There’s something truly magical about homemade jam, isn’t there? The bright, sweet aroma of fresh strawberries fills the kitchen, and you can’t help but smile. Making strawberry freezer jam is one of those simple joys that brings back fond memories of my childhood, when my family would spend sunny afternoons in the garden picking berries. Trust me, nothing compares to the taste of your own jam spread on warm toast! This recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before. You just need a handful of ingredients, a little bit of time, and you’ll have a delightful, fruity spread ready to stash in your freezer. So let’s dive in and create some strawberry magic together!
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful strawberry freezer jam, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 package fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
Make sure your strawberries are ripe for the best flavor! The combination of sweet berries and tangy lemon juice creates a delicious balance that makes this jam irresistible. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to strawberry jam bliss in no time!
How to Prepare Strawberry Freezer Jam
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get started on making this delicious strawberry freezer jam! I promise, it’s as easy as pie—well, easier, since there’s no baking involved! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have that sweet berry goodness ready to freeze in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, rinse those beautiful fresh strawberries under cold water and hull them to remove the green tops. This ensures you get all the sweetness without any bitter bits!
- Next, grab a large bowl and crush the strawberries until you have about 2 cups. I love using a potato masher for this, but a fork works too—just make sure it’s well crushed for maximum flavor!
- Now, add 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the crushed strawberries. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting period allows the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While that’s happening, prepare the fruit pectin according to the package instructions in a separate bowl. It usually involves mixing it with a bit of water, so read the directions carefully!
- Once your pectin is ready, combine it with the strawberry mixture and stir for about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens slightly and looks glossy—oh, the anticipation!
- Finally, carefully pour your vibrant jam into clean containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion when it freezes. Seal them up tight and pop them in the freezer. You did it!
And remember, this jam is best enjoyed after it’s had a chance to chill and set in the freezer for a few hours. Now go on and relish the fruits of your labor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this strawberry freezer jam in just 15 minutes—no cooking required!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon juice creates a mouthwatering taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy Storage: Just pop your jars in the freezer, and you have homemade jam ready to enjoy any time you want!
- Versatile Use: Spread it on toast, dollop it on pancakes, or use it as a topping for desserts—the possibilities are endless!
Trust me, once you try this jam, you’ll be hooked on its fresh flavor and simplicity! It’s a delightful way to savor summer all year long.
Tips for Success
To make the best strawberry freezer jam, using ripe strawberries is key! The sweeter the berries, the tastier your jam will be. Look for strawberries that are bright red and fragrant—they’re the ones bursting with flavor! Also, don’t skip the lemon juice; it not only enhances the taste but helps preserve that beautiful red color. When it comes to storage, make sure your containers are clean and airtight to keep your jam fresh. Label them with the date so you know when to enjoy them by, and remember, you can store them in the freezer for up to one year. Happy jamming!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for this strawberry freezer jam. Keep in mind, these are estimates:
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 0g
This jam is a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
How long can I store strawberry freezer jam?
You can store your strawberry freezer jam in the freezer for up to one year! Just make sure to keep it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness.
How do I thaw the jam?
To thaw your jam, simply move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also place the sealed container in a bowl of warm water for quicker thawing.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before crushing them.
What if I want to reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar a bit, but keep in mind that sugar helps with preservation and texture. Consider using a sugar substitute specifically designed for canning if you want a lower-sugar option.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by mixing in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a unique flavor twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar and lemon juice to balance the flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious strawberry freezer jam is super simple! Just make sure to keep it in clean, airtight containers before popping it into the freezer. I like to use plastic containers or glass jars, but ensure they’re suitable for freezing. This jam can last up to one year in the freezer, so you can enjoy that fresh taste all year long!
When you’re ready to enjoy your jam, just transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. If you need it sooner, placing the sealed container in a bowl of warm water can speed up the process. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before using! Enjoy every spoonful of your homemade goodness!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious strawberry freezer jam, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! One of my favorite ways is to spread it generously on warm, buttery toast—there’s just something magical about that first bite! You can also drizzle it over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat that feels like a special occasion. Feeling adventurous? Use it as a delightful topping for ice cream or yogurt; the contrast of the cool, creamy base with the sweet, fruity jam is pure bliss. And don’t forget about adding it to desserts like cheesecakes or tarts for that extra burst of strawberry flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and savor every spoonful! Yum!
Print
Strawberry Freezer Jam: 5 Easy Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious strawberry freezer jam.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, crushed
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare strawberries by washing and hulling them.
- Crush the strawberries in a bowl.
- Add sugar and lemon juice to the crushed strawberries, stir well.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix fruit pectin with water according to package instructions.
- Combine the pectin mixture with the strawberry mixture, stir for 3 minutes.
- Pour the jam into clean containers, leaving space at the top.
- Seal the containers and freeze.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Store in the freezer for up to one year.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry freezer jam, homemade jam, fruit preserves
