You can shop theingredientsfrom this recipe as part of a paid partnership with Target.
I’m not quite ready to accept that summer is ending. Normally, around this time of year, I’m simmering my homemade cinnamon spice potpourri, sipping coffee with pumpkin cream, and happily unpacking all the chairs and skewers for upcoming family bonfires.
I’ve been outside A LOT this summer and loved every minute, so maybe that’s why I’m milking summer for all it’s worth.
Today, I froze pounds of local strawberries to enjoy until next summer. Thisbatchof strawberries was SUPER sweet, so I’ve got all kinds of ideas for them.
Yep, I plan on enjoying strawberry brownies and Ma’s fresh strawberry cake in the dead of winter while dreaming about summer again. Who have I turned into?!
For now, though, I’m enjoying all the recipes wherefresh strawberriesshine, starting with an easyhomemade strawberry jamrecipe!
There is just something abouthomemade jam
Have you ever made strawberry jam before?
There is something magical about simmering glistening ruby red strawberries and turning them into a delicious jam. The sweet fragrance floats through the house and sends mytastebuds into a frenzy. I can barely wait until it firms up before I’m slathering it on everything.
I started making this easy classicjam recipeyears ago, and it’s still a favorite. It simply works, it’s quick, and it makes a smallbatch. Not to mention, from-scratch jam makes agreat gift.
Once you makehomemade jam, it’s hard to go back to the store-bought version.
Just 3 SimpleIngredients
You’ll love that thiseasy strawberry jam recipeonly requires three simpleingredients: strawberries, sugar, andlemon juice!
You’ll also love that you can add theseingredientsdirectly to your Target cart right here from this recipe post!
I’ve teamed up with Target, and now every recipe on my site features a Target shop button in the recipe card.
Pretty darn cool, huh?!
How to Use The Target Shop Button
1. Scroll down to the recipe card on any recipe that you want to shop and click the pink “ShopIngredients” button below theingredientslist.
2. Once you enter your zip code and select your Target store, the strawberry jamingredientsare automatically added to your cart! Check off anyingredientsthat you already have at home.
3. Click the pink “Check out at Target” button when you’re done. This takes you to your Target account, where you can choose delivery or order pickup. Done!
Why I LOVE thishomemade jamrecipe
- Small batch strawberry jam– Thishomemade jamrecipe makes about 2 cups of jam. It’s the perfect size to get your fresh jam fix without making hugebatches. Plus, it’s super easy!
- No extrapectin– You may wonder if strawberry jam is better with or withoutpectin. Strawberries are naturally low inpectin, so some people prefer to add additionalpectinto jams andjellies. However, I actually preferhomemade jamwithout extrapectin. They are a bit softer in texture, making it more versatile.
- No canning required-Put away yourjar lifterandwater bath canner; no canning is required for this recipe.
- Fresh strawberry flavor- Only natural strawberryflavorshines through.
- Naturalingredients-No artificialflavors, colors, or high fructose corn syrup in thishomemade jamrecipe!
Picking the BEST strawberries
Summertime is the perfect time to make strawberry jam. The best strawberries for jam are fresh-picked strawberries, if possible.
If you can’t get fresh-picked strawberries, select strawberries that are firm, sweet, and free of any bruises since bruised strawberries could cause your jam to spoil quickly.
Since this recipe does not include any additionalpectin, we’re relying on the naturalpectinin the strawberries to create a firm jam.
Slightly underripe strawberries contain the mostpectin, so it’s a good idea to choose a variety of ripe and slightly underripe strawberries.
How to Tell When Strawberry Jam Is Ready
To achieve a strawberry jam that will firm up correctly, you want to ensure you cook it long enough. How do you know when your strawberrymixturehas cooked long enough?
There are two ways to check.
Thermometer-I like to use this method. Once your thermometer reads 220F., your jam is ready.
Plate test-If you do not have a thermometer, you can do the plate test. Before making your jam, chill a ceramic plate in thefridgeorfreezer. When you are ready to test the jam, place a small amount of the hot jam onto the chilled plate. If the jam holds its shape without running, it’s ready. If it’s runny, continue to cook for a bit longer, testing again until you achieve a firm jam.
Tips For Making From-Scratch Strawberry Jam
Use ripe strawberries-Local, fresh-picked strawberries were practically made for thishomemade jamrecipe. Choose strawberries that are firm, sweet, and free of any bruises. Amixtureof ripe and slightly underripe is perfect.
Let the strawberries and sugar sit before heating-This causes them to release their juices. Having a bit of juice in the pan before turning on the heat helps to prevent burning the strawberries.
Thoroughly clean and dry thejar– Make sure yourjarsare squeaky clean. This prevents mold from growing in the jam and helps it last longer.
Be patient-Be patient when making strawberry jam and enjoy the process.Stirfrequently and constantly monitor the heat to prevent burning.
Sealtightly-Be sure to keep your jamsealtightly in thefridgeto prevent mold from growing.
How to Make The BEST StrawberryJam Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- Fresh Strawberries– The strawberries provide naturalpectinto allow the jam to set. (I like to use amixtureof ripe and slightly unripened strawberries.)
- Granulated Sugar– Sugar is used to sweeten the jam and act as a preservative and thickener.
- Lemon Juice–Lemon juicehelps activate thepectin, balances out the sweetness, and acts as a preservative.
INSTRUCTIONS(detailed recipe at the bottom of post)
- Sterilize your masonjar(s) in boiling water and dry completely. Set aside.(You’ll need a jar large enough to hold roughly two cups.)
- Hull and remove the tops from the strawberries and dice the strawberries up. (See note about blending.)
- Place strawberries,lemon juice,and sugar in a large pot or deepsaucepan.
- Stirto coat strawberries in sugar.
- Let strawberries sit for about 10-15 minutes until they begin to release their juices.
- Turn the heat to medium-low andstirwith a rubber spatula until the sugar has melted completely. (Be sure to scrape any sugar off the sides of the pot and spatula. (All the sugar must be dissolved to prevent the finished jam from crystalizing.)
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes whilestirringfrequently and mashing the strawberries with a potato masher as they soften.
- Bringmixtureto afull rolling boil, and boil until themixturereaches 220 F.Stirconstantly to prevent themixturefrom burning.
- Remove from heat. (Skim off any foam from the top of the jam if desired.)
- Pour into the preparedjar, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top.
- Place thelidon immediately and allow to cool untilroom temperature.
- Refrigerate until firm and store in thefridgefor up to two weeks.
Common questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?Yes, you can. Allow them to thaw before proceeding with the recipe.
Why addlemon juicewhen making strawberry jam?If you’re wondering if you can skip thelemon juice, the answer is no. Thelemon juicehelps activate thepectin,which helps this jam to firm up. It also acts as a preservative. Don’t worry; thelemon juicewon’t make the strawberry jam sour and will actually help balance out the sweetness.
Can I addlemon zest?Yes, you sure can!
Add some twists!
- Mix it up!Use differentberriesto create raspberry orblackberry jam. Or make a mixedberryjam!
- Try adding herbs like basil, lavender, or differentflavoringsor citrus zests.
- Add spice! Hints of cinnamon or cardamon can add a different level to jam.
- Make it boozy! A splash of champagne or bourbon would be excellent for unique jamgifts.
How touse Strawberry Jam
- Spread on biscuits, muffins, toasts, or bagels
- Use as anice creamtopping overvanilla ice creamor strawberryice cream.
- Spoonon top of waffles orpancakes
- Swirl into your favorite yogurt
- Make epic peanut butter and jam sandwiches
- Spread on top of cheesecake
- Mix with vinegar and oil to make a sweet and tangy strawberry salad dressing!
Happy Jam-Making!
Get the Recipe:Homemade Strawberry Jam Recipe (No Pectin)
5 from 21 ratings
Thick and delicious homemade strawberry jam made with only 3-ingredients!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 40 minutes mins
Servings: 24
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh Strawberries, washed
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Sterilize your masonjar(s) in boiling water and dry completely. Set aside.(You'll need a jar large enough to hold roughly two cups.)
Remove the tops from the strawberries and dice the strawberries up. (See note about blending.)
1 lb Fresh Strawberries, washed
Place strawberries,lemon juice,and sugar in a large pot or deepsaucepan.
1¼ cups granulated sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Stirto coat strawberries in sugar.
Let strawberries sit for about 10-15 minutes until they begin to release their juices.
Turn the heat to medium-low andstirwith a rubber spatula until the sugar has melted completely. (Be sure to scrape any sugar off the sides of the pot and spatula. (All the sugar must be dissolved to prevent the finished jam from crystalizing.)
Simmer for 10-15 minutes whilestirringfrequently and mashing the strawberries with a potato masher as they soften.
Bringmixtureto afull rolling boil, and boil until themixturereaches 220 F.Stirconstantly to prevent themixturefrom burning.
Remove from heat. (Skim off any foam from the top of the jam if desired.)
Pour into the preparedjar, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top.
Place thelidon immediately and allow to cool untilroom temperature.
Refrigerate until firm and store in thefridgefor up to two weeks.
Notes
Blending: If you prefer a smooth strawberry jam, puree the strawberries in a blender before adding them to the pot. Otherwise, the jam will be slightly chunky. (I prefer mine chunky)
Cuisine: American, southern
Course: condiment
Tried this recipe?Mention @divascancook on Instagram or tag #divascancook.
