Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

This Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the sweetness of strawberries all year round. With just a few simple ingredients and no pectin needed, this recipe is perfect for breakfast spreads, desserts, or as a gift. The addition of lemon enhances the strawberry flavor and helps in preserving the jam longer. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to savor homemade jam, this recipe fits every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Only three components make it easy to whip up delicious strawberry jam.
• No Pectin Needed: This recipe relies on natural ingredients, making it healthier and more appealing.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect for toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries.
• Enhanced Flavor: The addition of lemon brightens up the strawberry taste, creating a unique flavor profile.
• Large Yield: With 70 servings, you’ll have enough to enjoy or share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your easy strawberry jam, ensure you have the right tools handy. The following items will streamline your jam-making process and help you achieve perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jam cooking pot
• Hand blender
• Candy thermometer
• Sterilized jam jars

Importance of Each Tool

• Jam cooking pot: A wide pot allows for even cooking and prevents overflow during boiling.
• Hand blender: It helps achieve the desired smooth consistency quickly without transferring to another container.
• Candy thermometer: Ensures your jam reaches the right temperature for proper setting.
• Sterilized jam jars: Keeping jars sterilized is crucial for preserving the freshness of your jam.

Ingredients

The Best Strawberry Jam Recipe without pectin. I add lemon juice and the lemon halves to my jam. The lemon flavor brings out the strawberry taste and helps in preserving the jam for a long period of time.

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

1. Wash your strawberries well and remove any that are moldy or spoiled.
2. Cut off the stems and chop the strawberries into smaller pieces to help with cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Place the chopped strawberries into your jam cooking pot.
2. Add in the sugar and squeeze in the juice from the lemon halves before adding them to the pot too.

Step 3: Cook Your Jam

1. Place on medium heat while stirring until everything is mixed well.
2. Slowly bring it to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Set

1. Reduce heat and let your mixture simmer for at least 30 minutes or until it reaches a gel-like consistency.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Blend If Desired

1. When you think it’s set, use a hand blender to blend until smooth if you prefer a finer texture.

Step 6: Test for Setting Point

1. Use a candy thermometer to check that it reaches 220°F (105°C).
2. Alternatively, drop some hot jam onto a frozen plate; if it holds shape without running, it’s set!

Step 7: Jar Your Jam

1. Have clean sterilized jars ready; fill each jar with hot jam up to the rim.
2. Add some lemon juice or alcohol-free vanilla extract into each lid before sealing.

Step 8: Create a Vacuum Seal

1. Close each jar tightly with its lid.
2. Quickly turn upside down for vacuum sealing; leave them like this overnight.

Step 9: Store Your Jam

1. Once cooled, label with the name Strawberry Jam and date.
2. Store in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after opening for freshness.

Enjoy your homemade easy strawberry jam on toast or as an ingredient in various recipes!

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

Serving your homemade strawberry jam is a delightful experience, as it enhances various dishes and snacks. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your easy strawberry jam recipe.

On Toast

• Classic Spread: Slather your jam on toasted bread for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
• French Toast Topping: Use the jam as a topping for French toast, adding sweetness and flavor.

With Cheese

• Cheese Platter Addition: Pair your strawberry jam with a cheese platter. It complements soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese beautifully.
• Grilled Cheese Twist: Spread some jam inside a grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected sweet and savory treat.

In Desserts

• Pancake Filling: Drizzle warm strawberry jam over pancakes or waffles for a delightful breakfast twist.
• Ice Cream Sauce: Use the jam as a sauce over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a refreshing dessert.

As a Glaze

• Meat Glaze: Brush your strawberry jam over roasted meats like chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet glaze.
• Baked Goods Glaze: Apply it on pastries or muffins right after baking for an enticing shine and flavor.

How to Perfect Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

Perfecting your easy strawberry jam recipe can enhance its flavor and texture. Consider these helpful tips to ensure the best results.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Always choose ripe strawberries for the best taste. Overripe or spoiled fruits can affect the quality.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the mixture to simmer gently, which helps develop flavors without burning.
• Check Setting Point: Use a candy thermometer or plate test to check if the jam has set properly; this ensures the right consistency.
• Sterilize Jars Properly: Make sure jars are clean and sterilized before filling them with hot jam to prevent spoilage.
• Store Correctly: Keep opened jars in the fridge and unopened ones in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for added depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

Pairing your easy strawberry jam with side dishes can elevate any meal. Here are some great options that complement its sweetness.

1. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruits makes for a perfect accompaniment to your strawberry jam.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and strawberry jam for a healthy breakfast option.
3. Oatmeal: Stir in some strawberry jam into your morning oatmeal for natural sweetness and flavor.
4. Savory Biscuits: Serve warm biscuits alongside your jam for a classic Southern touch at breakfast.
5. Fruit Salad: Mix fresh fruits with dollops of strawberry jam for a refreshing side dish.
6. Salad Dressing: Blend strawberry jam into vinaigrette dressing for salads, adding sweetness to balance out tartness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making strawberry jam can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Skipping the sterilization: Not sterilizing your jars can lead to spoilage. Always clean and sterilize your jars before filling them with jam.
• Using overripe fruit: Overripe strawberries can affect the flavor and texture of your jam. Choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best results.
• Ignoring the setting test: Failing to check if your jam has set might lead to a runny consistency. Use a thermometer or the frozen plate method to ensure proper setting.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your jam’s balance of sweetness and acidity. Always use precise measurements for sugar and lemon juice.
• Overcooking the jam: Cooking too long can caramelize the sugar and change the flavor. Keep an eye on it and test regularly as it simmers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in clean, sterilized jars for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.
• Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe jars for up to 1 year.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place jar in oven for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) on low power, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this easy strawberry jam recipe.

How do I make Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe without pectin?

To make this easy strawberry jam recipe without pectin, just rely on natural fruit sugars and lemon juice for thickening.

Can I substitute other fruits in this Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe?

Yes! You can easily swap strawberries with fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavors.

What is the shelf life of Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe?

When stored properly, this easy strawberry jam recipe can last up to 3 weeks in the fridge or up to a year in the freezer.

How do I know if my Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe is set?

You can tell if your jam is set by checking its temperature (220°F/105°C) or using the frozen plate method.

Final Thoughts

This easy strawberry jam recipe not only captures the delightful taste of summer strawberries but also offers versatility. Feel free to customize it with spices or mix in other fruits. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple it is!