them in hot, soapy water and drying completely.
- Carefully ladle the jam mixture into prepared containers, leaving approximately 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Wipe container rims clean, secure lids tightly, and let jam sit at room temperature for 24 hours to set properly.
- After 24 hours, transfer containers to freezer. Jam will keep for up to 1 year when stored frozen.
- To use, thaw in refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks after defrosting.
Tips
- Choose the Freshest Berries: Select ripe, bright red strawberries at peak season for the most intense flavor.
- Precision Matters: Measure ingredients exactly – jam-making is a science that requires accuracy.
- Don't Skip the Pectin: This crucial ingredient helps your jam set properly and achieve the perfect consistency.
- Clean Containers are Key: Sterilize your jars or containers thoroughly to ensure food safety and prevent contamination.
- Room Temperature Setting: Allow the jam to sit at room temperature for the full 24 hours before freezing to ensure proper texture.
- Freezer Storage Tip: Label containers with the date and contents to keep track of your homemade treasure.
- Thawing Wisdom: Always thaw in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks of opening for the best taste and quality.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
