Strawberry Freezer Jam

Easy strawberry freezer jam is a delightful treat that’s perfect for preserving the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries. This simple recipe allows you to create delicious jam without the need for canning equipment, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast on toast, a topping for desserts, or a sweet addition to sandwiches, Strawberry Freezer Jam will impress family and friends with its fresh taste and vibrant color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, allowing you to enjoy homemade jam in no time.
• Fresh Flavor: Using ripe strawberries ensures that every bite delivers a burst of fruity goodness.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for spreading on bread, topping yogurt or ice cream, or even as a filling for pastries.
• No Canning Required: With this freezer jam method, you can easily store your jam in the freezer without special equipment.
• Long Shelf Life: Your strawberry freezer jam can be frozen for up to one year, giving you year-round access to summer flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your strawberry freezer jam, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure a successful outcome.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jelly jars
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly jars: Essential for storing your finished jam and keeping it fresh in the freezer.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Saucepan: Necessary for boiling the fruit pectin, which helps thicken your jam perfectly.

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Ingredients

Easy strawberry freezer jam using fresh strawberries, sugar and pectin.

For the Jam

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (crushed)
• 4 cups sugar
• 1.74 oz Sure Jell fruit pectin

How to Make Strawberry Freezer Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Clean jelly jars and strawberries thoroughly. Remove stems from strawberries.

Step 2: Crush the Strawberries

1. Blend or crush strawberries until reaching your desired consistency.
2. Measure two cups of crushed strawberries and place them in a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine Strawberries with Sugar

1. Add 4 cups of sugar to the bowl with crushed strawberries (make sure to use the exact amount).
2. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Prepare the Pectin

1. In a saucepan, stir together 1.75 oz package of fruit pectin with 3/4 cup water.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
3. Once boiling, let it boil for exactly one minute while continuing to stir.
4. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Mix Pectin with Strawberry Mixture

1. Immediately add the boiled pectin to the strawberry mixture.
2. Stir vigorously for about 3 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture thickens.

Step 6: Fill Your Jars

1. Fill each jelly jar immediately with the strawberry mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
2. Cover each jar with lids and allow them to set at room temperature for 24 hours before transferring to the freezer.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam, perfect for spreading joy throughout your meals!

How to Serve Strawberry Freezer Jam

Strawberry freezer jam is a delightful addition to many dishes. Its sweet, fruity flavor can enhance breakfast or serve as a tasty topping for desserts. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your homemade strawberry freezer jam.

On Toast and Bagels

• Toasted Bread: Spread a generous layer of strawberry freezer jam on warm, toasted bread for a simple yet satisfying breakfast.
• Bagels: Top your favorite bagel with cream cheese and a dollop of strawberry jam for a delicious brunch treat.

With Yogurt and Oatmeal

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer strawberry jam with yogurt and granola for a refreshing parfait.
• Oatmeal: Stir in a spoonful of jam into your morning oatmeal for added sweetness and flavor.

As a Dessert Topping

• Ice Cream: Drizzle warm strawberry freezer jam over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
• Cheesecake: Use it as a topping for cheesecake or other creamy desserts to enhance their flavors.

In Baking

• Muffins: Add a swirl of strawberry jam to muffin batter before baking for fruity bursts in every bite.
• Pancakes and Waffles: Serve alongside pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a fruity twist.

How to Perfect Strawberry Freezer Jam

Making the perfect strawberry freezer jam is simple with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your jam turns out just right every time.

• Use ripe strawberries: Select fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe or underripe berries can affect the taste and texture.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Stick to the recipe measurements, especially when it comes to sugar and pectin, as this ensures proper setting.
• Stir thoroughly: Mix the pectin into the strawberry mixture well, ensuring all sugar dissolves completely before filling jars.
• Leave space in jars: When filling jars, leave about 1/2 inch at the top. This allows room for expansion during freezing without causing spills.
• Cool before freezing: Let the filled jars sit at room temperature for 24 hours before placing them in the freezer. This helps set the jam properly.
• Label your jars: Don’t forget to label your jars with the date made. This helps track freshness when stored in the freezer.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Freezer Jam

Pairing side dishes with strawberry freezer jam can elevate any meal. Here are some tasty options that complement its sweetness perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the jam.
2. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of strawberry jam.
3. Cheese Platter: Combine different cheeses like brie or goat cheese with crackers and strawberry jam for an elegant appetizer.
4. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide fiber and crunch; spread some jam on top for extra flavor.
5. Savory Biscuits: Flaky biscuits served warm pair well with both butter and a touch of sweet jam.
6. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies provide a crunchy contrast; serve them with cream cheese mixed with strawberry freezer jam for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Strawberry Freezer Jam even better.

• Incorrect Strawberry Measurement: Not measuring the strawberries correctly can affect the jam’s consistency. Always use a precise measurement of 2 cups of crushed strawberries.

• Skipping the Sugar Wait Time: Failing to let the sugar sit with strawberries can lead to poor flavor and texture. Let it stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Overcooking the Pectin: Boiling the pectin for too long can ruin its gelling properties. Only boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.

• Not Leaving Space in Jars: Filling jars too full might cause overflow during freezing. Always leave 1/2 inch of space at the top when filling jars.

• Ignoring Room Temperature Setting: Skipping the room temperature setting time can impact how well the jam sets. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 24 hours before freezing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your strawberry freezer jam in clean, airtight containers.
• It lasts in the refrigerator for up to three weeks once opened.

Freezing Strawberry Freezer Jam

• For long-term storage, freeze the jam in airtight containers or freezer-safe jars.
• The jam can be frozen for up to 1 year without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Strawberry Freezer Jam

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm your jam in a heat-safe dish until desired temperature is reached.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (about 15-20 seconds), stirring between each session until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Freezer Jam that might help you out.

How long does Strawberry Freezer Jam last?

Strawberry freezer jam can last up to one year when stored properly in the freezer.

Can I use other fruits for freezer jam?

Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, following similar methods and measurements.

What is the difference between freezer jam and regular jam?

Freezer jam is made without cooking, maintaining fresh fruit flavors and colors, while regular jam is cooked down.

Can I adjust the sugar content in my Strawberry Freezer Jam?

While it’s possible to reduce sugar, keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and gelling properties of your jam.

Is there a way to make this recipe without pectin?

You could consider using natural fruit sources high in pectin like apples or citrus peels, but results may vary compared to using commercial pectin.

Final Thoughts

Making Strawberry Freezer Jam is a delightful way to enjoy fresh strawberries all year round. This recipe is simple and allows you to customize it with different fruits or adjust sweetness according to taste. Try it out today and savor every spoonful!