Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

The Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe is a delightful way to preserve the sweet, vibrant flavors of strawberries. Perfect for breakfast spreads, dessert toppings, or simply enjoying by the spoonful, this jam brings a homemade touch to your table. The addition of lemon not only enhances the strawberry flavor but also acts as a natural preservative, making it both delicious and long-lasting. Whether you’re canning for yourself or gifting to friends, this recipe is sure to impress on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: This easy strawberry jam recipe requires just three main ingredients and minimal effort.
• Fresh Flavor: The combination of strawberries and lemon creates a bright, fresh taste that is hard to resist.
• No Pectin Needed: Skip the store-bought pectin; this recipe relies on natural fruit sugars and lemon juice for setting.
• Versatile Use: Perfect on toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for desserts—this jam can elevate any dish.
• Long Shelf Life: When properly sealed, this jam can last for months on your pantry shelf.

Tools and Preparation

To make your easy strawberry jam, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment will help you create delicious jam without any hassle.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jam cooking pot
• Candy thermometer
• Hand blender
• Clean sterilized jars with lids

Importance of Each Tool

• Jam cooking pot: A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, preventing scorching while cooking the jam.
• Candy thermometer: This tool ensures you achieve the correct temperature for proper setting of your jam.
• Hand blender: Blending gives your jam a smooth consistency without needing extra equipment.

Ingredients

For this easy strawberry jam recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 2.2 Pounds Strawberries
• 3 1/2 cups Sugar
• 1 large Lemon (see Notes)

How to Make Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries

Wash your strawberries well. Pick out any moldy or spoiled ones and discard them. Remove the stems and cut your strawberries into small pieces.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Place the chopped strawberries into your jam cooking pot. Add in the sugar and squeeze in the lemon juice. Don’t forget to add the squeezed lemon halves for extra flavor.

Step 3: Heat Up

Turn on the heat and stir the mixture gently as you bring it to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let your jam simmer for at least 30 minutes or until it reaches a desired consistency.

Step 5: Blend If Necessary

If you prefer a smoother texture, use a hand blender to blend the mixture until it’s smooth.

Step 6: Test for Set

Check if your jam has set by using a candy thermometer (220°F/105°C) or drop some hot jam onto a frozen plate; if it doesn’t run off, it’s ready!

Step 7: Jar It Up

Prepare clean sterilized jars. Fill them with hot jam up to the rim. Adding a bit of lemon juice or alcohol-free vanilla extract in lids helps eliminate germs.

Step 8: Seal Jars

Close each filled jar tightly with its lid. Turn them upside down immediately to create a vacuum seal. Leave them like this until they cool overnight.

Step 9: Store Your Jam

Label each jar with its name and date after cooling. Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate once opened.

With these simple steps, you’ll have delicious homemade strawberry jam ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

Serving your homemade Easy Strawberry Jam is a delightful experience that can enhance various meals and snacks. There are many creative ways to enjoy this sweet treat, whether for breakfast or as a topping for desserts.

On Toast

• Spread the Easy Strawberry Jam generously on warm, toasted bread or bagels for a simple yet delicious breakfast.

With Yogurt

• Swirl the jam into a bowl of plain yogurt to add sweetness and flavor. This makes for a refreshing snack or healthy breakfast option.

Over Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle the jam over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a fruity twist that pairs perfectly with whipped cream.

In Desserts

• Use the jam as a filling in cakes, pastries, or cookies. It adds a burst of strawberry flavor that complements baked goods beautifully.

As a Glaze

• Brush the jam over roasted meats like chicken or pork for an interesting glaze that brings sweetness and acidity to the dish.

With Cheese

• Pair your Easy Strawberry Jam with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a cheese board. The combination creates a rich and flavorful appetizer.

How to Perfect Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

To ensure your Easy Strawberry Jam turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe strawberries: Select fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe berries can change the texture and taste of your jam.

• Adjust sugar to taste: If you prefer a less sweet jam, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly. Just be mindful that this may affect the preservation quality.

• Test for doneness: Always check for proper setting by using either a candy thermometer or the frozen plate test. This guarantees your jam will have the right consistency.

• Sterilize jars properly: Make sure your jars are thoroughly sterilized before filling them with jam. This prevents spoilage and extends shelf life.

• Store correctly: After opening, keep the jam in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks for optimal freshness.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like vanilla extract or spices (cinnamon) during cooking for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

Complementing your Easy Strawberry Jam with side dishes can elevate your meals even further. Here are some great options:

1. Cream Cheese Sandwiches: Spread cream cheese between slices of bread topped with strawberry jam for an easy snack.

2. Oatmeal Bowl: Stir in some Easy Strawberry Jam into cooked oatmeal for added sweetness and fruity flavor.

3. Granola Bars: Make homemade granola bars and use strawberry jam as part of the binding mixture for extra flavor.

4. French Toast Sticks: Dip French toast sticks in strawberry jam instead of syrup for a fun twist on breakfast.

5. Fruit Salad: Drizzle some jam over fresh fruit salad to enhance flavors with its sweet richness.

6. Savory Biscuits: Serve flaky biscuits alongside strawberry jam as part of brunch; it’s an irresistible combination!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry jam can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the quality of your Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using overripe or moldy fruit: Always select fresh, healthy strawberries. Discard any that show signs of spoilage to ensure your jam sets properly.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key; use the correct amounts of sugar and lemon for balance in flavor and preservation.
• Skipping the sterilization process: Failing to sterilize jars can lead to spoilage. Clean your jars thoroughly before filling them with jam.
• Boiling too quickly: A slow boil allows for better extraction of flavors. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the mixture.
• Not testing for doneness: Don’t skip testing the jam’s setting point. Use a thermometer or plate test to ensure it reaches the right consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in clean, airtight containers.
• Consume within 1-2 weeks for best flavor.

Freezing Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best used within 6-12 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between, until warmed to your liking.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe?

This recipe is straightforward, requires minimal ingredients, and doesn’t need pectin, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used! Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.

How long does homemade strawberry jam last?

Homemade strawberry jam can last up to one year if properly canned and stored in a cool place.

Can I customize my Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor or mix in other fruits for variety.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice?

Lemon juice enhances flavor and helps preserve the jam. It’s a key ingredient in this Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for desserts. Try customizing it with different fruits or spices for a unique twist!